Hard to believe, but 2022 is almost over. As usual the last few months of the year have disappeared in a whirlwind of festivities and celebrations and suddenly the new year is just around the corner.
Looking back on 2022, it was a strange year. The world gradually pulling itself out of the Covid slump, resuming with our pre-pandemic lives and trying to claw back what was lost. Throughout the pandemic, most people were solely focused on keeping their heads above water. But now, with our feet on firm ground once again, we can turn out attention towards more fanciful concerns such as the menswear trend predictions for 2023!
So, without further ado, let’s see what’s in store for us based on the recent Spring Summer 2023 catwalk shows…
- Baggy is best
Do you remember the time when jeans had gotten so tight that scientists were reporting a drop in male fertility? Well, those days are far behind us. Today the trend is for all things loose and billowing. This applies to jeans, T-shirts, shirts and sweaters. The skinny jeans and muscle tees have been officially banished, never to return.
- Metallica
This one may not be for everyone…!! Giorgio Armani, Erdem, and many more unveiled a whole plethora of shiny, glittering outfits on the catwalk. However, if going out in a silver sequinned two-piece is a step too far for you, then try introducing glimpses of metallic to your outfit instead. Perhaps opt for a T-shirt with a metallic graphic print or sneakers with a flash of silver.
- Going Shirtless
Again, this may not be for everyone and could prove rather inappropriate depending on your surroundings! A big trend on the catwalk this year was wearing blazers and jackets without a shirt underneath. And no, we’re not talking about that trend for wearing a t-shirt under a blazer. This is NOTHING AT ALL. Get ready to bare all. Warning: If your body is not impeccably sculpted and toned, consider skipping this one.
- Return the tie
The tie has gradually lost popularity in the last couple of decades as smart casual grew in popularity. Ties had begun to become synonymous with stuffy boardrooms and outdated businessmen. But, hold on to your chair, because the tie is making a comeback! This time around, ties will not be the preserve of the workplace, but a fashion statement. Think less 'city banker', and more 'trendy fashionista'. Select a tie which is bold and brazen or one which perfectly matches your outfit. Ditch the predictable blue or black ties. Get creative!
- Double Denim
It was a thing, then it wasn’t, and now evidently it is once again! There are a few basic rules to adhere to if you want to attempt the double denim look in 2023. Firstly, don’t mismatch your denim. If it’s light denim on top, it should be light denim on the bottom too (or vice versa). Secondly, as mentioned earlier in the article, denim jeans should be a baggy fit. Skin-tight double denim is not something anyone wants to see. Lastly, keep it simple. Don’t add additional jackets, blazers, or scarves. Let the denim speak for itself.
- Purple Reign
As men, we often fall into the trap of wearing the same colours on repeat forgetting that there’s a whole spectrum of colours out there! Stepping into 2023, we’re seeing purple in all its shades becoming a highlight. So, whether it’s light lilac or deepest violet, be bold, and embrace the reign of purple.
- V-necks
The v-neck is another garment that we all seem to be rather conflicted over. In its glory day, the v-neck was seen as sexy and revealing, then it somehow managed to cross over into being a staple of the middle-aged man's wardrobe. In 2023, we’re seeing a fresh new take on the V-neck - deep - but not plunging, oversized - not body hugging, and textural - not the regular cotton jersey. Look for knitted, woollen, silky, or sheer.
- Short Shorts
Every year the trend for men's shorts seems to change. We’ve gone from multi-pocketed cargo shorts to tailored chino shorts, to neon beach shorts, to woollen shorts. This year is no different, the most noticeable feature of shorts in 2023 is the length. Select any material you want, any colour you want, but just make sure they’re really short.
- Summer stripes
Thick chunky stripes, pencil-thin stripes, horizontal stripes, vertical stripes. Any stripe is a good stripe in 2023. Try to stick to two-tone stripes and always wear them with another non-patterned item. For example, a black and white horizontally striped knitted sweater, with loose-fitting black cargo pants. As with many of the previously mentioned trends, the key is to get creative - try out different fabrics, textures, and colours. Don’t shy away from things which are not conventional.
- Wild Wild West
Whatever opinions you may have about the cowboy look, it’s time to discard those views, because the Wild West is back! Think pearl snap button denim shirts, tasselled suede jackets, silk Western shirts, cowboy boots, and even cowboy hats! Try to add a contemporary twist to your Western look by choosing sleeveless,
- Leather takeover
You can’t go wrong with a well-designed, quality leather jacket. And now moving into the new year, we’re going to see the usage of leather increase. Not just leather jackets, but leather everything! Shorts, trousers, vests, jackets. Faux leather / PVC imitations will always fall short of the original.
- Sleeveless
Like anything, going sleeveless is a personal preference. If you’re comfortable baring your arms then this trend is for you. Tuck your sleeveless knitted vest into loose-fitting trousers or short shorts.
- Brights!
Step out of the shadows and into the light! The past couple of years has caused most of us to shrink away from the limelight, becoming subdued and cautious. Now it’s time to get back out there and seize the day. Go bold with neon pink, sunset orange, sweet lime, and aqua blue. Wear your colours with confidence.
