Fashion is a self-expression, sometimes furnished by brand names, and expensive labels. It is a world full of colorful and sometimes eccentric people not understood by others-a world idealized for women.
But in recent years, men have been getting their passports ready for the trip to the world of fashion. Years ago, the words “man” and “high fashion” in the same sentence meant the stereotype of metro-sexuality or even homosexuality.
But times have changed indeed. It is not unusual now for a male to know the latest trends or to use the terms “gabardine fabric” or “boot cut jeans” when shopping in a store.
But what puts this stigma on men not to take interest in fashion? And what’s wrong with a man caring about the way he looks?
Brittnay Cummins, a UC student, says that “it’s perfectly fine for men to care about the way they look, just as long as they don’t take it too far and tell me how to dress. Then it’s a problem.”
In today’s generation, there are so many male celebrities who challenge fashion and anticipate trends. Such celebrities as Kanye West, T.I., Pharrell Williams, Justin Timberlake, and Chris Brown set new limits in fashion for males.
Bright colors like atomic pink, canary yellow, and purple are okay to wear now. With the spring season quickly approaching, vivid color and outlandish patterns for men might actually supersede women’s fashion this season. If you walk into your local mall and look in the display windows of major department stores, you can see the detail and precision in the men’s designs.
The days of simple black business suits and single colored ties are only a figment of today’s imagination. Skinny ties have made their return, giving a vintage look from the 1960’s.
Retro plaid shirts, kool-aid colored kicks, and skinny jeans are the latest trends for guys. Tailored and fitted clothes are now cool.
In 2012 it’s weird to see baggy and over sized clothing, but 10 years ago it would have been the opposite. In music videos and television shows we see this alteration happening before our eyes.
It could be safe to call this generation the Express® generation, a generation that cares about quality, detail, fit, and price, surprisingly among men.
Alieu Kenneh, also of The University of Cincinnati, considers himself a masculine male who is not afraid to get dirty. He doesn’t really care about the clothes he has on, but he spent $450 on a Ralph Lauren sweater and tie set and didn’t completely regret it.
Kenneh explained that his job title requires him to wear labels such as Ralph Lauren, rather than an unknown brand. “Expensive clothes are an investment; they last longer.”
He then explained how brands like Ralph Lauren come with an image that is often appealing to clients willing to invest in his company.
In the current economy, not everyone has the luxury of spending $450 on a sweater set. Consumers are making their money stretch. Likewise, Forever 21®, known as an inexpensive clothing store for women, launched its men’s clothing store, called Heritage 1981. This store is known for replicating designer clothes at an everyday discount price.
That same $450 sweater would have a look alike for only $25 at the most. Guys today care about style and tailored attire but are also attracted to low prices.
Career advancement, popularity, and propaganda all have been factors appealing to men of fashion and style. Designers are aware that the market for men’s clothing is steadily increasing, and they are catering to these essentials. Fashion is no longer a feminine fetish, but now a world in which guys are quickly becoming comfortable. The future looks very bright, mustard yellow and all.
Wednesday, June 25, 2025