Dappered | Men’s Style Predictions for 2020

[Dappered | Men’s Style Predictions for 2020]() --------------------------------------------------------------- - [Men’s Style Predictions for 2020](#1) - [Style Scenario: Below Freezing](#2) - [In Review: Target’s New All In Motion Activewear Line](#3) [Men’s Style Predictions for 2020](r/Dappered/~3/lYnEg2AX0Uk/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 04 Feb 2020 03:00 AM PST Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. Prognosticating the ebb and flow of Men’s style is not easy. But that doesn’t mean we can’t throw a few mental darts at the board. Note that these aren’t necessarily endorsements/wishes. Just predictions. Social Media usage, [and its influence](, starts to falter I truly believe one day we’ll look at social media the way we now look at cigarettes. People who are really “good” at consuming this stuff think they’re hip, look cool, and (sadly) believe they’re more of an individual than the pack. Yet more and more of us are starting to view those who are constantly on social media as… pathetic. Addicts who are easily manipulated by the large corporations behind this thing they can’t get out of their hands and minds. It’s over. No one cares about your selfie (because they’re too busy taking their own, of which you don’t care about). Oh, and give us a follow on [Instagram](, [Facebook](, and [Twitter](, won’t you? [Dappered.com]( “I can’t remember the last time this thing made me feel good.” Buy-Now-Pay-Later Installment Shopping cannibalizes the customer base There have been a lot of “get this sweater now, pay for it in 4 easy installments later!” gimmicks popping up across retailers lately. One could argue that if they’re interest free, then perhaps it’s better than racking up high interest credit card debt. But there is a (weird) argument that high interest on credit cards should act as a disincentive. It’s not very nice, and predatory behavior should be punished, but there’s a price to pay for getting it now, even though you don’t have the money. This quad-payment/after-bill nonsense removes the disincentive, and only encourages people to overspend even more. One would think this might increase the user’s chance of insolvency? Which means they’ll have zero money to spend later at the retailer. Nice work guys! Let’s eat our young! Trashy Fast Fashion starts to slip There’s only so many times someone can be conned into buying a piece of crap that (surprise) ends up being a piece of crap and leaves them feeling disappointed that it was such a piece of crap before they realize that these fast-fashion brands they buy from ONLY MAKE PIECES OF CRAP. Fast fashion. Faster to the trash than the rest. 2nd Hand goes mainstream Macy’s, J.C. Penney, [and now Nordstrom](. All are big-time traditional retailers who have embraced the trend of selling 2nd hand. [And Nordy wants to pay you in gift cards for your stuff]( “Nordstrom said it will issue gift cards in exchange for customers’ used clothing, handbags, shoes, jewelry and watches, which will be cleaned and repaired as needed before being resold.” Interesting. Now to be fair, it’s really Nordstrom jumping on board that makes me think this could work. Nordy seems to do everything right. Macy’s and JC Penney on the other hand could invent a cold-fusion machine and I’d be skeptical. Plus, they’d just lose the thing under a pile of clearance rack crap. “Hey Mike! You know where we put the cold-fusion machine?” “Ahhh, last time I saw it it was under the pile of 3-for-1 [Tasso Elba]( sweaters from 2006.” More athleisure. And athleisure branches out. I tried to resist. And I lost. You guys kept telling me you wanted it. And y’know? As long as [you follow some simple, common sense rules](, you can still look pretty decent wearing this stuff. Plus their focus on technical-fabrics, sleekness, and true performance can pay off. Meanwhile, look for athleisure brands to branch out into more traditional styles. Like stuff to look semi-professional in. Why? Money of course. Because now that they have you in their joggers, one way to get more money out of you is to convince you that you also need their chinos. [Business!]