Spring/Summer 2023 Men’s Fashion Trends Favor Fun and Function – Sourcing Journal

Men’s fashion has revealed its many sides for Spring/Summer 2023. Desert hues and workwear denim trended at Project Las Vegas. Preppy classics and minimal streetwear ruled at Chicago Collective. Deconstructed suiting and vacation wear heated up men’s fashion weeks across Europe.

Then there are trends currently at retail with room to grow. A new report by retail analytics firm Edited points to comfort-driven staples and outdoor-inspired apparel and accessories as key areas for retailers to invest in for next spring.

Denim has new opportunities to flex its muscles. Bermuda shorts, an item seen on Prada’s and Marcelo Burlon County of Milan’s S/S ’23 runways and in collections by Jack & Jones and Joe’s, are one of those items to watch. Edited reported that the shorts—often in denim constructions—saw 14 percent year-over-year investment growth.

Tailored versions of Bermuda shorts are on track to be an alternative piece in next spring’s relaxed suiting, while slouchy and below-the-knee fits nod to the ’90s skate revival.

“The addition of baggier fits to core shapes feeds into next spring’s overarching story of comfort underpinned by oversized T-shirts and Bermuda shorts,” Edited stated.

Cargo shorts are also showing signs of growth. Both short styles are “tracking above” the total men’s shorts category by 3 percent, it said.

Now considered a “core” item, the utility style saw 56 percent year-over-year investment growth. “For Spring 2023, while classic iterations were still the backbone of this trend, cargo styling was also applied to jeans and tailored trousers,” Edited stated.

Overshirts with utility-style pockets and worker jackets made with lightweight cotton canvas fabrics in neutral and khaki have staying power as well.

This emphasis on function is carried into accessories for S/S ’23. Technical sandals, for one, have seen 75 percent year-over-year investment growth. “Their presence on the catwalk saw key design details return, including buckles, straps and velcro, as well as new designs with higher uppers,” Edited said.

Meanwhile, slip-on loafers and slides are appealing to vacation-seeking consumers. Loafers have seen increases in price points and options, and slides are evolving with chunky and futuristic silhouettes, Edited reported.

The ongoing popularity of bucket hats unpins 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 fasteners and neck protectors,” Edited said of S/S ’23 versions. “Consider applying details to cotton options for next spring, ranked top in descriptions this season, as an easy styling update to move on ranges and elevate basic product offers.”