In retrospect, there are quite a lot of things we’ve learned from 2020 that we’ll keep to heart in the New Year. For example, we learned that wearing a mask and a face shield when going out isn’t so bad, and that it’s entirely possible not to get sick at all with the right precautions. Many people have probably learned the same thing, as while the pandemic is raging on, those who take their precautions continue to stay safe. We’ve also learned the many differences between walking and running shoes, and how we’ve probably mistakenly worn the wrong pair for quite some time (not our finest hour). Now that we think about it, most of the things we’ve learned stemmed from the pandemic due to how all-encompassing it was, and continues to be.
That said, one of the most surprising things about 2020 was the explosion of the fashion scene. While there was a tiny lull in releases due to the various lockdowns that came into effect during 2020, it didn’t stop the upper echelons of fashion from delivering the best possible performance. It seems like the restrictions brought about even more creativity, though it shouldn’t be too much of a surprise, as creative restriction is quite ironic as it is typically where creativity shines.
The interesting bit about men’s fashion is how it transformed due to the extreme change in lifestyle that people experienced during the first months of the pandemic. While most people were busy trying to keep things afloat, fashion continued marching on, resulting in quite a few interesting trends.
What Separates 2020 from the Rest in Fashion?
When it comes to fashion, quite a bit separates it from previous years, as was (and still is, honestly) an uncertain time for everyone. Many people are still trying to pick themselves up from the many sweeping changes of the year, as it hasn’t exactly been a wonderful time. Businesses are turned upside down, and most people are fully focused on trying to put food on the table and keeping their families safe.
It was honestly a rather disheartening year due to the amount of effort necessary to develop a routine, but it was also an incredible year when it comes to the indomitable human spirit. In a lot of ways, the fashion world embodies that spirit, as it shows that we’re still willing to express ourselves as best we can despite having to deal with a genuinely terrible year.
What Makes 2020 Men’s Fashion Special?
The interesting bit about men’s fashion last year is that the focus was quite a bit more practical than the usual fare. While women’s fashion is often anything but practical, men’s fashion likes to dabble in practicality, to the point that the poster boy of men’s fashion — the suit — is practically swimming in the stuff. Considering that there really wasn’t too much time to accomplish anything else outside of trying to keep safe from the pandemic and fulfilling work responsibilities, the average Joe wasn’t really concerned with what they were wearing, unless it involved a mask and a face shield. Interestingly enough, those two pieces became integrated into fashion as well as a means of championing safety and practicality while still expressing yourself in all the best ways.
Restriction breeds creativity in the very best ways, and there is no denying the fact that 2020’s fashion trends were special. As a matter of fact, here are just one of the many trends that 2020 brought to light — the boxers trend. Suddenly, wearing boxers as shorts is a thing, and it probably just stemmed from people staying at home for so long that they began to think boxers are a proper fashion choice for going outside. We’re not complaining, of course, but it’s still an interesting development.
So, What Exactly Did We Learn from That Year?
First and foremost, we learned that when it comes to the fashion world, nothing slows it down. After all, fashion is a means of expressing one’s self, and no matter how bad things get, there is always a market for that. Even when people are focused on surviving over everything else, there is always that desire to express yourself however you can. If that means donning boxers and being confident when you step out of the house with it, then more power to you. To be fair, there have been plenty of boxers-turned-shorts released, so you don’t necessarily have to rely on actual boxers to do that.
The second thing we learned is that personal preference for guys is still extremely practical. Practicality is still the name of the game, though it may at times rely on nostalgia to get the job done. Then again, nostalgia is something that has allowed the fashion world to go on a circle. Whereas some pieces might lose out on popularity, there will always come a time when it makes a fantastic come back. Here are just some samples of fashion pieces that went on hiatus for a while only to make a comeback during 2020!
Boxers — just kidding, oversized tailoring
We’ve probably already overdone the boxers joke, so this is the last time we’re mentioning it (no need to thank us). As far as things that we learned from the year 2020 that will also have a place in the New Year, there are few things more iconic than oversized tailoring. Some of you might be raising a brow to that, since it basically just means a larger size than usual, right? Well, consider how some eras made full use of that fact.
