The Future Of Men’s Suits - The Top Trends to Watch
Several exciting trends in men’s suits are emerging that promise to reshape the landscape of formal menswear. From evolving silhouettes to innovative materials and shifting cultural attitudes, the suit is transforming and reflecting broader changes in fashion and society.
As experts in men’s fashion, we’ll explore the key trends shaping the future of men's suits, focusing on the boxy look and other significant developments.
The Return of the Boxy Silhouette
The return of the boxy silhouette is one of the most notable trends in men's suits today.
One of the most notable trends in the future of men's suits is the revival of the boxy silhouette.
This style, characterized by broader shoulders, a looser fit through the body, and a generally more relaxed structure, marks a departure from the ultra-slim fits that have dominated menswear in recent years.
Balenciaga's creative director Demna Gvasalia has been at the forefront of this trend, showcasing oversized, boxy suits in recent collections.
Celebrities like Kanye West and Justin Bieber have embraced this look, often wearing Balenciaga's exaggerated silhouettes on red carpets and in street style.
The Appeal of the Boxy Suit
The resurgence of the boxy suit reflects a broader shift in fashion towards comfort and self-expression. After years of skinny suits dominating the market, many men embrace the freedom and ease of movement that a more relaxed fit provides.
The boxy suit also offers versatility, easily transitioning from formal to casual settings when paired with the right accessories.
Moreover, the boxy silhouette allows for greater inclusivity in sizing, accommodating a wider range of body types. This aligns with the growing demand for more diverse and representative fashion options.
Sustainability in Suiting
Another key trend shaping the future of men's suits is the increasing focus on sustainability. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, suit manufacturers are adapting their practices to meet this demand.
Example: Hugo Boss. The German fashion house has launched suits made from recycled materials as part of their BOSS Responsible collection. These suits use fabrics created from recycled plastic bottles and production waste.
Eco-Friendly Fabrics
We're seeing a rise in the use of sustainable materials in suit production. These include:
Organic cotton and wool: Grown without harmful pesticides or chemicals
Recycled polyester: Made from post-consumer plastic bottles
Tencel: A fabric derived from wood pulp, known for its low environmental impact
Hemp: A durable, fast-growing plant that requires minimal water and no pesticides
Example: Prada and Gucci, two iconic Italian luxury fashion houses, have embraced sustainability in their menswear lines. Prada's Re-Nylon initiative incorporates recycled nylon made from plastic waste into their suits and accessories.
Gucci has introduced suits made from organic silk and recycled materials, while also implementing carbon reduction programs in their production processes. Both brands have signed the Fashion Pact, demonstrating their commitment to key sustainability goals in the fashion industry.
Ethical Production Methods
Many suit brands are now prioritizing ethical manufacturing processes. This includes fair labor practices, reduced water usage, and minimized chemical treatments. Some companies are even adopting a zero-waste approach to suit production, utilizing every scrap of fabric.
Example: Ermenegildo Zegna leads in ethical production with its vertically integrated supply chain, ensuring fair labor practices and environmental standards from raw material to finished product. Stella McCartney is renowned for her commitment to ethical fashion, using no animal products, and implementing water-saving techniques in suit production.
Brunello Cucinelli, known as the "king of cashmere," emphasizes the ethical treatment of workers, paying above-average wages, and promoting a positive work environment in its Italian workshops. These luxury brands demonstrate that ethical production can coexist with high-end fashion, setting new standards in the industry.
Temperature Regulation
Fabrics with phase-change materials that adapt to body temperature are already being used in some high-end suits. These materials can absorb, store, and release heat, helping to maintain a comfortable body temperature in various environments.
Casual Suit Hybrids
Casual suits blend traditional structure with relaxed elements for versatile wear.
As workplace dress codes continue to evolve, particularly in the wake of increased remote work, we're seeing a rise in casual suit hybrids.
These pieces blend the structure of traditional suits with more relaxed elements, creating versatile garments that can transition from office to leisure settings seamlessly.