( [Dappered.com]( I fought the Lu, and the Lu won. Righteousness as a marketing strategy grows I believe the following two things can co-exist in the same universe: - It’s good to value companies and brands that say their products are green, sustainable, ethical, free range, and aren’t made from freshly-born baby seals clubbed to death with stolen artifacts. - It’s still a marketing strategy used to sell you more stuff. Bonobos, Spier & Mackay, and Todd Snyder will all look great in 2020 Not just good. Great. Of course, all of them do have their drawbacks and challenges. Bonobos is trying to fight off [any creeping influence from Wal-Mart](. Spier and Mackay has their stock issues (stuff still sells out fast). And Todd Snyder is expensive. But in terms of who might make the most drool worthy stuff in 2020? I’m thinking these three will excel. Also prepped for a good year, I think? Banana Republic (again), Nodus Watches, and Huckberry’s exclusive Proof performance clothes and Rhodes boots lines. [Bonobos]( Bonobos looks to look pretty top-shelf this year. Jeans start to fall out of favor The rise of tech-fabrics and athleisure must have, at least in part, led to the stretchification of men’s denim over the last 5-10 years. The rigid, selvedge “these things were made on shuttle looms. SHUTTLE LOOMS” renaissance was the equal and opposite reaction to that stretchification. And here we are, I think, seeing denim sorta-kinda-maybe burning out. I hope this isn’t true, but I think jeans might take a step back in 2020. Whimsy has its moment Grown men recently went absolutely bananas over a sweater [with a cute teddybear]( (and [various versions thereof]( on the front. Bonobos is making [OCBDs with totes-adorbs snails (or robots!) on them](. This stuff is spreading. I don’t quite get it myself, but a ton of other dudes do. [Ralph Lauren Cocoa Bear Sweater]( To all the Whimsy haters (Joe included), Polo bear serves up a steaming cup of shut the *bleep* up. A new brand (or 12) promises to pass along major savings to its customers by selling DIRECTLY to them over the internet! “No middlemen! We only sell directly to you over the internet! Major savings!” This is not new. At all. Quit it with the dumb flow charts of how traditional retail works, and how your “new” business model works. “But the arrows! We have so many fewer arrows!” We’ve seen it. We get it. And we reserve the right to still give you the side-eye. Suit jackets, sportcoats, and blazer tails STOP getting chopped Stop. Chopping. The damn jacket tails. Super-short tails [make the wearer look boxy and awkward](. Suit jackets, sportcoats, and blazers are supposed to make [the wearer look slimmer and more athletic](. Chopping the tails does the opposite. It makes you look like [SpongeBob SquarePants](. To avoid this problem, [stick with Suitsupply]( and [Spier & Mackay](. Thankfully, they do not do this. [Dappered.com]( WHO LIVES IN A PINEAPPLE UNDER THE SEA? January goes by in a flash! Where’d that month go? Maybe it’s under the Macy’s clearance pile with the cold fusion machine. Got a prediction of your own for men’s style in 2020? Got some inside intel you’d like to share that proves one of these predictions wrong? Send those in to joe@dappered.com. (Top photo [credit]() ff/Dappered?a=lYnEg2AX0Uk:Mmhxn5uW1Ok:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=lYnEg2AX0Uk:Mmhxn5uW1Ok:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=lYnEg2AX0Uk:Mmhxn5uW1Ok:gIN9vFwOqvQ [Style Scenario: Below Freezing](r/Dappered/~3/6bJZZHFM5B4/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 03 Feb 2020 02:00 PM PST Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. What are you going to wear? Sometimes it’s good to look at a few suggestions then add your own tweaks and ideas. That’s what these are for. [Betting on an early spring huh](? GROUNDHOG HOGWASH I SAY. This winter ain’t over. At some point, the cold and snow will return. Sure, [you would love to sit inside](, put on comfortable clothes and binge your favorite show, get some items checked off the home to-do list, or crack open a good book. But, for many of us, inches upon inches of snow means we’re forced to confront the cold, frozen precipitate and dig ourselves out. That, and even in the thick of winter, it’s good for the soul to get outside and take in a bit of fresh air (but not for too long). Below are a few items to help you brave the elements in style. [Style Scenario: Below Freezing | Dappered.com] The Boots: [L.L. Bean 8” Insulated Bean Boot in Dark Ash – $159]( A tried and true classic, L.L. Bean’s Made in Maine Bean Boots are built to last, keep you warm and dry, and look good doing it. An icon. I’m wearing a pair in a discontinued shade of Navy leather at the very top of the post, but the pick above in dark ash looks, to me, even better. And these are insulated to-boot (hold for applause). I wear these to do everything from shovel, walk the dog, or get the mail. A true do-it-all boot. The Socks: [Bombas Merino Wool Calf Socks – $68.40 for 4 pairs]( I thought about going with Bean Boot socks to match the boots, but in the interest of variety, we’ll go with these tried and true wool Bombas. Merino wool for temperature regulation, and a honeycomb structure to cradle your arch for a bit of support. I have four pairs of these and adore them. They have