Men’s fashion trends for 2021 require saying goodbye to tight-fitting suits and short shorts. Comfort, utility, workwear-inspired fashion and making the 2020 WFH aesthetic fit for town are trends we can all get behind.
From Breton tops and cargo trousers, to athleisure and relaxed tailoring, the 2021 silhouette is bigger, wider and more comfortable. You’ll be happy to note that pockets are a must and that a side of softness is entering the men’s closet with pastel hues.
Fashion trends might have mainly been ignored in the middle of a pandemic, but with hope on the horizon for a gradual return to normality, 2021 is not 2020. It’s time we all looked at what’s new and plan some new investments accordingly. To get you started, here are five of the men’s fashion trends you really should know about for 2021.
Pastel
As far as colour is concerned, it’s all about pastel this year, seen at Gucci, Prada, Raf Simon or Versace. Both men’s and women’s trends seem to point to one thing: spring is in! Muted – but not washed-out – shades that remind us of flowers, old-fashioned candy or sherbet are all winners. Pastel hues won’t be confined to Spring this year, so it’s time to take the plunge and invest in a couple of soft and sugary pieces.
Pockets
The practical is back with an abundance of pockets being seen on the runways. Balmain sent out safari looks and cargo trousers are cool again, courtesy of Barena and MSGM. “Good pockets” are big, like on the Bottega Veneta overshirts or on the crocodile field jacket from Dior.
Stripes
Lines in all their iterations are the way to do “pattern” this year. Nautical stripes, checks, pinstripes… Breton tops at Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, BOSS and Casablanca; plaid at Prada and Etro; tartans, checks and stripes at Rick Owens, Undercover, Lemaire or Isabel Marant… if there are lines on it, you’re good to go.
Bermuda
Shorts are a staple of spring and summer, but in 2021, they won’t be short. Bermuda shorts are the new look to be sporting and it’s extremely easy to take it from poolside to the city. Bigger, longer, wider shorts – which should be just above the knee to be considered perfect length – were seen at Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, MSGM and pretty much everywhere else that matters.
Relaxed tailoring and athleisure
Couture tracksuits were seen at Y/Project, Céline by Heidi Slimane, Casablanca or Balenciaga. Kim Jones for Dior, Fendi and Versace featured sliders. PJs are taking a stroll around town, wide legs (Armani, Lemaire, Dolce & Gabbana, Rick Owens…) and wider suits inspired by the 80s (Zegna) have been elevated to high fashion. If you must wear a suit, it’ll be relaxed, as seen at Jacquemus, Yohji Yamamoto or Etudes.
Sarah Kante
