You’re scrolling on Twitter, looking through all the looks from the most recent Met Gala. They’re gorgeous, and you can’t believe your eyes. One of the pieces was made from a hundred thousand Swarovski crystals, the next took fifty thousand hours to make, the third has the most extravagant yet intricate pieces you’ve ever seen. And then … there’s the guy in the obligatory plain black tux.
We’ve heard it time and time again — men’s fashion just “tends” to be boring. When a woman is interviewed at a major event, fashion journalists zone in on their clothes with the usual, “What are you wearing tonight?” On the other hand, the men are sent off with a pat on their backs for their “classic” suit and tie.
Well, to that we say, ditch it. Ditch the suit and tie and embrace men’s fashion for what it’s meant to be.
What is “Acceptable” Men’s Fashion?
Historically, men’s fashion has been understated. It’s practical, simple, sleek at most and from a fashion perspective — safe. While women’s fashion tends to have a broad spectrum of self-expression, men’s choices tend to feel more like uniforms than anything else. Their suits usually include muted colors and traditional silhouettes, especially in formal or professional settings.
So… is this resistance to being more adventurous with masculine fashion because of a lack of interest? Maybe it’s because the notion that stepping beyond the traditional bounds of clothing choices is somehow not masculine; that dressing “too fashionably” makes one stand out in a way that doesn’t align with masculine ideals.
Many men might want to experiment but could potentially feel boxed in by social expectations. Putting effort into appearance or choosing “flashy” items could be perceived as compromising traditional masculinity.
Fashion and Gender Expression
For those men who do break the norms, fashion can become a powerful tool for gender expression. Fashion choices that embrace flamboyance or traditional femininity — bold colors, unique silhouettes — are often associated with queer culture. Celebrities like Lil Nas X and Billy Porter are the best modern day examples of those who unapologetically use fashion to express identity by challenging the typical masculine aesthetic.
This brings to mind the idea that, maybe, this discomfort in more creative men’s fashion comes from a place of fearing femininity rather than wanting to embrace masculinity. Men who experiment with feminine styles or “louder” fashion are often questioned or criticized for compromising their masculinity.
Even within queer communities, certain expectations can shape how men engage with fashion. For example, the association of more “out-there” looks with queer identity can create this … unspoken line, making some men reluctant to explore styles perceived as queer-coded, even if they genuinely admire and want to try on the aesthetic.
So … What Should Men’s Fashion Look Like?
It’s 2024. Men’s fashion has more potential than it never had before — there is a new willingness to experiment, challenge expectations and take risks with clothing. There’s been a recent surge of designers and artists who are reimagining men’s wardrobes, rejecting traditional suits in favor of pieces that embrace color, texture and individuality. The era of the plain black tux isn’t over, but it’s evolving.
What men’s fashion should do is reflect the individuality of those wearing it. With the suit and tie, we’re sticking to a template that’s way too rigid. Men’s style should be a way to explore personal identity — whether through a bold suit, a splash of color or something completely unexpected. The goal? A space where men feel comfortable taking risks in fashion, free from outdated ideas about masculinity.
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