A button-down shirt, navy blazer, jeans and penny loafers are core components of an enduring casual style for American men. While some find it static, the classic ensemble remains popular because of the shirt’s versatility.
Mainly, that comes with the mixing of hues.
“Color trends for men are a bit more vibrant this spring,” said Christine Guerin, product manager for Orvis, which this year will use “grass green and bright yellow as accents in our woven shirts.”
Gavin Heap, managing director of The Loden Group (Fennec and Martin Golf), points out the importance of patterns as well.
“Color is in,” Heap said. “Vibrant and interesting check combinations always sell the best. Checks of various sizes and color combinations are always top sellers. You make them interesting by the color combinations you use.”
Guerin concurs, saying that Orvis has added more prints to its line this spring to take advantage of the trend.
“Tonal prints on indigo, so navy printed on a medium indigo shade,” she said. “I’ve also seen a lot of Western-inspired prints. Orvis sells a lot of classic plaids, checks and Tattersalls, which never go out of style.”
Beyond colors and patterns, fit and ease of care are important to men, so Cutter & Buck has labeled its latest line Wrinkle Free. Other manufacturers are adding Spandex and a variety of stretch materials so wearers have more range of motion.
“No doubt this aids in getting a garment to fit just right as well,” Heap said. “Ease of care is being achieved by blending cotton with polys, nylons and other synthetic fabrics to allow a wash and wear opportunity. I would definitely reiterate the usage of stretch/Spandex into garments, for sure. Freedom of movement is probably the most significant technical aspect in clothing today, second only to fit.”
Guerin refers to the button-down shirt as an annual male favorite, with ease of care and other factors playing big roles in its popularity.
“Technical fabrics with performance qualities such as wicking perspiration, sun protection, odor resistance and quick dry are other features guys look for,” she said, “especially if they want one outfit to take them through the day.”
