Menswear for the longest time has been bifurcated into formal and non-formal. As men’s fashion gets mainstream attention, we see an evolving trend of contemporary styling within men's clothing. From solid colours to pastel shades, vibrant patterns to minimalist details, men’s fashion is getting a much-needed transformation. Spearheading this fashion swirl are homegrown brands researching what precisely the market lacks and how the gap can be filled, while also keeping sustainability as a major factor.
The advent of technology has made today’s consumers very informed and selective about what they pick and choose. Fashion is becoming a topic of influence, and the availability of good quality clothes at affordable prices expands the outlook towards sporting stylish attires. For women, there has been no dearth of clothing choices, with new trends every few months, or retro fashion making a comeback. But with men’s clothing, it is all about making sure you craft the new trends.
Menswear which was once limited to officewear formals and partywear casuals is seeing a smooth amalgamation of a single shirt that can be styled differently to transition from one ambience to another. It simplifies fashion as well as makes it innovative. It is no-fuss, stylish and sheds inhibitions of conventional styling.
Men often look for global brands for their perfect fit and quality and end up spending a lot more, which can also limit their wardrobe to a few shirts. Repetition has not been a major concern among the male gender. However, when there is an availability of premium quality at affordable prices, it is an undeniable choice.
Homegrown brands being based within the final consumers are able to put a stronger foot forward in identifying key factors and researching what men want or what they’d love to have. When as a manufacturer you are aware of what the market doesn’t have, you have an undeclared competition to get there before your competitors. Once you have captured that market space, it also serves as a lesson of what to adopt and where to improve. Some of the Indian brands have been able to make waves across the borders, which is again a positive sign to expand and explore one’s collections.
The terms ‘aesthetic’ and ‘minimalism’ have become a part of this generation’s vocabulary, translating into their choices for clothing as well. So as a brand, you need to be listening and providing it, to stay relevant in the fashion circles. Today, men can totally rock a pastel pink shirt and it is essential to evolve with these positive changes instead of only making uniform styles. Indian menswear is thus not restricted to mediocre checks but is transitioning into block prints, applique work, vertical stripes and so on…
Fast fashion is being called out time and again, so conversations revolve around sustainability. A brand that uses natural dyes, offers eco-friendly packaging and provides premium quality shirts is bound to be a preference among fashion-conscious enthusiasts.
We are noticing a shift from global to local, which is the biggest inspiration for the growing market. It also implants an idea among the consumer of contributing to their community. It definitely impacts purchasing behaviour, strengthening the hold of homegrown brands on the shelves.
Homegrown menswear brands are now able to craft a niche for themselves, evolving with the times to provide quality products for today’s informed audience. Sustainable, fashionable and affordable, we are in the right direction to make our collections a part of the global fashion parades.
