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I try not to make it my mission to tell others how to dress. I’m also not a staunch traditionalist, despite my penchant for suits, ties, and natural fabrics. However, I do like to observe, and, where appropriate, comment.

A ton of menswear content is based around trends. Predicting them. Knocking on them. Setting them, even, if you happen to be Jacob Elordi or Austin Butler (see literally all of 2023’s menswear journalism for reference).

But my take on trends is pretty simplistic. If you’re into clothes, pay attention to what’s hot – not just for the sake of “fitting in,” but more so because you might just stumble across your new favorite thing. I think it’s a lot truer to oneself to partake in a trend, grow attached to it because you specifically like it, and then keep said trend in your wardrobe rotation for years to come, long after TikTok deems it dated.

I say all of this to preface my semi-bold prediction for this year’s biggest trend, and perhaps to soften the blow of my inditement of the status quo.

A lot of guys transition from high school, college, and proper adulthood with minimal changes to their wardrobe. Across many age demographics, men are incredibly partial to activewear. And look, there’s nothing wrong with a good hoodie. I’m actually on the hunt for a new one, myself.

But I do think many of us rely too much on our sweats. I’ve always reserved the term “real clothes” for more traditional wardrobe staples. Pants with some structure to ’em. Collared shirts. The works.

I know, I know. It’s going to be incredibly difficult for me to beat the “trad” allegations after writing that. But let me insist, I have nothing against more active or streetwear-adjacent styles! I just hold a softer spot in my heart for the slightly-more-classics. To me, those will always be “real clothes.”

And I think this year will be big for real clothes.

A fair amount of menswear trends following the pandemic have leaned towards more traditional inspirations. Cool guys all over downtown Manhattan are sporting tailoring again. In some circles, I’ve finally begun to see just as many pleated pants as 2016-era jogger sweats. The balance is shifting. Even the biggest normies you know are catching on to last year’s style wave.

What I’m trying to say is, the smaller wave of more classic menswear attire that’s been bubbling about in men’s style spaces these last few years is only going to get bigger.

A few weeks back, I saw the following tweet, which got me thinking.

Regarding the fit of pants, I sort of agree with this. But I also think we’re at about the same point when considering the age of athleisure versus the age of Dockers and shirt collars.

I don’t mean to suggest that everyone is about to start swarming Kohl’s so they can start dressing like everyone on The Office. But I think we’ll be seeing many more classic pieces incorporated into modern outfits in a smart, sophisticated way.

Sport coats over tees. Oxford cloth button-downs tucked into pleated cords and Red Wing boots. These are all the baseline, and somewhat reminiscent of the trends we saw emerge during the 2013 “hipster era,” but this time, shit will fit.

And it’s about time. I’ve got my fingers crossed for men’s style enthusiasts to really embrace the value of putting on pieces that have stood the test of time.

It’s not gonna be suit-city or anything (I wish). But sturdier, well composed outfits are posed for a huge comeback. We’ve seen it with the popularity of the Giant Fit Chinos from J. Crew. Until now, these have been reserved for entry-to-mid level clothing enthusiasts. But I think your friend who has been wearing the same stuff since 2018 will finally catch on to these trends, too.

Even by just wearing better fitting jeans with more contemporary tops layers. TikTok user Logan501s does this as his standard uniform, and I’ve long been a fan of his fashion sense.

Definitley check out his account and give the man a follow.

Then get yourself some Wrangler Cowboy Cut jeans and a roomy sweater. If you’re not on it, already!

There’s just so much more visual interest when we revisit contemporary clothing. A track suit is great, but 90% of them will have the same look and texture. But if we put in just a tiny bit more effort and combine wool with denim and leather and so on – then there we’ll find something truly timeless.

We can always save our sweats for Sunday morning jogs. I know I’m aiming to, in the brand-new year of 2024. Cheers.