Style (So Far) in the 2020s: Menswear in the Modern Era
In the current era of men’s fashion, a few notable trends have all but solidified their status as symbolic of the 2020s. Here’s our take on menswear of the decade, plus what we’ve done as a company so far.
The 2020s will always be remembered for the unprecedented societal shift that occurred at the dawn of the decade. The COVID-19 pandemic changed the globe’s way of life, forcing us indoors, reconsidering our needs, and pondering a brighter future.
Between the rise of work-from-home fashion, understated style, and conscious consumerism, these trends arrive in direct response to the changing world around us. At Harry Rosen, we’ve recognized these great changes as opportunities, remaining fleet-of-foot to adapt and thrive.
The COVID-19 pandemic rapidly accelerated a shift towards comfort and practicality in men's fashion, giving rise to a new era of loungewear, athleisure, and work-from-home attire. This trend emphasizes relaxed, stylish pieces that seamlessly transition from the couch to virtual meetings, and everything in between.
Emporio Armani brings this look to life in an elevated way with a brown textured zip jacket, knit polo, textured joggers and sneakers. Start with a quality lounge set for work (confidence shines through the camera!) and extend athleisure wear into evenings or weekends.
Opt for soft, high-quality, breathable fabrics that provide all-day comfort. For more casual working from home, pair a cozy sweatshirt with matching joggers or relaxed-fit pants. Basic T-shirts serve as versatile layering pieces that ensure you stay comfortable throughout the day in either look.
Complete the ensemble with easy-wearing shoes for maximum comfort and a touch of personal style, perfect for quick errands or lounging around the house.
Sometimes an elegant weave, texture, or pattern is all you need to take an outfit from good to great. Create visual depth by pairing complementary fabrics together.
The 2020s have seen a strong drive towards sustainability and ethical practices in men’s fashion. As awareness of climate change and labour rights issues grow, consumers and brands are increasingly prioritizing eco-friendly materials, ethical production processes, and circular fashion initiatives. This shift reflects a growing awareness of the environmental and social impacts of the fashion industry, leading to a more mindful approach to style.
We proudly offer sustainable product offerings from brands such as Paul & Shark. To prioritize conscious consumption, consider investing in sustainable fabrics and eco-friendly materials.
Look for brands on our site and in our stores that prioritize ethical production and transparent supply chains to help align your wardrobe choices with your values. If nothing else, consider investment pieces that stand the test of time through superior quality, over fast fashion alternatives.
The 2020s have seen the rise of “quiet luxury,” a trend characterized by understated elegance and high-quality craftsmanship. In response to fast fashion and the constant churn of fleeting trends, quiet luxury focuses on understated pieces that exude sophistication without conspicuous branding.
The emphasis is on impeccable tailoring, luxurious fabrics, and subtle details that speak volumes about the wearer’s discerning tastes. Key items in this trend include luxurious jackets, cashmere sweaters, tailored trousers, and well-crafted accessories like leather belts.
To achieve the quiet luxury look, choose pieces that prioritize quality and longevity. Opt for neutral colours and simple, clean lines that can easily be mixed and matched. This style is about investing in fewer, better items that offer versatility and enduring appeal, allowing you to build a wardrobe that feels both modern and timeless.
In the (nearly) four years since the start of the current decade, Harry Rosen has achieved many remarkable milestones and continues to adapt to the changing landscape of menswear in Canada to suit the needs of the modern man.
In 2020 so far, we’ve seen continued and expanded success of our ecommerce website, in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in a larger digital economy, though also to further illustrate our belief in making shopping with us as convenient as possible. And that includes reaching men where most convenient for them.
We also know that progress doesn’t come without a solid foundation, and sometimes reflection is the best way forward, leveraging our storied heritage for new ideas. This inspired us to revive our beloved Ask Harry series, which originally ran in the Globe and Mail newspaper in the ‘60s, with the current iteration of the advice-driven menswear column adapted for social media and digital platforms.
The modern era also brought about a new-look for Harry Rosen. The 2020s ushered in an exciting refresh, featuring a new brand platform, new tagline, updated branding, the trademarking of our “Harry’s Green” colour, and not least, a sustainable redesign of our shopping bags through a new program with partners TerraCycle®.
Our new fully recyclable packaging portfolio (including garment bags) has allowed us to reduce our carbon footprint by keeping our shopping bags out of landfills and instead, recycling them into something of value.
In sad news, on December 24th, 2023, our beloved founder Harry Rosen passed away. He is remembered within the company by his son and current CEO & Chairman, Larry Rosen, and grandsons Ian, current COO & President and Graham, current EVP, Strategy & Corporate Development. These members of the Rosen family continue to write new chapters in the story of this remarkable multi-generational family business.
In June of 2024, our location within West Edmonton Mall in Alberta completed mass renovations to make it one of the most impressive retail experiences nationwide, marking the first initiative in a $50-million program to revitalize Harry Rosen retail stores across the country. A few months later, Harry Rosen announced plans to relocate its Yorkville flagship store’s location in Toronto, completing its residency on Bloor Street to move into an impressive new home on Cumberland Street by spring of 2026.