Fashion is universal; it is not exclusive to any gender. Through time, we have learned that not only women were guided or lived fashionably, but men as well. As we always say, fashion is more than style as it is a medium for an individual to fully express himself. We may be hearing rules, here and there, about clothing. But the best rule? No rules. Yes, there is no rule in fashion. If it is otherwise, then we are missing the main point about fashion.
Contrary to popular belief, men are very attentive as to the clothes they wear. Now that everything is visual, men have become more concerned and involved in fashion. While men do not have as much as women when we talk about range of selection of clothing, men when buying clothes always take into consideration quality over quantity. And we now come to a point that there is already a big competition between men and women landing on magazine covers, which just proves how festive the fashion industry is for men, especially when we talk about clothing.
Much like women, men vary in style. The only difference with men is that their clothes are spot-on and direct. You get what you see. From celebrities to bloggers, a man’s clothing is in place. From the most difficult to put-up outfit to effortless styling, men’s clothing is indeed at its peak.
Facts/History
Now that we have examined the status quo in men’s clothing, full understanding about this subject will not come to fruition without acknowledging the history of men’s clothing.
We have previously emphasized that men’s clothing was attributed largely to their status in the society. In the Ancient Egypt, powerful men like the Pharaoh were dressed in clothing made from precious materials like gold. This dress code lasted until the 1700s. By 1800s, distinguished men in the society wore tailored tailcoats until in the 1900s. In the 1920s, men sported simpler clothes in bright colors, which were heavily influenced by Jazz.
The 1920s was also the decade for button-down shirts that come with collars. Front creases and cuffs were likewise the trend during that period. And when the use of automobiles became popular, men donned leather jackets and driving caps. The decade next to it was about high-waist trousers and clothes were made available in neutral and dark hues because of the recession at that time.
By 1940s, Hawaiian shirts were widely worn by men. It was a great contrast against the casual and sporty clothing of the men in 1950s. When the 60s came, men started wearing body-fitting suits and narrow trousers, especially when British bands sported the same. From the narrow trousers in the 60s, men during the 70s fancied about bell bottoms and turtleneck, which they pair with a blazer. The 80s saw the prominence of activewear, but as soon as the 90s came, men wore casual garments like tees, hoodies, and jeans.
The 2000s, in celebration of the new millennium, featured hip-hop and European-inspired clothing. The youngsters adopted the hip-hop fashion with oversized shirts and cool jeans, while the older men found comfort in the European slim-fit tailoring. But 2010 and onwards, as the social media and internet was at its peak, fashion inspirations were everywhere making fashion bloggers more popular than ever. The internet has provided equal platform for both small and big brands to reach out to more people.
Blazers
As soon as street style has become a trend, the exclusivity of blazers for formal events has soon diminished. Today, when we talk about blazers, our minds immediately register versatility. This is so because blazers is such a versatile piece of clothing you can wear from casual to formal, even making it a great day to night piece for men. You can layer it over a white shirt and jeans and you have a tasteful look. For formal events, you can wear it over a button-up and a trouser, and you have a dashing outfit to wear.
Casual Shirts
So you want to dress up, but not too flashy or you don’t want to look like you really made an effort to dress up, then what you need are casual shirts. These shirts are like hybrid of tees and formal shirts. Well, like formal shirts, they have collars and are often button-up. Casual shirts, generally, have full sleeves that men fold to the elbow so as not too look stiff or formal. But just like shirts, they are more laidback and designed with casual details. The best part, moreover, is that a well-fitted casual shirt instantly improves your physique for a more flattering look.
Formal Shirts
Men may have a handful of shirts in the closet, but we are pretty sure that at least one of them, that is if you are living a totally laidback lifestyle, is a formal shirt. Can we just say that you will never be like James Bond without a formal shirt. Formal shirts are called in a couple of names like work shirt and its variation is called a dress shirt. Nonetheless, these formal shirts often come in a button-up feature and with full sleeves. They are available in different colors from pastel to dark colors, and from plain to printed ones. You can wear it by itself or sport it like James Bond.
Jeans
When we talk about men’s closet staple, we are definitely counting in the jeans. These are go-to choice for men to achieve a casual and laidback, but stylish look. Jeans are available in different hues from light to dark. They are likewise available in different silhouette including slim, skinny, loose, straight, regular, relaxed, and bootcut. Each of which has distinct attributes making it different from others. This is the reason why there is no single pair of jeans that works with any top.
Knitwear
The colder seasons call for clothing that keeps you warm day and night. This is where knitwear comes in. Knitwear is among the winter-warmers essential. Knitwears are classic pieces that are available in different colors like pastel, earth, neutral, and dark colors. They may either be plain knit clothing, while there are knits that features intricate designs or detailing. Knits are available in different neckline like V-neck, crew-neck, or turtleneck, among others. This allows you to mix and match the knits with other outer garments like shirt or coat. They also come in different materials, of which the more popular include wool and cashmere, as these two are proven to be efficient in warming the body.
Sweats (Hoodies, Sweatshirts etc.)
Apart from knits, there are cool clothing that men can sport on like hoodies a wardrobe staple- the sweats or sweatshirt. Whether you are using it to fight the cold or you just got out of the gym, these sweats are must-haves for men. They are stylish and versatile. Take for instance, the sweatshirt. You can style it for a sporty look, or wear it as an element of your street style ensemble. Casual and smart looks may also include sweatshirt.
T-shirts
Whether we admit it or not, men are suckers for tees. They have an array of t-shirts in their closet in different shade or color and in variety of designs. Men like to have lots of casual shirts because they absolutely look cool and minimal giving a stylish but not an ostentatious look. These shirts are wearable as is or you can put it on as an undershirt for your blazer, jacket, or coat. Moreover, these casual shirts are great if you want to showcase you hard-earned biceps and obviously fit upper body. Because why not?
Swimwear
Swimwear for men is just as exciting as swimwear for the ladies. But compared to the many variations in women’s swimwear, men’s swimwear only includes swimming trunks, briefs, and boardshorts. Of course, these pieces come in diverse designs, some are plain, while others feature colorful prints perfect for the summer getaway. But in choosing the swimwear, men must always prioritize comfort and fit considering the activities we do at the beach. There has to be enough coverage and the swimwear must fir you accordingly.
Trousers
For the trousers, these are definite must-haves for its style, versatility, and functionality. Getting yourself the right fit for the trouser will instantly improve your stance. Some trousers will make you appear taller and slimmer. When we were a little younger, we always shop for baggy and loose pants. But when you are making your way out of the teenage life, you need to equip yourself with appropriate clothing. This is especially so when you are in that phase of building your career and a good reputation. In order to maximize the benefits from wearing a trouser, make sure you got the right fit, cut, and color and texture.