Men’s fashion has seen a huge shift over the last few years, and we’re very much here for it. The industry has stopped placing the central focus on hypermasculinity, which has allowed room for more androgynous or effeminate styles to have some time in the spotlight. This is good news for the industry, and has allowed for more innovation, and, let’s be honest, a gorgeous aesthetic.
Gender no longer plays a leading role in the division of fashion, which has definitely inspired more men to experiment with their own style without fear of judgement.
That being said, fashion is constantly changing, so we may see a wave of new trends dominating the fashion industry in a few years. However, for now, here are our predictions for fashion trends to watch in Spring/Summer 2024.
Vests
Yep, we said it; vests are going to be huge this season.
The trend of vests and other sleeveless tops has been making a slow but steady comeback over the last few years and we predict that 2024 will be the year in which they reach the mainstream in a big, pronounced way.
Wearing vests is certainly not for everyone, and many fear it is a style that is too closely associated with years gone by to ever truly gain popularity.
But we disagree. The great thing about vests is that they are extremely versatile and there are so many different styles to choose from. And in the predicted trends for Spring/Summer 2024, it really is going to be a case of the wackier the style, the better.
One of the most popular styles at the moment is the sweater vest, which has seen a huge increase in popularity among Gen Z and on the catwalk. The versatility of a thick knit sweater vest means that it can be easily incorporated into an outfit through layering, which, as you’re soon to find out, continues to be a big trend in male fashion.
When styling any sort of vest, think about the rest of the outfit first and how the vest can be added as a layer to bring an extra dimension to your outfit.
Layering
Layering is a huge trend in the men’s fashion industry at the moment and despite the summer months ahead of us, we predict layering will continue to be a strong trend.
The appeal of layering has likely been influenced by the growth in maximalism as layering means you can add more dimension to your outfit every time you put something new on.
Layering gives an individual the opportunity to be more creative with an outfit as each layer you put on (or remove) can change your outfit entirely. It means that you can create several different looks with only a handful of items as you can so easily switch it up by simply adding or removing something.
In the age of sustainable and slow fashion, layering is a imaginative way to create multiple outfits without having to buy something completely new every time.
Hobby Inspired Clothing
Another fashion trend set to be big in 2024 is hobby inspired clothing. Not just that, but more specifically, clothing that takes inspiration from hobbies such as gaming, sports and even luxury cars.
Look out for the resurgence of varsity jackets with the name of sports teams and events. Expect to see these in leather, and, perhaps more adventurously, in that sleeveless form we mentioned is so on-trend right now.
Maximalism
Minimalism has definitely had its place in the spotlight for many years, but post-pandemic fashion trends indicate that maximalism is now making a dramatic comeback to the fashion world.
There are many reasons why designers are choosing maximalism over minimalism, but it seems like most people are fed up with being stuck inside for two years and maximalism gives them a creative outlet.
The many lockdowns meant our day-to-day fashion mostly consisted of comfy tracksuits and pyjamas, but now that we can go outside again, people want to show off their outfits to the world.
But how will ‘maximalism’ best be expressed in 2024? Well, oversized suits are most certainly in, alongside (and often paired with) statement slip-ons, men’s vintage shirts in prints and paisley, and items in tie-dye, bubblegum pink and fluorescent Starburst shades. Just make sure you pack your (oversized) sunglasses!
Chains
Accessories for men are making a huge comeback in 2024. In the ’90s, accessories dominated the men’s fashion industry, and it was rare to see a red carpet look without a sleeper earring or a chain necklace.
This style of fashion started to pick back up in 2021, and we think this year accessories will once again dominate the men’s fashion industry.
One accessory in particular is experiencing a big year so far. Chains – the chunkier, the better – are jangling their way along catwalks and fashion shoots, and not just those worn on the wrists or around the neck. Yep, wallet chains have made a roaring comeback this year, and long may it continue.
‘80s Fashion
It’s certainly true what they say, that fashion trends of the past will always make a comeback one way or another, and this time around it seems the ’80s are making an appearance. The fashion of the ’80s was considered to be daring and garish, and many of the styles thought once questionable are now popping up on the modern runways.
Shoulder pads, bright prints, flares, and patchwork denim are all due to be increasingly popular in 2024, and many people are combining the old ’80s fashion with their own modern style to create refreshed, new looks.
Often, when trends of the past make a comeback, it is only for a fleeting visit, so it is difficult to say how long the ’80s trend will stick around. However, we think at least for 2024 flares and light-wash denim will play a leading role in influencing how some men dress this year.
Skorts
It doesn’t take a genius to work out that skorts are basically a cross between a skirt and shorts, delivered in a clumsy sounding portmanteau. Taking elements of both, the skort is equivalent to that style of female tennis player’s skirt with added boxer shorts beneath, the latter present in order to avoid underwear exposure when serving up an ace.
But men can wear skirts, too, right?
This look can be worn short and tight or in a baggier style, depending on the level of confidence you’re feeling on any set day. But with brighter days just around the corner, expect to see skorts on beaches and in urban centres across the UK shortly. Or, should that be ‘skortly’?
Alternative Suits
We already mentioned oversized suits, but a wider trend for Spring/Summer 2024 in men’s fashion is eccentric suits in general, whether they’re maximalist, minimalist, rendered in an eye-catching colour or harnessing the unique quality of a leftfield material.
Rather than keep you here, strut your stuff over to our guide on 6 chic & stylish alternatives to the traditional men’s suit for more.