From Rigid Formals To Vibrant Hues: Men's Fashion & Its Changing Landscape

Men’s fashion has undergone a significant transformation over the years, evolving from the conservative and formal styles of the past to the vibrant, diverse, and expressive trends seen today. From tailored suits to street wear, the journey of men’s fashion has been shaped by cultural shifts, social changes, and significant influences from Bollywood, fashion designers, and social media influencers.

Early 20th Century: Formal and Reserved

In the early 1900s, men’s fashion in India was largely influenced by British colonial rule. Western-style suits, trousers, and shirts were common among the upper class, while traditional Indian wear like kurta-pajama and sherwanis remained popular. These garments were often worn in formal settings or during cultural events. The focus was on modesty, professionalism, and maintaining a respectable appearance. The modern suit, tailored perfectly with sharp lines, came to represent class and sophistication.

Mid-20th Century: Bollywood Revolution

In the 1950s and 1960s, the influence of Bollywood began to take shape in shaping popular trends. Actors like Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand, and Shammi Kapoor became style icons, introducing new ideas of fashion to the masses. The film industry played a crucial role in making stylish, western-inspired clothing popular among Indian men. The bandh gala, Nehru jacket, and sharp, well-fitted trousers were all highlighted on screen, setting trends for casual yet formal attire.

The 1970s and 1980s marked a shift towards bold prints, vibrant colours, and more relaxed styles. Bollywood stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, and Rajesh Khanna embraced a mix of traditional and western clothing. This era saw the introduction of leather jackets, bell-bottom pants, and wide-collared shirts, adding a touch of glamour and drama to everyday wear.

1990s to Early 2000s: Globalization and High Fashion

By the 1990s, India saw the influence of globalization. Western fashion trends began to dominate Indian wardrobes, driven by the growing presence of global brands, television, and movies. Actors like Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan became synonymous with style, showcasing tailored suits, designer casual wear, and athletic wear. Bollywood fashion of the time began to appeal to a younger, more cosmopolitan audience. The iconic casual look—T-shirts, jeans, and leather jackets—was popularised by the stars of the time, with denim becoming a must-have item.

2010s to Present: Streetwear, Luxury, and Social Media

The last decade has seen the rise of street wear and the integration of luxury fashion into everyday clothing. Bollywood stars like Ranveer Singh, Vijay Varma, Babil Khan have taken bold steps in fashion, experimenting with color, texture, and unconventional styles. Ranveer Singh has become a fashion icon known for his fearless approach to clothing, often wearing avant-garde, gender-neutral, and eclectic outfits that challenge traditional norms.

The rise of social media influencers has been another game-changer for men’s fashion. Platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok have given rise to fashion bloggers and influencers who are setting trends and reaching millions of followers. Influencers like Ankush Bahuguna, Siddharth Batra, Rohit Bose and Virgil Abloh have paved the way for new, unapologetic fashion standards and have also brought the age old dhoti to the forefront with their hacks and styling tips.

The Role of Fashion Designers

In India, designers like Manish Malhotra, Sabyasachi Mukherji, Tarun Tahiliani, and Suneet Varma have shaped the fashion landscape for both men and women, creating sophisticated and timeless collections. Male celebrities and influencers often collaborate with designers to create custom looks for events, further influencing trends.

Speaking with Hook, Designer Suneet Varma said, "Men's fashion has changed a lot from simple formal dressing to an exciting mix of innovative experimentation. The modern man doesn't care for any reason regarding wearing fashionable styles, and it must definitely be a refined style."

In the global context, designers like Virgil Abloh and Ralph Lauren have brought men’s fashion into the modern age with their innovative approaches to casual yet luxurious wear. Today, men are not afraid to experiment with their style, from mixing traditional clothing with western styles to embracing gender-fluid fashion.

Men’s fashion has come a long way from its conservative roots, with Bollywood, social media influencers, and fashion designers playing significant roles in its evolution. Today’s fashion landscape celebrates individuality, creativity, and self-expression, allowing men to showcase their unique personalities through their clothing choices. As global trends continue to influence Indian fashion, the future of men’s style looks to be diverse, bold, and ever evolving.

Visuals courtesy:

Instagram (Kareena Kapoor Khan)

Instagram (Ranveer Singh)

Crispy Bollywood

Man's World India

Dharma Productions