New York, Paris, London, Milan: stylish gents everywhere have been eagerly scouring the web for the latest photos and the trends to be emerging from the men’s fashion weeks that will dictate what you’ll be wearing come spring summer 2014. Yes it might seem a long way off, after all, at the time of writing, we’re barely in July 2013, but it never hurts to be one step ahead of the fashion pack and to find out what’s going to big in a few season’s time.
Hitting the Runways
So let’s take a look through the fashion crystal ball and pull out a number of key themes that the London shows had to offer.
The New Trouser Cuff
The rolled up trouser cuffs of the past few seasons have disappeared and pants hemlines have risen even higher with distinctly shorter length trousers taking over. Many male models on the catwalks were spotted showing their bare ankles with too much flesh on show to even consider wearing a pair of socks. The slim fitting, tailored look was still in evidence although spring summer ’14 does look on course to see a big variation in men’s silhouettes too.
Sportswear is Back
Show Us Some Leg!
Never one to stray far from seasonal trends, particularly in menswear, sportswear was also back in a big way. And when I say big way, I mean it. The London shows saw models strutting their stuff in big and baggy oversized t-shirts as well as a take on basketball style shorts. Mesh sweaters, windcheater jackets and anoraks were also in evidence although the key with the new season’s sportier vibe is to keep it luxe. Fabrics were less day-glo and synthetic than previous seasons and were definitely showing a little more sporting flair.
Prints, Please
Take a Bow for Helping Kick Start a Trend
Guys who like their shirts and trousers to stand out from the crowd will be pleased as prints were very much in evidence at the London shows. A relative newcomer to menswear, designers seem to have taken the printed theme and run with it, with this season’s bird and floral prints being taken to new levels. We’re talking printed world maps to on safari style and bold stripes and western style checks. Even brightly coloured floral trousers were spotted at one show.
On Safari
Sticking with the above mentioned safari style prints, there was a distinct all-encompassing jungle feel to some of the collections shown in London. From the animal print fabrics used to the edgy ethnic style, loose fitting garments cut from lightweight fabrics walked out in earthy muted tones of brown and dark green. This is one for all you hunters out there – just don’t forget your pith helmet!
Too Much??
Classic meets Contemporary
Classic also met contemporary with some Saville Row tailors throwing caution to the wind and giving their traditional bespoke gentlemanly style a slightly more casual edge. Naturally suits were still the main look and they though were still tailored there was a definite modern touch to the cuts and colours, particularly in the suits which eschewed long trousers for knee length shorts.
Colour’s Sticking Around a Little Longer
Colour isn’t going anywhere and next spring and summer look set to be just as bright as this one with a rainbow of blues, greens, yellows, reds and turquoises all trying to grab our attention. We saw colour blocked pockets, brightly coloured tailoring, kitsch pop art designs and detailing in clashing colours such contrasting stitching or a green shirt with blue sleeves, collar and breast pocket. We say hold on to those lemon yellow, fire engine red or purple jeans you’ve been rocking this summer!
The Future’s So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades (Dated Reference Alert!)
Looks Like Teen Spirit
Whether you love it or you’re not a fan Seattle style made a return to the fashion arena in the form of updated grunge. The usual suspects were given a fresh and decidedly stylish new make-over by some of the London designers who showed us plaid shirts, granddad cardigans, trench coats, and urban men’s t-shirts with graphic prints. The difference between ‘new’ grunge and ‘old’ grunge? The threads might have been casual but there were definitely no holes in these cardigans!
Baggy Trousers
And finally, those different trouser shapes I mentioned earlier on. Yes, slim fit trousers are still around but ultra-skinny trousers pants have disappeared with many men’s London fashion week designers making the transition from skinny to slim and others going in a different direction completely and presenting the antidote in loose fitting, slouchy trousers and shorts. Good news for all you men who are hating on the skinny jean look!
New Season, New Shape
In London at least the menswear designers seemed to be determined to stir things up a little – fitting for a city that likes a healthy dollop of fun with its fashion. Whichever direction you find yourself going in in spring 2014 (or even earlier if you’re really fashion forward!) in the London collections alone you’re sure to find something to suit your style.
It’ll be Interesting to See the High Street Version…
What did you think about the collections shown at the respective men’s fashion weeks? Will you be rocking any of the above looks or did you see something you preferred in NYC, Milan or Paris? Let us know in the comments and if you’re looking for printed men’s t-shirts to stay one step ahead and embrace New Grunge already take a look at our website where our urban t-shirts are now ready to pre-order.
Ethereal T-shirts 