Here is an article in The Australian on the continuing growth of menswear in Australia. I think the same can be said for the US.
Loosening ties | The Australian.
The fact stated early the article says it all – “In December, US management consultancy Bain & Co revealed that the luxury menswear sector, which makes up 40 per cent of the global market, was growing nearly twice as fast as womenswear.”
While it talks about luxury menswear, I believe there is a groundswell of change in how men are dressing themselves in Australia and the US. Basically, men are caring more about how they look. Has the lead come from the influence of metrosexuality? From the style crossover trend in fashion at present? From the more structured look in womenswear leaving men juxtaposed as slobs? Remember that men dressed better in the 80’s pulled along by the structured, more dressed and innovative womens’ styles of the times. Since then, your average guy has struggled to get past the Nirvana garage-look.
The article maintains, “We are seeing this area as a key growth area of our menswear business. We believe this new confidence has come from greater exposure to global trends through things like the growth of online retail, lifestyle sites and reality television. They are now far more aware of what is going on and are in tune with trends overseas, embracing them and a new way of dressing. We saw this start with accessories, but now we are seeing this expand into our ready-to-wear business, with men favouring bolder fabrications and slimmer suits.”
Whatever the reason, I’m glad we are here.
Paul Brindley