Last month we set about gathering your input on UK men’s fashion. We were really interested in what makes the men of the UK tick when they decide to splash some cash on new threads. We also asked a few fashionable fellas from various walks of the fashion life for their thoughts.
Toni Tran from Fashitects and Craig Landale from Menswear Style gave us some insight into their own personal preferences and shopping habits.
If you could spend a day shopping anywhere in the world where would you go?
Toni: I would go to Japan because of the diversity and styles of the designers. They are more fashion forward and so different.
Craig: New York – I’ve never been and it’s right at the top of my ‘Holidays’ list. I’d love to go during New York Fashion Week or at Christmas. Brands such as J Crew are much cheaper to buy in New York than over here in London.
“I like my money right where I can see it: hanging in my closet.” – Carrie Bradshaw – Sex in the City
What is your most important consideration when buying clothes?
Toni: When buying clothes, it comes down to the style. Why buy the same as your wardrobe but in another colour? When I look, I take new designs into consideration over brand types.
Craig: I have to feel comfortable wearing it. If I don’t think it’s ‘me’ or I feel I don’t look right I won’t buy it. I want my garments to last a fair few years too, so quality is equally important… but I also have an eye for a bargain.
Our survey says!
42% of our dashing respondents said the most important factor for them when buying clothes was personal style. Well done lads, flying the flag for the style tour de force! Second place went to price, 24% of you stated price was an important consideration – don’t worry we love a bargain too!
“The difference between style and fashion is quality.” – Giorgio Armani
What is your favourite item in your wardrobe and why?
Toni: My favourite item in my wardrobe would be my classic white shirt. It’s the most diverse and compliments everything I pair it with.
Craig: Right now it’s a floral blazer by 1 Like No Other. It’s very much a summer staple and it’s such a unique piece. All their items are unique, made from luxury materials and are numbered since they’re limited.
“Anyone can get dressed up and glamorous, but it is how people dress in their days off that are the most intriguing.” – Alexander Wang
Do you think there is a difference in the way men dress and shop throughout the UK?
Toni: Yes, there is a regional difference because in London, for example, we like to stick to the heritage and tradition of tailoring. History is important to society and the new generation want to dress like their grandparents, in vintage style clothes. It comes down to economy too. Asia tends to be more courageous with clothes and they try new styles. Is it to do with pop culture, politics or media influences?
As Craig has previously lived in Leeds and now resides in London we asked him more specifically if he felt the men in both cities dressed differently.
Craig: Yes, 100% – trendy guys in Leeds all have a similar look and if a trend catches on they’ll all adopt it whereas in London there are lots of different micro trends across north, south, east and west. The fact that a large percentage of London residents are made up of people of different nationalities, the styles are very diverse, unique and different.
“Fashions fade, style is eternal.” – Yves Saint Laurent
Do you have a favourite brand or designer?
Toni: I do not have a favourite brand or designer; I would be limiting myself as there are so many good designers in the world.
Craig: I like too many to name just one but right now I’m working with such great brands and stores.
Our Survey says!
Unlike Toni and Craig the guys we surveyed were partial to their preferred brands.
For your fancy feet almost 50% of you stated that you owned at least one pair of Vans. Lacoste was another favourite with 33% of you owning a pair of their shoes!
Again, Lacoste along with Diesel stole your hearts when we asked if you owned any other items by the brands; they took joint first place with 49% of you telling us you owned items from the two brands.
Toni left us with a final comment regarding men’s shopping habits:
“When men shop online, we like to be inspired by the look book of the new collections. New styles, new collections, seasonal sales.”
Did you take part in our survey? How do you think location affects style and fashion in the UK?
Special thanks to Toni and Craig for their thoughts.