For example, the 80s were all about oversized tailoring — best known for the oversized jackets in suits that still somehow looked classy and professional despite having their own distinct character. It’s the kind of thing that screams comfort, as one of the (few) negative things about a suit is that it can be quite stuffy sometimes. The best part is that oversized tailoring isn’t just for jackets. An oversized shirt makes excellent sleepwear, only people have found a way to make that work for the outside as well. Considering how comfortable oversized outfits can be, it’s no wonder that the more introverted homeowners of 2020 gravitated toward that.
The genuine comfort of knitwear
Another trend that came from 2020 is the rise of knitwear as one of the more fashionable and comfortable things to wear, especially during the holiday season. For most guys, winter fashion styles can be a lot of fun, as it gives guys a chance to layer up without feeling like they are getting carried away. It allows them to have more freedom with fashion — something that often does not come naturally as most guys like to be practical with what they wear. It’s the reason why a simple shirt and jeans still reign as the king of fashion alongside the well-tailored suit.
That said, the idea of nostalgia playing a role in fashion is the reason why knitwear exploded in 2020. Many guys tend to be sentimental, and the sweater that their grandmother knitted them is still among their most prized possessions. The idea that you can use the same idea for knitwear for something like a tie or a belt began making waves in 2020. Suddenly, people even began to wear knitted jackets. There was even the much lauded return of the Mr. Rogers look, where people wore sweaters of the dress shirt and tie. It likely came from people who are working from home but still need to go to video meetings now and again. Instead of having to get fully dressed up, they go for the next best thing by putting on a good-looking sweater alongside the dress shirt.
On the topic of running and walking shoes
Another trend that made waves in 2020 has to do with the differences between walking shoes, running shoes, and sneakers. The thing about running shoes is that they were made to help put as little force as possible on the foot during the job or the run, which is why it is both stiff and lightweight. The trouble with that is that running shoes share a similar look to walking shoes, which has often resulted in guys purchasing the wrong thing. It doesn’t even include the weirdness of sneakers, and how it’s a much more fashionable version of running shoes with a mixed function.
Considering that walking and running shoes were all the rage during 2020, guys finally began to understand some of the many nuances between the two. It’s now easier to differentiate, and there are many different versions to use. We would recommend having a pair of running shoes, walking shoes, and sneakers for the occasion. It turns out using walking shoes for running isn’t a good idea, and using running shoes for walking can make you more likely to trip and damage your feet! The year really has been quite eye-opening, as strives are being made toward a more practical experience.
As if that wasn’t enough, another trend from 2020 involves sneakers with built-in weather resistant properties. Considering that sneakers are typically the more aesthetically pleasing of the variants, people didn’t want to have to worry about wearing them and ruining them in the event of inclement weather. In such cases, weather-resistant sneakers made a surprising comeback.
Boosting colors in new and interesting ways
When it comes to what we learned from 2020’s fashion sense, it wasn’t just about the type of clothing that mattered. In many ways, the color combinations were the main focus, as the lack of things to do brought about a need to be more vivid all throughout. It’s probably the reason why acid hues became all the rage at the time, and it’s likely to continue on to this year. It doesn’t matter if it happens to be shirts, shorts, jackets, dress shirts, pants, shoes, or anything — vivid and eye-popping colors are the current and ongoing trend.
As far as where the need for vivid colors came from, perhaps it also stems from being stuck at home for so long. The runways became filled to the brim with strong colors, which at least brought about a hopeful vibe for those who were beginning to get depressed from being stuck at home for so long. People wanted to make sure that when they did go out for groceries and the like, they dressed to impress. They wanted to make sure that they put their best foot forward no matter the situation — and guys more or less accomplished it with the help of vivid color combinations. While it might not necessarily continue past 2021, there is a chance that the colors begin to herald a new age for men’s fashion, though only time will tell.
Men’s Fashion Marches On!
It’s been an exciting and terrifying 2020, and the New Year is shaping up to be a brand new hope. Now that there are vaccines that can hopefully stem the tide of the COVID-19 crisis, people are learning to breathe easy, while still making sure to take their. Men’s fashion is quite similar in that respect. While some of the trends of 2020 came from stifled creativity and a need for expression, it is not something that will necessarily go away with the year. Instead, it’s something that will likely continue to be explored as the year goes.
There’s still plenty of time left to go, and it’s bound to get more exciting — especially when it begins to reach the winter months. Guys always have so much fun with winter outfits, and it’s exciting to think about the new fashion trends that will be set this year! So long as you stay safe and take precautions, you’re free to express yourself however you like. Dress the way you want to, and keep staying safe!