Menswear fashion trends for winter 2021

If men’s fashion winter 2021 was a movie, it would be Back to the Future, but instead of the going back 20 years and putting on all the cool clothes of the era, it’s like the clothes travelled to the future, met a stylist, and then put themselves on us.

Let me explain.

If you’re a guy looking to up your style game this winter, you’ll be happy to learn that the three key trends are all classic styles that you love and were probably faves of your dad too, but with a point of difference.

While menswear trends of the season are much loved classics, they’re being delivered with a very modern twist – and they’re hitting the menswear stores of Camberwell right now.

Here’s what you need to know about the three key menswear winter fashion trends for 2021.

The crew knit

Once the domain of computer nerds and dads who just got home from the office, the crew knit is dominating the fashion stakes this winter.

The crew knit is a popular menswear choice because it delivers peak comfort – not itchy or scratchy like conventional jumpers, and not so bulky it’ll make you break out into a sweat the minute you walk indoors. The crew knit is mid-weight, a relaxed fit, and features a simple round neck.

There’s no need to stray from the traditional dark blues and greens; this winter add a bit of style by choosing a crew neck with interesting weave patterns and contrasting cuffs and necks.

The classic chino

This winter, the gods of fashion are truly smiling on the men of Camberwell, with another comfy wardrobe staple making the fashion grade: the classic chino.

It’s like the jeans you wear when you can’t or don’t want to wear jeans, but when trousers are just a little too fancy.

This season’s chinos are straight cut but not skintight, and are fashioned from a cotton blend that has a little ‘give’, making them a comfy choice for all occasions, but especially those where a lot of food will be consumed.

This winter choose a colour that pays homage to the desert explorers of old – camel, sand, or light olive.

Team your chinos with a crew neck for casual weekends, or a shirt for those more formal or corporate events.

The bomber

Those who can remember the 80s, and those who quietly enjoy an 80s movie, will remember the much-loved bomber jacket.

Well, it’s making a comeback and we can all be happy about that.

Yet, while the 80s bomber was all about puffiness and sew-on badges, winter 2021 is serving up the classic jacket with a little more tailoring and a whole lot of understated cool.

The loose fit and zip front are still there, but the cut is straighter and embellishments non-existent. Imagine the bomber jacket just grew up and got a job.

Choose subdued colours like steel, camel, or dark green to be really on-trend.

If you love the new winter menswear looks, the even better news is that the three key trends are all available at the one place: Camberwell shopping precinct.

A menswear shop in Camberwell has been dressing the men of Melbourne with quality fashion and good humour for more than 60 years.

Cavalier makes shopping for menswear an enjoyable experience, even for men who don’t like shopping. The store offers everything from men’s suits, to casual wear, knitwear, shoes, socks, ties and accessories.

Store owner Simeon Sparks said Cavalier offers some of the best quality brands at great prices, and customers keep coming back for the friendly atmosphere and witty staff.

“We have fun and we make this an enjoyable place to shop. That was really instilled in the business years ago by previous store owners and managers – to have fun, have fun with the customers and have a laugh with them,” he said.

Heritage

Cavalier has been calling Camberwell home since 1955, and the store has remained in its same location at 632 Burke Rd since opening.

Mr Sparks began working at the store in 1995 after leaving a career in graphic design and dabbling in part-time work in menswear.

“I actually bought my first suit at Cavalier, for job interviews. I got the job and I was so impressed with the company that I eventually bought the store,” he said.

After 10 years in the business, Mr Sparks became the store manager and in 2009 he entered into a partnership with two other people. By 2011, he bought the partners out and has owned and run Cavalier since.

He has seen the store undergo several changes, including a major refurbishment to infuse a more masculine look and feel to the interior.

“There was a real push, in retail, to go with a white, clean and minimal design. But we wanted to retain that classic look and warmth through wooden finishes. I think it fits well with our character and reflects our history,” Mr Sparks said.

Quality

Cavalier’s primary focus is on high quality clothing, no exception.

While the store is renowned for its selection of men’s suits, it also offers smart weekend wear for the man that wants to look good.

Brands stocked at Cavalier include Hugo Boss, Gant, Scotch and Soda, Loake, Canali, Armani Collezioni and Rembrandt.

“All the suits in here are made from European fabrics. They’re a much higher quality,” Mr Sparks said.

“We don’t take shortcuts. We know our customers are too smart – they’ll know if we buy cheap stuff and mark it up. That’s not what we’re about.

“So, if we introduce a new label our customers trust that it is up to standard because they have faith that we’ve done the research and that the product that we’re getting in is an excellent product.”

Trust

For Cavalier customers, it’s all about the experience of finding the perfect suit.

“You get a personalised fitting service, you get to touch and feel fabrics and you get to choose from the best selection of suits and menswear brands,” Mr Sparks said.

“We get a lot of men that come in here that hate shopping but by the time they leave, they’ve had a good time and we’ve made the experience for them easy and enjoyable.”

Mr Sparks said Cavalier helped men take more pride in what they wear and how they look.

“When people walk out of here in our clothes, we want them to represent Cavalier. That’s why we want our customers to look and feel good in the clothes we sell,” he said.

“Clothing makes you feel good. When you put something special on, you feel the effect of that instantly. Men shouldn’t be afraid to look like they’re making an effort.”

The staff at Cavalier put a lot of energy into building relationships with their customers and earning their trust, Mr Sparks said.

“The last thing we want is someone going home after shopping at Cavalier and not talking about us favourably.

“We don’t believe in putting the hard sell on people either because that is not a tactic to keep customers happy and coming back. All we want is to be front of mind when people are looking for suits and quality menswear.

“We’ve always said: love your customer and they’ll love you back.”

Visit the store

Cavalier menswear

632 Burke Rd, Camberwell

Phone: (03) 9882 4357

Visit their website: cavaliermenswear.com.au