The beginning of a fresh year presents an ideal opportunity for personal growth. While many focus on gym memberships, dietary changes, or quitting smoking, we advocate for examining the questionable clothing items that may still reside in one's wardrobe from recent years. Consider it a form of sartorial self-improvement.
Fashion trends serve to refresh styles and propel fashion evolution. However, not all trends are equal; some endure while others lead to regrettable style decisions in the future.
The trends and pieces listed below unequivocally belong to the latter category. Therefore, continue reading to discover what men's fashion should discard in 2024.
Full Gorpcore
After years of trail runners, shell jackets, and baggy cargos dominating our explore pages, it's evident that we've reached the pinnacle of gorp. This outdoor-inspired fashion trend, which saw former streetwear influencers venturing into the countryside for the ideal 'fit-pic backdrop, propelled functional mountain gear into the fashion limelight.
While there's nothing inherently wrong with a cozy fleece or the occasional Salomon sneaker, we believe it's time to bid farewell to the head-to-toe Gorpcore look in 2024.
What To Wear Instead
We certainly appreciate a tastefully incorporated outdoorsy piece from time to time. However, it's the sight of individuals strolling through Brooklyn or Southeast London dressed as if they're about to conquer Everest that doesn't quite resonate with us. Rather than outfitting your entire wardrobe from REI, we propose integrating outdoorsy elements in a manner that complements your personal style.
This might involve something as straightforward as substituting a hoodie for a thick-pile fleece or trading in the car coat for a Gore-Tex shell.
Cropped T-Shirts
We’ve noticed a disturbing amount of TikTok fashion influencers hacking perfectly good T-shirts up with scissors over the last couple of years. The goal is to achieve a cropped fit, which is all the rage right now. But make no mistake – this is a trend, and we’d urge you to think very carefully before you start butchering your T-shirts to fit in.
What To Wear Instead
The cropped look isn’t an inherently bad one, and can look good with high-waisted pants. However, there’s no substitute for a classic fit when it comes to dressing well irrespective of trends.
We always recommend T-shirts that are fitted in the body, with shoulder seams that sit nicely on the hinge of the shoulder, and a hem that falls somewhere between hip and waist level.
The Worst Of Y2K
It's crystal clear that we remember 2000s fashion vividly. Many aspects of it were unappealing then, and they remain unappealing today. Yet, inexplicably, the fashion world appears determined to resurrect some of its worst elements.
We're referring to the oversized billowy cargo pants, tacky logo trucker caps, rimless shades, and even some of the more regrettable hairstyles. Steer clear of these at all costs!
What To Wear Instead
If you're drawn to the Y2K aesthetic, you can still infuse elements of it into your wardrobe without going overboard. Double denim, for instance, is a quintessential noughties look that can be stylish when executed correctly.
To pull it off effortlessly, aim for contrast. Opt for denim shades that don't match too closely; for instance, pair a dark denim jacket with light jeans, or vice versa. Keep the rest of your outfit simple and refined, such as a white tee and loafers, and you'll be ready to hit the streets in style.
Collab Mania
We used to get excited about a good ol’ collab, but as brands have attempted to cash in on the hype, the sheer volume of nonsensical, money-grabbing co-branded projects has become laughable.
Make no mistake, we still appreciate a partnership between two brands that complement each other, or have some sort of link – Barbour x C.P. Company is a recent example. But Diplo x Crocs? You can keep it, thanks.
What To Wear Instead
Hey, by all means still cop the odd piece from a collab if you like it or it means something to you. But for us, sticking to the joint projects with integrity is where it’s at. We like it when a collab feels natural and makes sense from a design or brand-history perspective.
Gnome Beanies
Beanies have been gradually working their way off men’s heads for a few years now. First, they ventured north of the ears, but every time we head into the city we spot one that’s crept even further skyward. We can only hope 2024 will be the year they fall off completely.
What To Wear Instead
We've all experimented with those tiny, precariously perched woolen hats, haven't we? But if you find yourself constantly checking to ensure it hasn't slipped off every five minutes, it might be time for an adjustment.
Consider opting for a classic fisherman beanie instead. Designed to sit comfortably above the ears, it offers a more secure fit without the risk of looking like a garden gnome. Think more along the lines of Harry from Home Alone and less like a misplaced toque.
