Men's fashion will not be ignored

I came across an article today and it posed the question does the menswear industry matter? I was intrigued an thought I would ask you all the same. Without a doubt menswear plays a vital part in fashion but how vital do you believe it is to the everyday man. In 2010 12.2 percent of mensaid they were interested in the newest tends which now has raised to 14.8 percent. Personally I believe it is imperative for a man to be dressed nicely and can make a man be perceived in a better way. Stores shopped: Department stores and specialty stores are the two dominant men’s wear retailers. These store selections should come as no surprise considering many men’s garments require alterations. Department stores have long cornered the market for the men’s wear industry sales. With 43.8% of the consumers patronizing department stores, companies such as Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus keep the men’s alteration department in full swing. Yet the increased patronage of men’s specialty stores should not be ignored. Between 2010 and 2011, consumer patronage of specialty stores jumped from 17% to 19.8%. This trend may be based on a desire for a more personalized shopping environment, more specialized customer service, or more focused brands.

I can understand the rising percentage of men patronizing specialty stores. Some men shopping in department stores look (a) terrified, (b) dazed or (c) hopeless, understanding that they are trapped for the next four hours. Perhaps a specialty store environment provides the male shopper with an escape clause; he has the feeling that he can shop for the necessary clothing and leave the building within 30 minutes.

Clothing purchased: The casualization of the consumer’s lifestyle over the past few decades is apparent in activities, clothing selections, and clothing worn to various events. Results of this survey reveal the consumer’s apparel purchases will focus on more on their casual lifestyle. Whereas 7% of the sample purchased more dress clothing in 2010, only 6.3% planned to make the same purchases in 2011. In 2010 4.2% bought more casual clothing; this percent rose to 7.9% in 2011.

This finding came as no surprise. This is not the era of F. Scott Fitzgerald where navy blazers and white pants were worn as casual apparel. Instead, Tommy Bahama Hawaiian shirts, Ralph Lauren polo shirts and khaki trousers fit nicely on the golf course, by the pool, or grilling burgers at a friend’s house.

Price: The consumers’ surveyed reported a household income of $100,000 or more. Despite this healthy income, they typically purchased clothing on sale (59.2% in 2011). This was no surprise given the current economic climate. Immediate needs such as food, clothing for the children, gas and household products are given first priority over paying full price for clothing.