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> Why the skinny look is over in men's fashion
THE signs have been there for some time, but now it's official: The slim-fit look for men is over. The latest designs for men feature wide cuts that create a chilled, relaxed look, reports dpa. However, one thing is set to remain the same this season: The brown-beige tones that we have seen in previous collections remain in fashion for men. It's been a trend with Italian men for some time, but now the baggy look is catching on outside that country too. The look begins with wide cut pleat-front trousers.
"Everywhere, we're seeing more volume," says Rene Lang from the VDMD association of German fashion and textile designers. He says another aspect to look out for is the waistband, which has risen higher on the hips.
However, we're not talking about a return to the bell-bottom pants of the 60s and 70s. "The ankle hem has remained narrow," says Lang.
Fashion for the upper body is also getting baggier and more comfortable, recalling styles from the 80s and 90s. "We're trying to get away from the slim silhouette look," explains Petra Schreiber from Germany's association of image stylists.
The trend has led to some quite unusual looks. Hugo Boss presented its recent men's collection with models wearing oversized double-breasted suit jackets, for example. "This new look is influenced by sloppy cool and consciously tries to break the rules," says Schreiber. It's certainly not a trend for the office environment.
The sneaker has been a firm favourite in men's fashion for a long time already, and that looks set to continue as it complements another trend in men's fashion this season: the sporty look.
"An expensive knitted pullover or a t-shirt under a jacket can make a classic look appear more modern," says Andre Bangert from the German fashion trade journal Textilwirtschaft. That explains why you can get away with wearing a sneaker with a suit.
A puffer jacket can also be part of the look in cooler climates, as long as it's not too heavy-looking. "No- body is thinking of using heavier materials for the cooler months of the year," says Bangert. Lightness is the watchword. Utility clothing has also become very popular with men lately. Feather-light materials with a stretch element have been a part of men's wardrobes for a while, but the latest material designs have become even more technically smart.