been my go-to cold weather sock when paired with a proper-fitting boot. There are warmer socks, but the key is to avoid sweating in your boots outside. Once the sweat stops, a freeze will set in and you’ll be worse for wear. If it’s your first purchase, get 20% off with an email sign-up. The Jacket: [Patagonia Nanopuff Insulated Hoodie in Coriander – $249]( Lightweight, extremely warm, and easy on the environment. As an added bonus, it’s great for layering either a fleece underneath, or a rain-resistant shell over top. I like to opt for something for my snow-gear in a more unique color (instead of the common black, blue and grey). I understand why everyone goes for black, blue, and gray, but I leave those colors for something more classic, like a peacoat or topcoat. UPDATE: Or… to save a few bucks, you could snag [some of the North Face gear that’s on sale at Nordstrom right now](. Like [this thermoball hooded parka for $154](. The Pants: [Bonobos Flannel-Lined Chinos in Navy – $88]( FINAL ($118). A known truth in the affordable menswear community is that Bonobos excels in the pants department. The fit, construction, and materials are top notch and will provide mountains of style when you’re shoveling mountains of snow. A cheaper alternative, albeit completely sold out at time of posting, are the [GAP flannel-lined chino pant](. Keep an eye out for restocks. The Shirt: [Made in the USA Flint & Tinder Flannel in Red & Blue – $72.98]( ($98). On the more expensive side, but unless you’re a lumberjack or in a grunge band, perhaps opt for quality over quantity for classic American wear like this. Unconvinced? Fair enough. [Try Goodthreads for $27 instead](. The Belt: [Timberland Classic Leather Belt in Black – $18](. Something cheap and rugged that won’t mind getting beat up. This option from Timberland does the trick. The Hat: [BR Merino Beanie – $29.70]( when 40% off ($49.50). Really nice. Great merino knit, just the right amount of thickness and strength to the fabric, and often on sale. The Gloves: [Outdoor Research Riot Glove in Black – $55]( No, these aren’t for a topcoat, chinos and Chelsea boots. These are for shoveling snow, sitting in the stands for your kid’s sporting event at night in the cold, walking the dog early in the morning before work, or balling up some fresh powder and launching a snowball at a friend. These keep my hands toasty and dry in the lowest temperatures. The Watch: [Fitbit Charge 3 in Black – $100](. You’ll be surprised how many calories you burn, or where your heart rate might go, when shoveling snow. About the Author: Jason P. is a Dappered devotee, having curated the majority of his wardrobe through the site. He is an enthusiast of wool sweaters, chino pants, and affordable automatic watches. In his free time, you can find him at his boxing gym or antiquing with his wife. ff/Dappered?a=6bJZZHFM5B4:H_27MRC1GVU:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=6bJZZHFM5B4:H_27MRC1GVU:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=6bJZZHFM5B4:H_27MRC1GVU:gIN9vFwOqvQ [In Review: Target’s New All In Motion Activewear Line](r/Dappered/~3/d21HlLSG8mg/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 03 Feb 2020 08:00 AM PST Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. [Target All in Motion Activewear]( When it was revealed in 2018 that Target [would not be renewing]( their 15-year contract with C9 Champion, [speculation ran]( about whether this move would hurt, or benefit, Target as a whole. Sure, there had been some success [with their newer in-house brands](, but when you’re talking about stretch, moisture-wicking, and other activewear properties, why would they take all of the trust they’ve built with C9 and throw that out the window, starting fresh? Based upon what I’m seeing so far, they totally made the right call. When you’re taking on Lululemon, the details matter. The materials matter. The fit and mobility is crucial. And it really does seem like Target’s designers took a long, hard look at their competitors, and dove deep into the little things about activewear that people care about. This isn’t basic stuff. Everything has small details that bring each piece of gear up a notch. Here’s what we found when we took some of [Target’s new All in Motion activewear line]( for a spin. Sizing Note: Ryan N. is 5’9″, 160 lbs. All shirts are size Small. Shorts and pants were all over the place, and sizing will be noted below. [Men’s Short Sleeve Run T-Shirt in Light Gray – $20]( [In Review: Target's New All In Motion Activewear Line | Dappered.com]( A terrific basic. Great for strength training, cardio, etc. This thing is suuuuuuper lightweight. Like, forget-you’re-wearing-it lightweight. The [mini-jersey knit pattern]( is not only interesting