The Latest Korean Men Fashion
South Korea has currently lined itself with major fashion cities like Paris and Milan with its very own annual Seoul Fashion Week. Within 40 years in the Korean Men Fashion market, it has now grown into a strong 20 trillion won industry. And thanks to the “Hallyu” wave that is now conquering the globe with KPop artists and K-drama actors and actresses, the Korean fashion scene has seen a lot of growth and increased popularity.
This popularity has translated into mimicking of style and many have been addicted to the Korean fashion style (especially K-streetwear fashion) oftentimes drawing inspiration from KPop artists and Korean drama actors. That being said, mimicking this Korean fashion style especially for men might look simple but it actually requires tremendous effort to be as stylish as them. Picking the right outfit and finding the perfect sandals or shoes to complete the look isn’t always easy. That’s probably why most men nowadays follow the latest Korean fashion trends.
Korean men have always been fashion lovers and talented dressers and in contemporary streetwear fashion, no one really gets out without putting extra effort into what they wear. They are rightfully in the spotlight today for their amazing sense of style which always features the newest fashion trends.
The Trendiest Clothing Items
Bucket Hats
Bucket hats have been notorious pieces in the fashion industry and many have been confused whether they’re stylish or just a chunk of fashion disaster. But in recent years, bucket hats have earned their rightful place in fashion and now many artists and celebrities have been spotted wearing this fashion trend. This 2020, bucket hats are still cool.
In Korea, many male idols and actors have been sighted wearing different bucket hat styles. The thing with this hat is that it lowkey goes well with everything from casual to streetstyle and even more formal styles though this one is a bit challenging to achieve. Basically, bucket hats add that edge or flair to your outfit and these are definitely a must-try trend.
Basic Shirt
Sometimes, it’s not the over-the-top trends that really make a lasting impact. Most of the time, it’s just the simple ones. One classic clothing item that will never go out of style is your basic shirt. This is a clothing staple that will always save you in any fashion situation.
It’s easy to style up or down depending on what you need. For example, it works styled down on a casual date partnered with denim or slacks. You can also finish the look with a bucket hat and your favorite Converse shoes or just about any sneakers you love to wear. You can also wear it with a belt bag to make it look more in style.
If you’re working on a more formal look, you can simply tuck it and finish with a belt. You can add a coat and switch to loafers or boots.
Polo Shirt
Of course, if you have your basic shirt then you should definitely have your polo shirt as well. With just the addition of a collar, you won’t have to worry so much about your smart casual memos. In just one easy slip of a polo shirt, you already look so formal without even trying.
To style it, tuck it in and pair with slacks or denim and formal shoes. You can also style it down with more casual items like shorts and sneakers and a cap! This is one item that you should always have in your closet!
Long Sleeves Polo
Long sleeves polo can be tacky when not styled right but can also look simultaneously cool and hot when worn right. This style is flexible and can fit casual or formal occasions. One of the most popular casual polo styles is layering it over a thin sweater or shirt paired with slacks, jeans, or shorts and completed with sneakers. For a more formal look, you can button it up but leave the uppermost button undone to avoid looking too restricted and exude a bit of sexiness into the outfit. Layer it with a coat and pair with some slacks and leather shoes and you’re ready to crash the evening party with a half-filled champagne glass.
But whether you match it with your favorite jacket or wear it with the sleeves rolled up, this must-have style is a simple yet striking fashion statement. Also, it can emphasize your broad shoulders and muscled arms which are definitely major turn-ons to the ladies lurking around you.
Straight Cut Jeans
Riding in the Hallyu fashion, straight cut jeans are the rage. If you are looking for a simple Korean outfit for men, this comfortable get-up is a perfect choice. Straight cut jeans are best paired with graphic tees but any simple tee works out well too. There are also variations of straight cut jeans like the tattered version which is also hot in the market. While you can find these in many stores, you can also experiment with ones that you already own with the help of DIY videos. The tattered version amps up the straight cut jeans and gives it more edge and attitude, perfect for the rugged Korean look.
