While women’s fashion has long dominated the spotlight, men’s style is catching up – and fast. Designer menswear is increasingly becoming more available and sought after than ever before.
This means that there is more craftsmanship involved alongside more considered design intent resulting in more cultural relevance. It's been shaped, as with women's fashion, by high-profile runways, social media and the urban streetwear scene.
Japanese designers in particular have reshaped menswear at the global level, blending traditional looks with more avant-garde designs.
However, with designer menswear comes higher price tags. This is due to the materials used, and the product values in place. On top of that, it's more exclusive. That being said, there are smart strategies in place to access these clothing items in a more affordable manner.
Trends, Japanese Influence and Smart Buying Tips
As touched upon, there is a growing dominance of Japanese designers in the menswear industry. Top designers such as Junya Watanabe, Yohji Yamamoto, Sacai and Setchu are all adding to the design options available to men. Each one of them offers something different in what they bring to the table, but often the focus is on creative leadership, domestic craftsmanship and keeping clothes looking good, while maintaining functionality in the workplace.
Many of the materials used in Japanese fashion are also made and developed in Japan. Take a.PRESSE, the brand developed by Kazuma Shigematsu. a.PRESSE uses expensive, soft fabrics to create otherworldly textures. A simple blazer may be made of cashmere, while a trucker jacket comes in super soft leather.
Japanese menswear is increasingly being seen as the pinnacle of men's fashion around the world. On a global scale, Japanese menswear is about the details as well as innovations. In contrast, the Western designer world is often compromised by a commercial strategy, stunting the overall growth of this industry, while also preventing much in the way of innovation and creativity.
With all this in play, it should come as no surprise to learn that high-end menswear does come at a cost. But this doesn't mean the average consumer can't enjoy these stunning pieces and enjoy looking and feeling good as well.
These days, there are an increasing number of online platforms, outlet stores and curated marketplaces that make designer fashion far more accessible. Shopping in places such as these really makes the process easier in terms of both finding and affording the right item. Alongside this, they provide access to different clothing items from multiple brands. For instance, the online availability of Mainline discount codes and seasonal promotions further helps those customers that want to purchase high quality clothes while still taking care of their wallet. As such, you can get access to premium brands at a much lower price than you would normally. This means you're able to invest in higher-quality clothing which will last you longer. Better still, there's no need to overspend your budget if you stick to a smart shopping strategy.
Value, Identity and Smart Consumption
There's a dual value to designer menswear if you decide to make a purchase. One, it's got an aesthetic appeal, and two, it's also part of the cultural identity. Some pieces, such as tailored blazers, structured coats and even artisanal accessories can offer timeless value as they do not go out of style. This means you can wear them again and again (thanks to their high-quality material), as well as pair them with current fashionable items and trends to keep your look fresh.
Of course, these items do come with a higher price than standard menswear. But, with the use of smart shopping strategies and being properly informed regarding what's available, it's possible to build a full designer wardrobe.
Make strategic purchasing decisions when you do this, and begin with larger pieces that can be paired up with other, cheaper, off-the-rack items. Take a look at the sheer number of options online and discover the different designers available. You'll find all manner of options, so there's bound to be something that suits your style and look. Stay updated on platforms that offer discount access to luxury fashion: in this way, you can grab high-quality pieces for a reduced price, before they get snapped up by someone else.
