Men’s fashion unveils its many facets for Spring/Summer 2023. Desert hues and trendy workwear denim at Project Las Vegas. Preppy classics and minimalist streetwear reign at Chicago Collective. Deconstructed suits and holiday wear warmed up menswear weeks across Europe.
Then there are trends in retail right now that have room to grow. A new report from retail analytics firm Edited indicates that comfort-focused staples and outdoor-inspired apparel and accessories are key areas retailers can invest in for next spring.
Denim has new opportunities to work your muscles. Bermuda shorts, an item seen on Prada and Marcelo Burlon County’s Spring/Summer 2023 runway shows in Milan and in collections at Jack & Jones and Joe’s, are among those items to watch. Edited reported that shorts, often made of denim, saw investment growth of 14% year-over-year.
Tailored versions of bermuda shorts are set to become an alternative piece in next spring’s casual suits, while loose, below-the-knee cuts nod to the skate revival of the 90s.
“Adding looser cuts to basic shapes fuels next spring’s overall comfort story, supported by oversized tees and Bermuda shorts,” Edited said.
Cargo shorts are also showing signs of growth. Both styles of shorts “track above” the total men’s shorts category by 3%, he said.
Now considered an “essential” item, the utilitarian style saw investment growth of 56% year-over-year. “For Spring 2023, while classic iterations were still the backbone of this trend, cargo style was also applied to jeans and tailored pants,” Edited said.
Alex
WWD
Overshirts with utility-style pockets and work jackets made with lightweight neutral and khaki cotton canvas fabrics also have durability.
This emphasis on function can be seen in accessories for the Spring/Summer 2023 season. Technical sandals, for example, saw a 75% year-over-year investment growth. “Their catwalk presence saw key design details return, including buckles, straps and velcro, as well as new models with taller uppers,” Edited said.
Meanwhile, slip-on loafers and slides are attracting holiday-seeking consumers. Loafers have seen increases in price and options, and slides are evolving with chunky, futuristic silhouettes, Edited reported.
The continued popularity of bucket hats underscores the importance of outdoor and vacation stories for next spring.
“Although denim entered the mix as a new fabric update for next year, styles still focused on technical attributes, including toggle closures and neck guards,” said Edited about S/S ’23 releases. “Consider applying details to cotton options for next spring, ranked at the top of descriptions this season, as an easy style update to transition to ranges and elevate commodity offerings.”