visually, it’s also functional to help move air around the body. I’m surprised that this is so soft for a 100% recycled polyester tee – could’ve easily mistaken it for a blend. Curved hem in the back is a nice touch. As for sizing? I still like the Small in these (which is shown above), but to my surprise, I’m not swimming in a medium. If you like a trim fit, order your normal size. Want it “loose fitted”? Size up. What might be the best part? No chest logos. [All you have is an unobtrusive “shadow” sleeve logo](. Boom. [Men’s Short Sleeve Novelty T-Shirt in Light Blue – $16]( [In Review: Target's New All In Motion Activewear Line | Dappered.com]( A little more structure. Flexible but not thick. A little more structure than the previous [“Run” t-shirt](. It’s substantial, but far from thick. This stuff is made to move. I found this particularly different from C9 in that C9 seemed to stretch for no particular reason. Some of those shirts stretch out twice their size. No one needs that. What you get with All In Motion, though? I’m terming it, “flex.” Specifically designed to move where you need it to move, no more, and then settle back to where it’s supposed to be. Not unlike a resistance band. Raglan sleeves here again, shadow logo, and a nice low-key [visual interest to the pattern](. Taped seams on the collar and [split hems](, with a flat style hemline. Affordable as heck at just $16. [Men’s 7″ Premium Lifestyle Shorts in Navy – $22]( [In Review: Target's New All In Motion Activewear Line | Dappered.com]( Shorts that can do it all. Yoga to HIIT to walking the dog. Size medium is shown above. I LOVE these. Silver medal for me out of the bunch (keep scrolling for that gold). This is everything I want in a workout short. Supremely stretchy (yes, I just said too much stretch can be a weird thing, but these are so comfortable, I don’t even care). As I mentioned in [our last Target athletic roundup](, I do a lot of BodyCombat with high kicks and movement, and these would be my new go-to. [For me, the 7″ length is perfect](. The shadow logo is hidden nicely on the back of the shorts near the side, rather than out in front. Drawstring elastic waistband for fine-tune control. Huge, usable pockets up front, and [a zipper stash at your back right pocket](. Last but not least, each of their pants and shorts (that I have found, at least) [have a small elastic loop on the inside back]( for hanging in a locker or out to dry. So simple, yet so thoughtful. Target is really nailing the details on these. These walk the line between athletic and leisure. Someone should come up with [a name for that](! [Men’s 9″ Train Shorts in Black – $18]( [In Review: Target's New All In Motion Activewear Line | Dappered.com]( That’s… not a rowing machine. Or a bike. I sized down to a small for these shorts shown above. Clocking in slightly longer at a 9″ inseam, these are not as thigh-ful [as the “Lifestyle” shorts](, but still hit above the knee. Not quite as stretchy, either, but plenty good. There’s a subliminal hexagonal pattern to them, barely visible, but which you can see much better on the inside. Drawstring, stretchy waistband, and hang loop here as well. Since I like my gear on the minimalist side, [the graphic]( is not my style, but it’s far from garish and fits nicely with the aesthetic. Small logo matching the graphic color on the back left. [Men’s Train Pants in Olive – $20]( [In Review: Target's New All In Motion Activewear Line | Dappered.com]( And that’s not a medicine ball. [“Train” shorts](, and now “train” pants. Size small shown above. These share that “hexagonal” patterned look, but it’s [much more visible]( on these. You’re basically getting the pants version of the black patterned shorts for only $2 more – that seems like a bargain to me. Very affordable at $20. The color is nice and neutral, and these wear just super duper easy. Comfy, lightweight, you could wear these all day. Now, the question here is the sizing. In the past, I’d be a dead-square medium across the board in C9, but All In Motion might just have some tricks up their sleeve. I actually take a Small in these, whereas the Medium is just a little too baggy for my liking. But does that mean I’m a Small across the board in AIM? Well… [Men’s Run Knit Pants in Gray – $32]( [In Review: Target's New All In Motion Activewear Line | Dappered.com]( Ryan appears to have unorthodox training techniques. The answer to that is, “Nope.” Surprise! I’m back to a Medium here. It seems like perhaps for their “jogger” style leg opening (see the very top of the post) I need a Medium. Trying on the Small, I couldn’t even get these past my calves. Honestly, the overall fit on these is slightly strange. My calves are still quite tight in the Medium, but there’s tons of