The world has changed dramatically over the past 15 years — digitalisation has us firmly in its grip and processes across every area of business have become enormously faster and more dynamic. That requires a shift from us, in our daily lives as well as in fashion. And that is precisely our subject in this blog article.

 

Menswear was known in the past for its stability and resistance to fashion trends. Well, has it stayed that way? Are we allowed to be „fashionable“ in our business wardrobe today? And if so, what does that look like?

 

It is well known that anyone who wants to move with the times should also do so in fashion. But how does it look for gentlemen — do men move with fashion?

If we look at womenswear, we see how quickly it turns — every season new trends are presented to us. Every three to six months we have completely different outfits and looks.

And in menswear? Especially in the classic segment, it has been very steady until now, changing its trends much more slowly, and men were, at least until now, very happy that the tie bought three years ago is still current.

 

What does the change look like?

 

If you really want to experience the change, then let me give you this tip: watch a talk show from five years ago. You will notice immediately: this picture is not up to date.

In practice this means, dear gentlemen: every three years, the trend — and therefore your wardrobe — is renewed. Fortunately, a high-quality wardrobe remains attractive and wearable beyond that too.

 

The greatest change in classic menswear in the history of men’s clothing

 

Around five years ago we had the feeling that all men had suddenly, as if by magic and in a night-and-fog operation, shrunk to half their width. Slim line and slim fit were born and every man wanted to wear only slim shirts and suits.

Shirts clung to the body, trousers displayed every muscle in the legs, and jackets became narrower and shorter too.

You will remember: every man rushed to the gym to sculpt his body into shape — after all, everyone now had to squeeze themselves into the new form of slim suits.

At least, that is what happened with the masses, who were influenced by the young fashion labels. In the classic world, however, this process took place far more subtly and elegance did not lose any of its charm. That is not to say that the world of tailoring has not become more modern. Quite the opposite.

Tailors all over the world have discovered many new inspirations and created modern looks which we incorporate into individual bespoke fashion.

 

Our advantage is that we can take our customer’s personal wishes and figure into account AND respect the trends. We are thus in the fortunate position of being able to deliver the best result as a one-off piece for the gentleman.

 

 

 

What does the modern fashion world look like in bespoke?

 

I can remember, when I started tailoring 25 years ago, that fabrics had an entirely different composition, feel and weight.

The fabrics were heavier, there was only a limited choice of colours, and they were mostly made of pure material. Only wool, or only silk, or only linen.

Today, thanks to modern technology, it is possible to combine materials better, so that we can now tailor business suits in fabric blends of wool, silk and/or linen. Or indeed jackets from cashmere, silk and/or linen. This produces not only wonderful colours but also materials and fabrics with an exceptional tactile feel.

Patterns have become considerably more modern; checks come in large and small, stripes come narrow and wide — there are no more limits to the imagination!

 

I am sure, when you look at the fabrics in the images, you will agree that fashion has not stood still here — and:

What a great advantage bespoke fashion offers over mass-produced fashion: every wish is achievable, every cut is feasible, and combined with your own body measurements, a timeless, one-of-a-kind piece is created that is superior to all fashion trends and will even outlast many of them.

 

 

As you can see, in your bespoke suit you need not worry about which trend you next have to chase.

An elegant suit and matching accessories of high quality can be your faithful companions for years — if that is what you wish.

 

Further reading:

 

The Tie in Business — Is the tie really still mandatory?

The Pocket Square — The finishing touch, and how to use it correctly.