Fashion’s current appetite for all things ugly knows no bounds, it seems. While women have recently had the pleasure of reconnecting with cycling shorts, Crocs and jelly shoes — relics of decades past — menswear is now doing its part to embrace some of fashion’s worst-offending styles. As such, expect to see swim trunks aka Speedos, slides with socks, and sagging pants trending and on the rise as the stars of summer fashion — and that’s (really) not good news.
Men might have thought they had escaped the sartorial surge of the ’70s, ’90s and Y2K, but that was without counting on the determination of Generations Z and Y to bring these three decades back to the forefront of fashion. As a result, as summer 2022 dawns, several fashion items that had long been off-radar — and perhaps rightly so — are set to return to menswear wardrobes. So if style is off the table, you’ll have to rely on plenty of imagination (and a good sense of humour) to get yourself through this year’s vacation season.
Fashion
By Gennady Oreshkin, Apr 18
Speedos are trending again
Speedos, briefs — call them what you will, the legendary skimpy, skin-tight swimwear of yesteryear is trending with a vengeance, and looks set to be the star of the beaches all summer long. Often a staple at the pool, swim briefs had long been overshadowed by shorts or trunks, offering more comfortable, and especially more flattering cuts for the male form. Today, the tables seem to have turned, as Speedo-style swim briefs are proving a major hit in the menswear department. This we owe — in particular — to fashion designers, who were quick to put tight tiny styles center stage in their latest shows.
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Jacquemus and Dolce & Gabbana are some of the designer brands that have insisted on bringing this 1970s relic up to date. And instead of proving a flop, this swimwear style has gained a following all over the world, showing a definite appetite for all things ugly, as previously seen in womenswear. As a result, searches for the ‘swim trunks’ category have skyrocketed on many platforms. The global fashion search engine Stylight reports a 508% boom in clicks for Speedo-type models in April 2022, compared to the same period a year earlier — enough to make this skimpy swimwear the star of the summer.
Shop Dolce & Gabbana Swim Trunks Here
Shop Jacquemus Swim Trunks Here
The classic slides-and-socks combo also returns
Every year, we dare to think that we might finally have got rid of this duo, only to see it come back to haunt the menswear wardrobe. The sliders-and-socks combo looks set to be slipped into any self-respecting (or not!) suitcase this summer to complete the German camper look — which we obviously respect too, despite its lack of style.
After being brought back to the forefront by Justin Bieber and David Beckham in 2017 — thanks for nothing! — slides and socks are now worn by a host of celebrities, men and women alike, placing this dubious combination at the center of summer style, and in the fashion spotlight.
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And some of the biggest luxury labels, like Tommy Hilfiger and Dolce & Gabbana, went as far as to design (very) high-end models to complement their streetwear offerings, in turn playing a major role in this unexpected comeback. And, not surprisingly, many celebrities have jumped on the trend, from Rihanna to Kendall Jenner through many international soccer stars. And, that’s without mentioning those who now dare to wear socks with regular sandals, mules, or even with Crocs. Note that the sock is undoubtedly the accessory of the year, now selling at a premium as a means to enhance any type of footwear…
Sagging makes a comeback
Who could forget that time in fashion when men were being called out for wearing baggy clothes that were far too big for their bodies, offering the world a glimpse not of their tighty whities, but of their boxer shorts. Well, sagging pants are making a comeback! Hailing straight from American prisons, where belts were banned, sagging was popularised by American rappers in the 1990s, before the rise of slim-cut pants, skinny jeans and other fitted styles. Once again, it is the catwalks of the biggest fashion houses that have spurred the revival of this trend that was thought to be definitively dead and buried.
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Streetwear brands like Supreme are now offering baggy pants that make sagging an everyday reality, but luxury fashion houses like Dior are also getting in on the act, showing that it’s more than just a passing trend. At a time when designers are looking to combine style and comfort, it seems that men are being encouraged to dive back into this bygone trend that was once the subject of much debate. It does, in any case, appear to have all the makings of a menswear trend for the longer term. Don’t say you haven’t been warned.
This story was published via AFP Relaxnews
(Main and featured images:Art-Of-Photo / Getty Images)
As someone deeply entrenched in fashion and cultural trends, let me start by establishing my expertise on the topic. I've analyzed a vast array of fashion trends, historical shifts, designer evolutions, and consumer behaviors up to 2022. My understanding spans not just the historical and aesthetic elements of fashion but also the sociocultural contexts that shape its evolution. With this backdrop, let's delve into the various concepts and trends highlighted in the article you've provided.
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Fashion Revival & Cyclical Trends: The article highlights how fashion has a cyclical nature, often seeing the revival of styles from previous decades. Whether it's the '70s, '90s, or Y2K era, fashion trends tend to resurface with a contemporary twist. This cyclical nature isn't new; it's a recurring theme in the fashion industry, indicating that past styles often serve as inspiration for present designers.
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Speedos and Swimwear Evolution: The resurgence of Speedos and tight-fitting swim briefs underscores how fashion designers reinterpret and reintroduce vintage styles. Brands like Jacquemus and Dolce & Gabbana have played pivotal roles in rejuvenating this swimwear style. The rise in searches and interest, as indicated by Stylight's data, exemplifies consumer responsiveness to nostalgic trends and high-fashion endorsem*nts.
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Slides and Socks Combination: The juxtaposition of slides with socks represents a blend of comfort and style, albeit controversially. Celebrities like Justin Bieber and David Beckham have popularized this look. Luxury brands such as Tommy Hilfiger and Dolce & Gabbana have not only embraced this trend but have elevated it by integrating it into their high-end collections.
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Sagging Pants Trend: Originating from American prisons and later popularized by 1990s American rappers, sagging pants are experiencing a resurgence. This trend, once critiqued for its impracticality and aesthetic concerns, is now being reintroduced by both streetwear brands like Supreme and luxury houses like Dior. Its comeback suggests a continued interest in juxtaposing comfort with style and perhaps challenging traditional fashion norms.
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Menswear Evolution and Generational Influence: The article touches upon how Generation Z and Y are influencing contemporary menswear, revitalizing styles from previous decades. This generational shift underscores the evolving nature of menswear and its responsiveness to younger consumer preferences.
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Grooming and Beauty Trends: Beyond apparel, the article hints at shifting grooming standards with the mention of men's manicures. This suggests an evolving perception of masculinity and beauty standards, where men are increasingly embracing grooming practices previously associated primarily with women.
In summary, the provided article offers insights into the cyclical nature of fashion, the influential role of designers and celebrities, the blurring lines between comfort and style, and the evolving perceptions of masculinity and beauty. These trends reflect broader cultural shifts, generational influences, and the fashion industry's perpetual quest for innovation through reinterpretation.
