Discover the dynamic shifts in men’s fashion within department stores as highlighted by a recent study from the International Association of Department Stores (IADS). While men’s fashion maintains a steady 16% sales share in the overall department store assortment, discernible changes are shaping dedicated offerings.
The study, drawing insights from global department stores, observes a gradual decline in casual styles, making room for the rise of semi-formal wear. Despite remote work trends, the return to office spaces influences shifts in clothing choices, leading to a blend of styles between suits, casual wear, and sportswear.
Customers are increasingly embracing a complex blend of styles, where elegance makes a comeback, driven by ‘quiet luxury’ and innovative construction techniques. The demand for versatile, minimalist styles suitable for various occasions, from office settings to evenings out, is on the rise. The study also notes a growing acceptance of gender fluidity, with a feminine touch influencing technical wardrobes.
Examining different styles, casual wear maintains dominance with a 56% market share, followed by office wear (24%), a rising athleisure trend (15%), and a decline in very formal wear (5%).
In terms of price ranges, luxury and entry-level segments maintain their respective shares at 18% and 10%, while the premium segment sees progress at 25%. The mid-range segment remains the largest, representing 45% of sales.
Key men’s fashion brands highlighted by trend agency NellyRodi include must-haves like Ami, A.P.C., Carhartt, Nudie Jeans, and Isabel Marant. Noteworthy comebacks feature Gant, Fursac, and Aigle, while rising stars include S.S. Daley, De Bonne Facture, ERL, and Bode. Promising brands to watch encompass Cherry, Ouest Paris, Manastash, Norwegian Rain, and Baziszt.
Department stores showcase their men’s offerings through pop-up stores and ephemeral capsules, injecting vibrancy into their aisles. Examples include the Lacoste x Netflix collaboration at Manor, Disney x Givenchy at El Corte Inglés, Café du Cycliste at Galeries Lafayette, and Boss x Looney Tunes at Sogo.
Despite the rise of online shopping, the share of online sales for men’s fashion in department stores remains stable at 17% in 2022. Initiatives like Boyner Now’s 90-minute delivery and enhanced online capabilities from Magasin du Nord and El Corte Inglés signify ongoing efforts to boost online growth.
In an inflationary context, IADS raises questions about profitability, emphasizing the need to create an ideal assortment by strategically mixing brands and price ranges.
