The Rise of Men’s Fashion: A Shift Towards Inclusivity and Camaraderie
A new wave of men’s fashion discourse challenges traditional norms and embraces a more inclusive and supportive community.
In recent years, the world of men’s fashion has undergone a significant transformation. Gone are the days of rigid dress codes and limited options for self-expression. A new wave of men’s fashion discourse has emerged, challenging traditional norms and embracing a more inclusive and supportive community. This shift is led by influential figures like Lawrence Schlossman and James Harris, hosts of the popular podcast “Throwing Fits.” Their unique approach to fashion, characterized by camaraderie and a focus on dressing for other men, has resonated with a growing audience. This article explores the evolution of men’s fashion, the changing attitudes towards clothing, and the impact of this shift on both high-end and mass-market brands.
From Preciousness to Authenticity
The previous wave of men’s fashion discourse, led by individuals like Michael Williams and Nickelson Wooster, was characterized by a more precious approach to clothing. Blogs like “The Sartorialist” documented impeccably dressed men, and online forums debated the minutiae of pant breaks and suit shoulders. However, this moment operated within the confines of ambient homophobia, perpetuating the notion that caring about one’s appearance was primarily the domain of women and gay men. This mindset eventually gave way to a fascination with rugged workwear and utilitarian streetwear, driven by underlying gender anxieties. Lawrence Schlossman and James Harris, self-described “grown dirtbags,” represent a departure from the previous era’s preciousness, offering a more authentic and relatable perspective on fashion.
Dressing for the Fellas
In the “Throwing Fits” universe, fashion is no longer an aspirational topic but a means of connection and camaraderie. The hosts and their guests engage in vibes-heavy bull sessions, where discussions about fashion quickly evolve into conversations about life, culture, and personal experiences. The podcast embodies a new ethos: men dressing for other men. “Getting a fit off for the fellas” is seen as a virtue, and liking each other’s outfit photos on Instagram is an act of fraternal love. This approach parallels Leandra Medine’s “Man Repeller” blog, which encouraged millennial women to find confidence in dressing for themselves and one another. In this vision of fashion, men not only feel comfortable caring about what they wear but also embrace the act of acknowledging and complimenting each other’s outfits.
The Rise of Androgyny and Comfort
The clothing produced by the designers Schlossman and Harris admire reflects a certain comfort and a departure from traditional masculine stereotypes. There has been a shift towards loosely draped garments, such as boxy button-downs from Our Legacy and loose-knit sweaters from Lemaire. Aimé Leon Dore, one of the most influential brands in recent years, showcases a cozy, tailored androgyny by using both male and female models in its lookbooks. Even bro-y men are increasingly at ease wearing lace-accented shorts or floral-embroidered shirts. This acceptance of more fluid and diverse styles is not limited to high-end fashion; mass-market brands like Abercrombie & Fitch and J. Crew have also embraced this trend, offering baggy floral-printed pants and lacework shirts. Retailers are recognizing that consumers are ready to explore new definitions of what it means to look good.
The Power of Relatability
Schlossman and Harris’s for-the-fellas sensibility has resonated with a wide audience, indicating a turn towards a more expansive definition of what it means to look good. By speaking to men in a language they understand, this new wave of men’s fashion discourse has successfully made men rethink their appearance. The influence of this shift is not confined to a narrow selection of coastal hipsters; it is slowly starting to permeate mass-market mall brands as well. The willingness of retailers to embrace this change suggests that consumers are ready to explore fresh perspectives on fashion and self-expression.
Conclusion:
The rise of men’s fashion discourse led by Lawrence Schlossman and James Harris represents a departure from the preciousness of the previous era. Their for-the-fellas approach has created a more inclusive and supportive community, where men feel comfortable caring about what they wear and acknowledging each other’s style. This shift has also influenced designers, leading to the production of clothing that challenges traditional masculine stereotypes. As this new wave of men’s fashion continues to gain momentum, it is clear that the industry is ready for a more expansive and diverse definition of what it means to look good.