Fashion and Men’s Clothing Essay Example

are open to experimenting with new products during shopping trips. They tend to identify themselves with specific groups based on their interests and personal preferences. The generation Y market, comprising mostly of individuals aged 13 to 20, is a particularly popular subculture among teens. This group is knowledgeable about current market trends and devotes considerable time to online activities and television viewing instead of reading newspapers (Solomon 453).

The shopping choices made by parents are not trusted by this group. The subsequent generation is referred to as generation X, encompassing individuals aged 25 to 40. Their focus lies in achieving a work-life balance and they maintain skepticism towards marketing strategies. Practicality serves as the basis for their product purchases (Solomon 457). Lastly, the Baby Boomer generation consists of highly educated individuals who prioritize health over material possessions. Consequently, they refrain from making numerous purchases. However, when it comes to clothing and personal luxury items, credit cards are utilized to keep up with fashion trends.

Fashion is not just about looks; it is a means for designers to convey messages about society. Throughout history, men's fashion has undergone significant changes. In the 1800s, men sported frock coats, pocket watches, top hats, and walking sticks. Moving into the late 1890s and early 1900s, stiff-collared sack coats became the trend, characterized by their length and slimness. By the 1930s, American men dressed with the intention of projecting a specific image, adhering to codes of conduct and etiquette. In the 1950s, a period of conformity, young men returning from the military sought to assimilate into the establishment by wearing rep ties, Oxford shirts, boxy sack suits, and loafers.

In the early 1970s,

men's fashion was characterized by tie dye shirts, bell bottom jeans, headbands, and bracelets. The casual chic look became popular in the 1990s, with men piercing their bodies, adopting tattoos, and wearing oversized hoodies, T-shirts, trainers, and distressed jeans. In the new millennium, young men's fashion was heavily influenced by hip-hop culture and European tailoring, with slim fits for older men. The internet played a significant role in allowing men to share and learn from other style enthusiasts. In the 2010s, online shopping became widely accepted worldwide, providing access to a wide range of brands.

Fashion is influenced by the history of humankind, with clothing colors, designs, and tastes changing accordingly. Different occasions require various types of attire: professional suits for work, casual wear for leisure, and pajamas for sleep. Scholars attribute fashion to modernization and western consumer culture, which emerged during the industrial revolution in the eighteenth century. Thus, fashion is a cultural creation shaped by political, economic, and ideological factors.

The idea of fashion subcultures centers around the creation of groups that are formed based on specific aspects of appearance, clothing, and decoration in order to establish a unique identity. These subcultures distinguish themselves from the current fashion trends by opposing and contrasting them. Within these subculture groups, members can either be forward-thinking and extreme or traditional and resistant in their fashion decisions. Even though they may question the importance of fashion, their own sense of self, and the concept of style, subcultures still impact consumer behavior when it comes to buying fashion items (Solomon 476).

In terms of subgroup analysis, men's fashion and identity serve as a way to establish group boundaries and foster a

sense of belonging. This is achieved through the emphasis on culture, transgression, street styles, and counter-cultural modes. Age and identity can be defined by two primary factors: ethnicity and social class. Clothing plays a significant role in making social differences tangible and visible.

Work cited

• Fletcher, Kate. Sustainable fashion and textiles: design journeys. Routledge, 2013.
• McRobbie, Angela. In the culture society: Art, fashion and popular music. Routledge, 2013.
• Solomon, Michael R. Consumer Behavior Buying, Having, and Being: Buying, Having, and Being.
• Prentice Hall, 2016.