Hell of a year 2014. From flash in the pan trends to some tweaks in timeless style, prognosticating the ebb and flow of Men’s style is not easy. But that doesn’t mean we can’t throw a few mental darts at the board. Below you’ll find 10 predictions for the upcoming year in men’s style. An emphasis has been placed on the affordable realm.
#1. Suit Separates become more and more common.
Seems like the bell curve of body types is becoming less bulbous. Instead of most being an “average” body type, it seems there’s more super slim dudes, and more super massive dudes, and both can’t fit into the standard 6-8 inch “drops” (the difference between a suit jacket size and the size of the pants that come with it) that most off-the-rack suits are confined to. Here’s to hoping that maybe Suitsupply starts to offer a limited run of separates?
#2. UNIQLO continues to gain in popularity.
They blew through Bonobos & Suitsupply in Store Wars last year, only to lose to eventual champ J. Crew in the semis. They’re going to start making more clothes specifically for the US, and sales are doing well globally.
#3. Functional jacket sleeve buttons become less common.
They’re supposed to make someone buying a cheap jacket feel like they’re buying an expensive jacket. But they don’t fool anyone. They’re a pain in the ass to tailor, and they have to add to production costs.
KILL THESE WITH FIRE
#4. More and more Made in the USA.
It’s still more expensive to produce here in the States, but the value of such products seems to be resonating with younger consumers. That, and there’s a lot of unpredictability when it comes to imports.
#5. Grooming gets more conservative.
2014 saw the rise of the pompadour/undercut, as well as the follicle explosions of lumbersexuals. What’s next then, trimming your eyelashes with a kurki? We’ve reached critical mass in terms of hair experimentation. Time to reel it in. That, and there’s no World Cup in 2015, where so much odd hair would be exposed to so many viewers. Soccer = weird hair.
#6. Clothes get Riskier: Double Breasted Jackets, Grey Shoes, Turtlenecks, Pleats?
And they might just look pretty darn good if done right. For the DB jackets, think only a 4 button front, instead of the traditional “hey look at the buttons right at my nipples” 6 button front. Grey leather or suede shoes can look great casually, or in warm weather. Archer is back with another season of tactilenecks (plus, they’re quite functional in a polar vortex)… and as long as it’s a single pair of pleats on a slim fit higher-rise pant… why not? They’re like the pleats on the back of your shirt. Super functional.
It can work. It really can.
#7. Somebody finally makes an attractive smart watch.
It might be the Apple Watch, with its crown, lugs (on the leather bands) and analog-looking display options. Those small details make em’ look much more like an actual watch than a smaller version of a parole ankle bracelet. Still probably won’t catch on with the greater watch wearing crowd.
#8. Socks, in the summer, make a comeback.
No more bare man-ankles. It’s just not worth it for many.
#9. Solids take a step back.
Remember, these are predictions, not endorsements. Seems like the winds have shifted away from solid colors, and instead have started to blow in favor of prints. Stripes, dots, plaids, hell… even florals. Yikes. From shirts to blazers to suits. Here come the patterns.
#10. Store Wars 2015: J. Crew gets the three-peat.
They just do everything good to great for most. Who’s going to knock them off?
Top Photo: Dave O. Botton Photo: greeblie