Aside from the usual tee, jeans, and sneakers combo, you can also pair it with polos and oversized jackets. The straight cut jeans give the volume to your simple yet stylish look. This modern style is a must-try for 2020.
Dark Wash Jeans
If you’re looking for jeans that will flawlessly fit you, dark wash jeans is the best choice. It hides skinny legs or thick thighs better than light wash jeans. You can cop this style in straight cut, skinny, distressed, or ripped. You also don’t have to worry because it can be styled both casually and formally.
You can easily pair it up with a graphic tee, bucket hat, sneakers or slippers. If you want to amp up the stylishness level, then pair it with your long-sleeve polo shirt and go for a tuck and a belt. There’s a hundred styles that you could do with just one pair of jeans.
From casual date nights to even office outfit, this jeans is surely flexible enough to fit anyone’s style! Make sure you get one of these.
Slacks and Trousers
Slacks and trousers are very essential pieces which work on all kinds of occasions. Depending on how you style it, you can achieve a range of looks from casual to smart casual or semi-professional and of course, the professional look.
For the casual look, pair it with a plain white shirt, graphic tee, or a knitted sweater and some sneakers. If you want to make it look a bit smart, swap your shirts to collared ones or long sleeve polos and tuck it fully with a belt and pair it with some loafers or black leather shoes.
Leather Jackets
In fashion, leather jackets are what Taylor Swift described as “it will never go out of style”. These have been a staple classic and timeless item that every man should have in their closets. Thanks to the founding fathers of leather jackets like Marlon Brando and James Dean, leather jackets have earned the default cool description. Aside from that, it can make you look like you came from a top notch chaebol family. Take for example, Choi Young Do of The Heirs played by actor Kim Woo Bin.
Leather jackets are also your stylish fall/winter pieces which can be rocked by any man (or woman) and any age. Aside from the cool feature, it’s also a trademark for the bad boy image common among Kdrama leads which is undeniably one of the looks that ladies that are so crazed to see (because apparently girls love bad boys more than the good boys!).
Puffer Jackets
Puffer jackets have lately been seeing a huge boom not just in the Korean markets but also globally, thanks to KPop stars and Kdrama actors who have been sighted wearing these especially during the winter in their backstage shoots, rehearsals, and even in airports. While these are worn for practicality (good shield from the cold) and comfortability, puffer jackets are also very stylish pieces.
You can dress it down layered over a casual outfit with shirt, jeans, and sneakers but you can definitely amp up the style with formal wear in tuxedo and black shoes. Recently, this winter warmer has also been taking the streetwear fashion by storm. But this time, cropped puffers are out and oversized and outright color block styles are the “it” styles. According to Vogue, the winter 2020 jacket trend is ultra long and minimalist.
Trench Coat
Trench coats are very popular and staple pieces for four-season countries and are worn during the fall and winter seasons. While these are primarily must-haves for the cold season, trench coats have evolved into one of the most iconic South Korean fashion clothing that extends beyond its purpose to give warmth.
Many Korean male idols and actors wear this during premieres, shoots, and even on an ordinary day out. Probably one of the most notable trench coat scenes was from the recent kdrama Goblin starring the handsome Gong Yoo and Lee Dong Wook. V of BTS has also rocked the fashion scene with his impeccable trench coat style which made him go viral in the US as “the guy with long black coat” during New Year’s Rockin’ Eve celebration in Times Square when they performed their hits “Boy with Luv” and “Make It Right”.
Loafers
Of course, nothing beats the comfort of a classic pair of sneakers or the ease of steps with canvas shoes but sometimes, these are not the best and most stylish options for an outfit. This is why loafers are also very essential wardrobe pieces.
Loafers may not be categorized as formal shoes but they absolutely look impressive with a coat and tie. They add a little bit of edge to an outfit without compromising comfortability (since loafers are primarily made for easy wearing and comfort) and are the best option when you want to look in the middle of a formal dressy look and a too casual style.