room up top. Like, a weird amount of room. Reviews on Target’s site tend to agree with that notion. Unfortunately, [the zip ankle openings]( don’t relieve anything from the calves, so there’s no real airflow to speak of. Pockets are pushed almost halfway in from the outseam, meaning they will lay more flat, but they also kinda look like you’re [giving yourself the business]( every time [you reach in](. DANGEROUS. They’re comfortable and visually look sharp, don’t get me wrong, but they’re an afterthought in this bunch. Instead of these things, go with the [Amazon Peak Velocity Trackster pant]( and save yourself a few bucks. [Men’s Golf Pants in Navy – $40]( [In Review: Target's New All In Motion Activewear Line | Dappered.com]( Well, it COULD rain on the course. Size 32×30 shown above. I picked these up in-store when my Target dropped the collection early, since new golf pants have been on the back burner for me for a while. Could these be my new jam? At $40, they aren’t the cheapest, but [certainly cheaper than something from the Bonobos golf line](. In fact, now that I’m looking at it, these are pretty close replicas / homages to the Bonobos “[Lightweight 5-Pocket Golf Pants]( but for less than half the $98 asking price. The same 5-pocket layout with jeans-style pockets on the back. Same [reinforced back knee seams]( for when you hunch over your putt on the green. Same UPF 50+ rating for sun protection. I would have really liked to see them go the whole 150 yards and take cues from Bonobos’s sticky waistband that holds your shirt in place, but no such luck. All In Motion does have a leg up with a [zippered “coin” pocket](, which I would be using for tees and a ball marker, and a [double-closure waistband]( that buttons and slides. These flex really nicely, allowing me full range of motion on [my swing](. Definitely worth it (and really looking forward to warmer weather). [Men’s Pique Golf Polo Shirt in Black – $22]( [In Review: Target's New All In Motion Activewear Line | Dappered.com]( Safety first? This polo is remarkable in the “performance” front for a multitude of reasons. First, and most noticeable, THERE IS NO LOGO ANYWHERE. Not on the chest, not on the sleeve, not even on the hemline that would be hidden when tucked in. Nowhere. Unbelievable. Second, a lot of performance polos are slick, shimmery, and overall very “artificial,” barely being passable outside the links. Not so here. Not only is it not slick, it [has a pique texture]( that is matte in appearance and feels premium. Third, the collar actually looks like a collar. C9 didn’t quite get it right, nor do most performance polos. But this one is stitched all the way around, giving it structure and hope that it won’t flop over after the 4th hole. The fit is spot on, too. The same familiar flex from the workout shirts is here, with just enough give for full range of motion. Worth every penny at $22. [Men’s Short Sleeve Henley T-Shirt in Black Camo – $22]( [In Review: Target's New All In Motion Activewear Line | Dappered.com]( Post workout protein is important I suppose. Saved the best for last, as I often do. But seriously, wow. I’ve never had a performance henley; I’ve just never really seen the point when I could get a v-neck or a looser crewneck. I think I’ve seen the light. All In Motion has crafted a beautifully-textured shirt, with an awesome camo pattern, that performs in the weight room. Talk about a transitional piece – you could wear it in the gym or out for afternoon drinks. Scooped (or baseball-style) hem and taped neck seam. Did I mention [the texture](? This is why All In Motion is a step up from C9. Target brought out all the bells and whistles while keeping the price in the same range. These pieces just feel so finished, so well-thought-out. We’ve got a real winner on our hands, and I’m looking forward to what they’ll bring to athleisure in the coming years. About the Author: Ryan N. is a professional web developer for (and alum from) the University of Delaware, who keeps a close shave as to not be confused with his strongly-bearded twin brother. He plays guitar and drums, loves going to concerts with his wife, and loves being a dad. [In Review: Target's New All In Motion Activewear Line | Dappered.com]( Cat squats are the new burpee. (Note: Brave here was a VERY GOOD GIRL about this photo.) ff/Dappered?a=d21HlLSG8mg:z5NqK_Iqlug:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=d21HlLSG8mg:z5NqK_Iqlug:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=d21HlLSG8mg:z5NqK_Iqlug:gIN9vFwOqvQ You are subscribed to email updates from [Dappered Style Mail](). To stop receiving these emails, you may [unsubscribe now](. Email delivery powered by Google Google, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States