ASK THE EXPERT: WHAT CATEGORIES WILL SEE GROWTH IN 2025?

Q: I know your company tracks menswear trends, and I was wondering if you could share which categories saw the biggest gains this year and if there are any underperforming categories that you think will see a turnaround next year?

In my store we have been selling a lot of suits and jackets over the past 24 months, and while I’d love for these profitable items to keep selling, I know sales run in cycles and this one has to end eventually.

Will we see more growth in casual/sportswear in 2025?

A: It is quite remarkable how long the clothing trend has been influencing the menswear business. We have tracked this trend for three years. Along with clothing, furnishings have kept pace, particularly in dress shirts.

The outlier has been sportswear. However, we are now beginning to see this trend shift. Both casual bottoms and tops are experiencing an upward trend. Knitwear, in various forms, has shown double-digit growth throughout this year.

Casual pants have also gained traction, although the gross figures are still overshadowed by the denim business. Additionally, jackets, in all their iterations, are trending upwards.

Looking ahead, we anticipate knitwear to continue its expansion as new styles enter the market. Overall, sales of bottoms will expand and oscillate between denim and casual pants. Of course, jackets and outerwear are expected to remain significant drivers in the market.

While we see no big comeback trends, we do expect to see improved performance in non-clothing categories next year. I hope this helps!

Steve Pruitt is founder and Senior Consultant of Blacks Retail Analysis and Blacks Consulting. With over 30 years of experience, Steve is one of the most respected merchandise analysts in the industry. His specialty is apparel merchandising and he has worked with clients in every sector of this category. Email: steve@blksretail.com.