Mummy Issues: Menswear Designers Reflect on Maternal Influence and Future Trends
How Maternal Guidance Shapes Early Style Choices
Seven prominent menswear designers shared their insights on what men should stop wearing, what styles are emerging, and how their mothers shaped their earliest fashion sensibilities. Speaking with i-D for „The Mother Issue,”the designers discussed the enduring impact of maternal guidance on personal style development, noting that many men first learn about clothing through their mothers' choices and advice. The conversations took place amid ongoing shifts in menswear, where traditional norms are being reexamined and redefined by a new generation of creators.
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What Should Men Stop Wearing Today?
Many designers recalled specific garments or rules their mothers enforced, like tucking in shirts, polishing shoes, or avoiding logos. These early lessons, they said, create a foundation that persists even when men explore avant-garde or streetwear influences. One designer explained that his mother’s preference for quality over quantity taught him to invest in timeless pieces, a principle he now applies to his own collections. Another mentioned that his mother’s disapproval of wrinkled clothes led him to prioritize fabric care—a detail now central to his brand’s identity. These reflections reveal how maternal influence extends beyond nostalgia into practical design philosophies.
The designers identified several trends they believe men should retire, including ill-fitting suits, excessive layering without purpose, and clothing that prioritizes brand visibility over cohesion. They argued that such choices often signal a lack of self-awareness rather than style. Instead, they advocated for simplicity, fit, and intentionality—qualities many associate with the quiet wisdom of maternal advice. One designer summed it up by saying, „Men don’t need more clothes; they need better ones,” echoing a sentiment often heard in childhood bedrooms before mirrors.
How did mothers influence the designers’ careers? Many credited their mothers with teaching them about fabric, fit, and presentation—skills that became essential in their professional work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why focus on maternal influence in menswear now? As fashion evolves, designers are revisiting formative experiences to understand the roots of personal style and authenticity.
What alternatives do designers suggest for outdated trends? They recommend investing in well-tailored basics, neutral palettes, and versatile pieces that transcend seasonal fads.