DEFINING EUROPEAN MALE FASHION Attempting to actually define Europe’s male fashion traditions would be nearly impossible, but it’s safe to say that clean silhouettes and attention to detail largely dictate the styles. The materials and embellishments are as crucial as the fit and structure, and every piece - from swimming trunks to sport coats - exemplifies a strong recognition of the male form. In other words, a harmonious fit is a crucial element of European fashion. While baggy pants, loosefitting khakis, oversize T-shirts and the like may be the norm in America, those clothes are relatively unseen in Europe. The preference for even the most basic items - button down shirts, trousers and jackets, for example - is streamlined and sleek, and most tend to show off the figure in some way.
Shirts are obviously available in various styles and made with many different materials, but in general they are slimly cut, with darts in the back creating a closer proximity to the body. This tailored shape is often favored for its easy sophistication and ability to wear well with everything from jeans to classic trousers.
Trousers may appear different on the runway from season to season, but the classic European style is typically characterized by a shorter length that ends right at the ankle. This allows the shoes to be visible while keeping the socks concealed. As with shirts, the cut is usually lean and quite streamlined, a style that equates well with the typical European figure.
Coats pull together a man’s outfit like nothing else. Traditional European outerwear is an iconic look that seems to serve as a reference point for European style in general, and rightfully so - nothing is quite as elegant as a fine coat with an impeccable cut. Thick wool styles are winter essentials, while trench coats are perfect for dressing up or down during the spring. Sport coats are staples, worn in neutral hues for any occasion - even the most casual.
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