Jorts
OK menswear influencers. You had your fun pretending that baggy jorts were never the worst legwear known to man, but now it’s time to retire them for good.
OK menswear influencers. You had your fun pretending that baggy jorts were never the worst legwear known to man, but now it’s time to retire them for good.
Denim was never destined to be this length and it shows, so leave these things in the past for good and let’s move onwards and upwards in 2024.
What To Wear Instead
You can still enjoy a nice loose-fitting pair of shorts without resorting to denim. Leave the blue stuff for full-length jeans and go for something a little lighter instead. Swerve anything below the knee and look for shorts with a 5” to 7” inseam instead.
We’re big fans of Patagonia’s Baggies shorts, which are relatively affordable, subtle and easy to dress up or down depending on the setting.
Mullets
We still can’t actually believe we’re having to type this, but somehow mullets have been making a comeback. Blame TikTok, blame Gen Z, blame the unrelenting and indiscriminate recycling of decades-old trends, but whatever the reason for this god-awful trim’s resurgence, we’d urge you to STEER CLEAR.
We still can’t actually believe we’re having to type this, but somehow mullets have been making a comeback. Blame TikTok, blame Gen Z, blame the unrelenting and indiscriminate recycling of decades-old trends, but whatever the reason for this god-awful trim’s resurgence, we’d urge you to STEER CLEAR.
This is one of those trends that’s all but guaranteed to age about as well as an unrefrigerated gammon joint.
What To Wear Instead
How about sticking to one haircut at a time?
Wraparound Shades
Are you a cyclist, runner or short-tempered American cop with a military haircut? If not, then why are you wearing wraparound sunglasses? Hey, each to their own. If you genuinely like the way the look then you do you, but from where we’re standing this bears all the hallmarks of a flash in the pan that’ll have you cringing at photos in a few years’ time.
What To Wear Instead
For casual wear, the classic shapes and styles are the best. A simple metal or acetate frame in silver, gold, plain black or tortoiseshell is always going to be more versatile than a sporty brow-bar frame with a reflective pink lens.
Skinny Jeans
Some guys are STILL clinging onto their skinny jeans… or maybe they just physically can’t get them off. Either way, they need to go, and 2023 is the last chance saloon as far as we’re concerned.
What To Wear Instead
You don’t have to go completely the opposite way and start wearing loose-fitting legwear. A slim-fit jean is still a good option as long as it’s not overly tight.
Outside of that, a classic regular fit with a straight or tapered leg hasn’t gone out of fashion in 150 years. How’s that for a safe bet?
Absurdly Baggy Jeans
At the complete opposite end of the spectrum, impractically baggy jeans (and pants in general) have been on the rise for a minute. Again, where pants are concerned, it’s best to stay away from the extremes, so this is another one we’d be happy to see the back of in 2023.
What To Wear Instead
There’s nothing wrong with a relaxed or loose-fitting trouser, but if they’re trailing on the floor and impeding your ability to walk then it’s probably time to downsize.
Tight Tailoring
Tailoring is supposed to fit you, not cut off the circulation to your extremities and stop you from raising arms. Slim and skinny fit suits are another trend that some men still seem to be struggling to let go of.
But it’s not too late to trade your tight-fitting tailoring in, and the beginning of a new year is the perfect excuse.
What To Wear Instead
A tailor-made suit is the dream, but it’s not financially viable for a lot of people. The next best thing you can do is buy an off-the-peg suit and have your local tailor alter it to fit.
Broccoli Hair
Shaved back and sides with a big crop of permed, curly locks on the top. Call it what you want, but this monstrosity of a haircut is not going to age well. It’s been ubiquitous among Zoomers for a good few years now, so perhaps the turn of the new year would be a good time to put it to bed once and for all.
What To Wear Instead
Mid-length curly hair looks great as it is. Forget the disconnected back and sides and just rock it au naturel.
Socks And Slides
Your dirty white socks were never supposed to get this much exposure. Wearing sliders might be comfortable for you, but it certainly isn’t for the onlookers. Do us all a favour and put some proper footwear on when you leave the house.
What To Wear Instead
In public places, shoes are traditional.
Let us know in the comments!
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