Impressive menswear market growth reported ahead of LCM

The UK menswear market grew by 4.1% to reach £14.1bn in value in 2015 and is expected to hit £17.3bn by 2020, according to Mintel figures released the British Fashion Council (BFC) ahead of London Collections Men (LCM) which kicks off on 10 June.

According to the Mintel British Lifestyles 2016 numbers, menswear growth has now outstripped womenswear (41.% vs 3.7%) and menswear accounts for 25% of the total clothing market. Furthermore online appears to be the purchasing method of choice among men, with 59% having purchased clothes online in the past 12 months.

LCM at 180 Strand

The BFC released the figures just ahead of LCM, which takes place at 180 Strand from 10-13 June inclusive. The event, now in its fourth year, will feature 32 catwalks, 25 presentations, 55 designers in the Designer Showrooms, 5 digital presentations and 21 brands hosting events.

Given some high-profile brands, such as Gucci and Burberry, have opted to combine their men's and women's shows some in the industry have questioned the need for a separate menswear event, but it appears that Burberry at least hasn't abandoned the event altogether and will be hosting an event (though not a catwalk) during LCM.

Equally some important new names join the line-up for LCM. Global brand MCM, which has collaborated with British designer Christopher Raeburn to mark its 40th anniversary, will show on schedule as will Japanese designer Maison Mihara Yasuhiro, Korean designer Song Zio and XIMONLEE presented by GQ China, giving a distinct global feel to proceedings.

Christopher Raeburn X MCM

However there will be plenty of highlights from British design talent including Agi & Sam, Astrid Andersen, Christopher Kane, Christopher Raeburn, Christopher Shannon, J.W.Anderson, KTZ, Lou Dalton, Matthew Miller, Nasir Mazhar and Sibling.

Emerging talent will be showcased by the MAN show, the joint initiative between Topman and Fashion East. It takes place on Friday 10 June and features Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY (who was yesterday named by the Centre for Fashion Enterprise as one of its Fashion Pioneers), Feng Chen Wang and Per Götesson.

For an in-depth analysis on the booming menswear market, read our recent feature by trends expert Sandra Halliday.

Main image: Courtesy of the British Fashion Council