1. Men’s Apparel Industry

2. History Dominant trends for many years: Conservative and Custom made Older than the women’s industry by over 100 years Early 1800’s – Slop shops open in port cities and stores like Brook’s Brothers begin selling RTW Industrial Revolution – New tycoons had working class roots and there was a great demand for RTW that could be mass produced

3. History Late 1920’s – Depression increased the demand for RTW and less emphasis on custom made clothing Early 1950’s – Sportswear; little color 1960’s and 1970’s – Menswear became colorful and fashionable; first interest in style 1990’s – Casual dress is officially welcomed in corporate America

4. Categories Tailored Clothing – Suits, overcoats, sport coats and formal wear (exact sizing; complicated process and structured) Furnishings – Dress shirts, (neck and sleeve lengths) ties, underwear, pajamas Sportswear – knit shirts, sports shirts, casual pants, shorts, sweaters, active sportswear (less structured and few hand operations) Outerwear – raincoats, coats and jackets

5. Characteristics of the Industry Dominated by large firms Ex. Hartmarx owns Burberry, Kenneth Cole, Perry Ellis, Pierre Cardin and Tommy Hilfiger; Levi Sportswear is now the most important category Most designer names were first famous as designers of women’s lines Most designer products are licensed

6. Characteristics of the Industry Contemporary / Bridge Apparel is similar to junior in women’s business Menswear has traditionally been manufactured in US, but off shore production is becoming more and more important