Example: Todd Snyder, known for blending tailoring with sportswear, has been a pioneer in this trend. His unstructured suits and blazers paired with casual elements have been worn by celebrities like Ryan Reynolds and John Legend, showcasing the versatility of this style.
Unstructured Jackets
After years of skinny suits, many men now prefer the freedom and ease of movement in unstructured suits.
Suits with unlined or partially lined jackets are becoming increasingly popular.
These offer the polished look of a suit with the comfort of a casual jacket, making them ideal for modern, flexible workplaces.
Performance Fabrics
Many suit manufacturers are incorporating performance fabrics typically found in activewear into their designs.
These materials offer stretch, moisture-wicking properties, and wrinkle resistance, catering to the needs of the busy, on-the-go professional.
Example: Hugo Boss has been at the forefront of this trend, offering suits with stretch and moisture-wicking properties in their BOSS line.
Zegna's Techmerino suits combine the luxury of merino wool with performance features like thermoregulation and natural elasticity.
Paul Smith has introduced suits with added stretch for comfort and wrinkle resistance.
These luxury brands demonstrate that performance fabrics can be seamlessly integrated into high-end suits, offering style and functionality for the modern professional.
Bold Colors and Patterns
Bold colors and patterns in suits reflect a growing desire for individual expression through formalwear.
While classic navy and gray will always have their place, the future of men's suits is looking decidedly more colorful.
Expect to see more suits in bold hues and striking patterns, reflecting a growing desire for individual expression through formalwear.
Statement Patterns
Bold patterns are also on the rise.
We're seeing an increase in suits featuring large-scale plaids, vibrant florals, and even abstract prints.
These daring choices reflect a move towards more personalized and expressive suiting options.
Textural Interest
Texture is becoming an increasingly important element in suit design.
From corduroy and velvet to more experimental fabrics with 3D textures, these tactile elements add depth and interest to suits.
The Influence of Streetwear
Streetwear is increasingly influencing modern suit designs, creating unique hybrid styles.
The line between formal and casual wear continues to blur, and this is reflected in the future of men's suits.
We're seeing increasing influence from streetwear in suit design, resulting in some interesting hybrid styles.
Example: Virgil Abloh, during his tenure at Louis Vuitton, was known for incorporating streetwear elements into formal suiting.
His designs, worn by celebrities like Timothée Chalamet and Chadwick Boseman, often featured sneakers paired with suits or suit jackets with streetwear-inspired details.
Sneaker-Suit Combinations
The pairing of suits with sneakers, once considered a fashion faux pas, is now widely accepted and even encouraged. This trend is likely to continue, with suit designs evolving to better complement casual footwear.
Suits paired with sneakers are now a widely accepted fashion trend.
Example: Tom Ford, traditionally known for classic tailoring, has embraced this trend by designing suits specifically meant to be worn with sneakers.
Actor Michael B. Jordan has been spotted wearing Ford suits with sneakers on several occasions, perfectly embodying this modern approach to formal wear.
Athleisure Elements
Some designers are incorporating elements of athleisure into their suit designs.
This might include suits with drawstring waists, hooded jackets, or even suit jackets designed to be worn with track pants.
Conclusion
The future of men's fashion is an exciting blend of nostalgia and innovation.
From the return of boxy silhouettes championed by style icons like Timothée Chalamet and Harry Styles to the integration of sustainable practices and cutting-edge technology, the suit is evolving to meet the changing needs and tastes of modern men.
As these trends continue to develop, we can expect to see suits that are not only stylish but also more comfortable, functional, and environmentally conscious than ever before.
The suit of the future will likely be a versatile garment that can adapt to various settings and personal styles, reflecting the dynamic nature of contemporary fashion and lifestyle.
Whether you're a traditionalist who appreciates the timeless elegance of a classic suit or a fashion-forward individual eager to experiment with new styles, the future of men's suits offers something for everyone.
As we move forward, it's clear that the suit, far from becoming obsolete, is reinventing itself for a new era of menswear.
