Korea has been an influential icon in fashion, technology and entertainment since the 1900s, and Korea’s menswear fashion follows that same trend. Korean menswear fashion continues to be an inspiration for men worldwide and has recently blossomed to a whole new level. 2017 continued the trend of modern everyday Korean fashion for men. The modern everyday Korean fashion is based on a combination of Korean traditional clothing and modern elements, while also taking inspiration from foreign styles.
This style is often a blend of bright and muted colors, smart styles, natural fabric, and natural accessories. Some of the styles adopted from traditional Korean clothing include high-waisted trousers, colourful coats and simple white shirts. To complement these, modern additions such as jeans, sneakers, and layers are often added to create an all-balanced look.
The Korean fashion trend has reached high streets around the world and it seems that Korean male celebrities have played a huge role in this. With their fame and influence, they have been able to bring modern Korean fashion to wider audiences. Male models and actors such as Park Seo-joon, Cha Seung-won, and Bae Yong-joon quickly captured the hearts of the public, all while looking stylish. This allowed the public to get a glimpse of the modern Korean look, inspiring new trends and styles.
The most prominent trend right now is the ‘Oriental Romance’ look. This look is based on bright colours, such as blue and pink, combined with white and beige, creating a mathematical effect. For example, there could be a shirt with a bright blue pattern paired with white trousers, or a pink shirt and beige trousers.
In recent years, there has been an increase in the popularity of Korean street fashion. With its influence on mainstream fashion, it has become easier to attain a Korean stylish look. Many of these items can be bought from online stores or even found in your local stores. In addition to the Korean fashion trend, another popular trend right now is the casual look. This is more of a relaxed style, consisting of comfortable and loose clothing such as hoodies and ripped jeans.
Despite the influx of foreign-influenced styles, Korean fashion is still the most popular of the bunch. In 2017, more and more men began to wear brightly-coloured, stylish clothing, eager to try the latest trends. The bright colours, patterns, and textures of modern Korean fashion truly capture the attention of everyone around them. Even though Korean fashion has been a driving force in 2017, it has been a trend for a long time and is likely to stay that way for years to come.
Hoodies
Hoodies remain a staple in Korean fashion and have proven to be popular in 2017. Hoodies have been popular for decades, with new trends such as oversized, tapered, and baggy styles coming to the forefront. Hoodies have become an everyday piece of clothing for many people, but with Korean fashion it takes on a new level of styling. Koreans are able to make this very casual item look as stylish and fashionable as other pieces of clothing.
A basic look would be a hoodie combined with straight cut jeans, complimented by a pair of sneakers. Alternatively, a tapered hoodie can be paired with a pair of slim fit jeans, creating a modern look. A more luxurious style is to layer a vest over the hoodie paired with trousers with a low crotch or other type of loose trousers. This look creates an interesting silhouette, and with bright and colourful patterns, a complete Korean fashionable look is created.
Materials
Fabrics and materials are an important part of modern Korean fashion. Natural materials such as cotton, linen, silk, leather and wool, are highly valued in modern Korean fashion. Koreans are known to look for fabrics that are breathable and comfortable, so they tend to choose these natural materials. There has been a recent trend of using lighter materials, such as linen and silk, for shirts, jackets, and trousers. Additionally, oversized items made of lightweight materials are becoming increasingly popular. These materials are usually expensive, but that doesn’t stop Koreans from getting their hands on them.
Leather accessories such as bags, belts, and wallets can also be seen. Items made from genuine leather usually come with higher prices, but they can last for years, so they are seen as an investment. Korean fashion emphasizes qualities most important to males—comfort and styling. Natural materials allow them to stay stylish and comfortable while still looking fashionable.
Personality
Personality is an essential part of Korean fashion culture. Koreans not only pick fashion pieces that look good, but also pieces which portray their personality and taste. Based on the style, the idea of “personality” can vary. For instance, in modern Korean fashion, someone’s personality can be seen through masculine looks such as leather jackets, trousers with cuffs and textures, and overall bolder combinations of clothing. Personality can also be seen in playful patterns and vibrant colors, such as floral prints, plaid squares, and bright blues and pinks.
Korean fashion has given men a chance to express their own style and express their personalities. They can create looks that are both comfortable and stylish. Trends such as the “Oriental Romance” look have allowed Korean men to be bold with their wardrobe choices. The combination of bright colors, unique materials, and modern silhouettes create a look that expresses a man’s personality.
Accessories
No Korean look is complete without accessories. While not all men wear accessories, accessories are essential if you want to look like a modern Korean man. Accessories can range from watch chains, scarves, or hats depending on the outfit’s needs. Accessories made of natural materials are very popular, as they are comfortable and stylish.
In recent years, the popularity of lapel pins and stickers has increased. These accessories are an innovative way to add style to an item and can tell a lot about the wearer’s personality. Whether they are attached to a shirt, a jacket, or a hat, lapel pins and stickers can add a lot to a Korean look.
Shoes
As with all fashion trends, shoes are an important part of the Korean look. Koreans often choose shoes that are comfortable and stylish. Common shoes worn by Korean men include sneakers, low-cut dress shoes, and slip-ons. Sneakers are usually worn casually, while low-cut dress shoes are popular in more formal settings. Slip-on shoes are also popular, and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Another important aspect of the Korean look is the high-quality of the shoes. Koreans take great care in selecting shoes for their outfits, and often favor high-quality shoes for both comfort and style. This ensures that the shoes will last for a long time, and will add to the overall look of the outfit.
