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Oh, Man!
’08 and the Top Menswear Trends                 by Karen Koza

There may be plenty for men to cheer about in fashion in 2008, as Hosiery Insider discovered in its quest to bring industry members the latest inside news on style.

While there may be some trends we expect to be less embraced and short lived among the general population (and read only if you have to know: cuffed pants showing ankle, clunky lace up boots, tie-dye shirts, and dare we say we “saw” some “see through” shirts? You forgot all that here, first. We never mentioned it.). For the most part, the average Joe can find plenty to add to his shopping list for 2008.

Among the top trends that we expect to be most important:

The Jean Pool
If you’re a man who hasn’t tested the denim waters, it’s time to jump in. Denim will continue to float comfortably in the deep end of the style pool as today’s go-to fashion staple. What was once a symbol of rebellious youth has transcended age and lifestyle to become a fashionable choice for men of any generation. The best news is that stylish silhouettes will prevail at virtually every conceivable price point from mass to luxe, but perhaps the biggest story in men’s denim today is premium denim. While the starting point for premium is arguable, ranging from $70 and upward, the trend is undeniable. Men are wearing denim and spending for it.

Paige Adams-Geller, a former fit model and founder of Paige Premium Denim, launched a men’s line to complement her popular women’s collection for both personal and professional reasons. “I can see it shopping with my husband and stepson; they both want jeans that are stylish but not too urban or overly trendy and still provide a great fit and ease of wear like you find in the women’s market. Even in denim, they were still limited as to what they could buy,” the designer shares. “That’s why I started Paige Premium Denim for men; so they would have these same options in jeans like women do.” Smart move considering most men favor jeans as their first pick in casual wear!

Keeping It Subtle
As the saying goes, it’s all in the details and that is certainly true about 2008 styles for men. While it seems that every year the fashion pundits talk about the latest in the “updated classic” as it applies to any wardrobe basic like the button down shirt, the polo, the tee, or khakis. This year, expect to see quiet detailing at the collars and the seams, namely in the buttons, that will set this year’s version apart from others. “In 2008 you will see a stronger movement toward classic styles but with subtle embellishments like buttons, panels, and interesting collars. Look for jackets with double-rowed buttons, metallic buttons or snaps, military collars, clean blazers with understated adornments,” says Jeff Abrams, President and Creative Director of Rails Clothing, a cutting edge line of menswear.

Sophisticated Suiting
“Suit up!”, is a common exhort from the actor Neil Patrick Harris as the character Barney on CBS’s popular sitcom How I met Your Mother. His call to action is a sign to his friends that he means business about their next adventure.

And that suit favored by Barney and other stylish men for exploits of any nature in 2008 will be both tailored and figure flattering. Expect to see a renaissance of the classic three piece suit, which is rumored to be the trendsetter suit of the year. But don’t think the days of Dallas and the free-wheeling and dealing 80’s, think more Brad Pitt, Justin Timberlake or Tom Cruise and a look that is simultaneously laid back yet formally appropriate for any serious work or social occasion. The three piece suit can be worn sans tie with an open neck shirt for a stylish statement or with a tie for a polished and truly buttoned up look.

Adds Abrams, “With a trend toward a more refined and collected look, blazers, suits, and tuxedos will become important pieces to have in your wardrobe. The three piece suit is a revisit of a classic style. It¹s refined, dramatic, and versatile. Wear the vest with the suit for a strong presentation, or match it with jeans and a button down for a more informal look.”

Tightening Your Belt
It’s not just the economic climate this year, but fashion that will be dictating how men will be accessorizing their outerwear in 2008. Belts adorn everything from the traditional trench that has been wildly popular the past few years to overcoats to more active styles. But it’s not just about style, alleges Abrams. It’s also about a more fit physique…no workout required! “Belted trenches and jackets are a good way to reinvent a classic look. Give more shape to the coat and focus on a sleeker, thinner line....very ala GQ!,” he contemplates.

The Round Up…….Plus Affirmation
Joshua Christopher, Founder and Designer of Daftbird, an emerging men’s collection gave a nod to The Hosiery Association’s outlook on menswear trends. “The Daftbird line is all about taking classic, menswear basics and adding special style details and crafting great fits and feels! These basic tenets of the Daftbird line are in parallel to the general trends happening in menswear: taking classic staples like the collared shirts, belted trenches, and sophisticated suiting trends as you’ve outlined and added subtle details to take them to a fashion forward place. A man¹s wardrobe is built on basics, hence, why I founded Daftbird - seeing a real need in the market place for amazing wardrobe staples. The pieces you¹ve outlined are all men¹s wardrobe building blocks. Get a closet filled with these classics and a guy can always be well prepared to be the best dressed - no matter what his personal style. Taking these basic elements and adding flare through accessories and the manner in which they are worn makes it your own!”

When we are talking accessories, we definitely mean socks (good news for the industry!)…so fashionable men everywhere, in the words of Barney……”Suit up!”.