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The rise of the Utilitarian Trend in Menswear

Utilitarian fashion, in a nutshell, is the combination of function and comfortability. Initially, this trend was inspired by military wear and police wear. However, the style has quickly evolved into something that men and women alike can wear. Utilitarianism has aspects of hardware, tech wear, loungewear and unorthodox fabrics.

Now, that last statement may sound crazy: when we think of all those trends combined, it creates a confused image in your head.  However, this style has become not only wearable, but stylish and visually appealing. Because of this, the Utilitarian trend is not your conventional lacklustre trend that comes and goes. It is here to stay, amongst the long-lasting trends such as denim and leather jackets.

  • Dior FW19
  • White Mountaineering FW19
  • C2H4 SS20

Defining the beginning of a trend can be difficult, however it is said that the ‘Chest Rig’ from Miu Miu’s 1999 Collection may have started it all.

“I wanted to try to push some freedom into the men’s clothes” – Miuccia Prada

From there, styles such as the cargo pants, camouflage print, ‘rollercoaster belts’, wallet chains, oversized silhouettes, pockets, and bumbags have been plentiful.

  • Alyx’s 1017 9SM SS19
  • A-COLD-WALL SS19
  • Heliot Emil SS19
  • ALYX Rollercoaster Belt
  • A$AP Rocky – Prada
  • A$AP Rocky
  • MAISON MIHARA YASUHIRO SS2020
  • Song For The Mute FW18
  • tightsformens.com

How to Merchandise the Urban Explorer Range

The Urban Explorer range can be worn not only with other items from the range, but with Target’s existing collections. Here are some ideas on how to style the clothes, whether aiming for a simple look or a more daring style.

This Crewneck will suit any outfit, as it can be worn casually or for a more polished look. Navy Cargo Pants can be worn for a relaxed feel, whilst Skinny Chino Pants can create a sophisticated style.

These Tracksuits have more of the Utilitarian style, with the camouflage pattern and also reflective fabric down the sides. If the weather is on the cool side, opt for a Long Sleeve Top. However if the tracksuit is worn as activewear, then perhaps wear a Khaki Muscle Tank to stay cool while exercising.

This dark green Puffer Jacket is an excellent piece for layering. The thickness creates warmth in the cold outdoors and can be worn with a number of Target’s items. Underneath, either a T-Shirt or Long Sleeve may be worn. The jacket can also be paired with Jeans or the tracksuits from this range.

The Cargo Pants may be considered the epitome of the Urban Explorer Range, as it has the Utilitarian style as well as the trendiness of the pockets and belt. For a bold look, pair with the Puffer Jacket and a Crewneck. For a more casual style, wear a simplistic Graphic T-Shirt.

This Hoodie with Phone Pocket is a spin on the usual hoodie design, and it comes in a few more colours. It can be worn with the simple Tracksuits from this range to be comfortable, or Jeans for a simple look.

This is Neck Band can be worn with any number of Tops or Hoodies. It is used to keep the neck warm whilst in the cool outdoors. The zip at the front makes it easy to take off and on when necessary.

This Sleeveless Puffer Vest has an asymmetric velcro opening with a high neck, it also comes in black. This directional piece can be styled with any of the pants in the Urban Explorer Range, but also Chino Pants or Cargo Pants.

Make A Difference – Sustainable Materials Used In Fast Fashion

Target is aiming to reduce its impact on the environment one step at a time, with one of the main steps being to use sustainably made materials.

To adhere to this commitment, Target is a member of the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), which is the largest cotton sustainability program in the world.

“BCI exists to make global cotton production better for the people who produce it, better for the environment it grows in and better for the sector’s future, by developing Better Cotton as a sustainable mainstream commodity. Better Cotton accounts for nearly 20 per cent of global cotton production.” (BCI, 2019)

“By July 2021, [Target] will source 100 per cent of our cotton more sustainably for our own-branded clothing.”

Since the launch of the commitment, Target has conducted BCI training for team members and suppliers, and we have sourced cotton as Better Cotton against products from suppliers in Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Thailand, USA and India (Target, 2019)

Target will also use REPREVE®: “Transforms recycled bottles into an amazing fibre, used by the world’s leading brands to make athletic and fashion apparel and more. Our process embeds properties like wicking, adaptive warming and cooling, water repellency, and more at the fibre level. For reliable, durable quality.”

By using materials from REPREVE®, Target is decreasing the use of petroleum, emitting fewer greenhouse gases and conserving water and energy in the process. That makes a big difference for the future of not only fashion, but for the health of the planet.

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