Business formal wear market trends: Fashion trends and functional upgrades of suits and shirts

The business formal wear market is undergoing a transformation. The post-pandemic era, changing work environments, and the rise of younger consumers have redefined what it means to dress professionally.

Business formal wear is evolving toward greater flexibility, comfort, and personal expression. From relaxed tailoring to smart fabrics¹, brands are innovating to meet the needs of modern professionals.

With millennials and Gen Z reshaping office culture, the industry is witnessing the rise of hybrid work fashion, sustainable materials², and smart wear. Let’s explore these market trends and innovations.

Overview of the global business formal wear market

The global market for business attire is no longer confined to rigid, traditional suits and stiff collars. Instead, it’s embracing hybrid work flexibility³, tech-enhanced fabrics, and evolving consumer preferences.

The business formal wear market is shifting toward multifunctionality, sustainability, and personalized designs, driven by new work models and younger generations.

Nature-Inspired Fashion

Changes in business attire in the post-epidemic era

The COVID-19 pandemic permanently altered dress codes.

• Remote work blurred the lines between formal and casual.
• Office workers now seek comfort-driven yet professional attire.
• Brands focus on hybrid styles that work both in-office and in virtual meetings.

"Light formal wear" trend under the hybrid office model

"Light formal wear" is a blend of structured business attire with relaxed elements.

This shift shows that formalwear is becoming more adaptive rather than strictly defined.

How do millennials and Generation Z affect the formal wear market?

Younger consumers demand style, comfort, and sustainability.

• Millennials prioritize versatility—a blazer should transition from work to casual settings.
• Gen Z embraces gender-neutral and relaxed tailoring over strict business looks.
• Eco-conscious buyers prefer sustainable fabrics like recycled wool and bio-based fibers.

This generational shift is forcing brands to rethink traditional business fashion.

Fashion trends and design innovations of suits

The modern suit is no longer just a symbol of authority—it’s a functional, stylish, and adaptable piece of clothing.

Suit trends in 2024 focus on relaxed tailoring, innovative fabrics, gender-neutral styles, and enhanced comfort through smart textiles.

Style trends: loose tailoring vs. slim tailoring

• Oversized silhouettes are gaining popularity, offering a relaxed, effortless look.
• Slim tailoring remains relevant for those who prefer a sleek, structured appearance.
• Hybrid fits balance comfort and elegance, appealing to diverse consumer needs.

Colors and fabrics: the rise of neutral colors, high-grade gray, and technological fabrics

Genderless suits: market growth of Genderless Suiting

Genderless fashion is making its way into businesswear.

• Unisex cuts and silhouettes replace traditionally gendered styles.
• Brands like JW Anderson and Gucci lead the way in gender-fluid suits.
• The demand for inclusivity is driving retailers to offer non-binary sizing.

Multifunctional suits: How do waterproof, wrinkle-resistant, and elastic fabrics improve comfort?

• Waterproof and stain-resistant coatings enhance suit longevity.
• Wrinkle-resistant textiles ensure a polished look all day.
• 4-way stretch fabrics improve mobility, making suits comfortable for daily wear.

Fashion trends and functional upgrades of shirts

The dress shirt is evolving alongside business suits. Modern shirts now focus on comfort, functionality, and aesthetics.

Shirt innovations include breathable materials, antibacterial technology, and deconstructed designs that balance formal and casual elements.

New business style: transition from formal to business casual

• Relaxed button-downs replace stiff dress shirts.
• Hybrid designs allow shirts to be worn tucked or untucked.
• Layering-friendly cuts pair well with both blazers and casual jackets.

Environmentally friendly and technological fabrics: antibacterial, moisture-wicking, and self-cleaning shirts

Customized shirts: How do AI measurement and personalized embroidery improve user experience?

AI-driven customization enhances the fit and personalization of business shirts.

• AI-powered sizing algorithms improve accuracy in made-to-measure orders.
• On-demand embroidery allows for initials, company logos, and personal branding.
• 3D body scanning ensures a perfect, tailored fit without in-store visits.

Deconstruction design: the popularity of patchwork, three-dimensional tailoring, and collarless design

• Patchwork shirts blend fabrics for a modern, artistic touch.
• 3D tailoring introduces sculptural shapes and asymmetric cuts.
• Collarless designs provide a sleek, contemporary look.

Market layout of business formal wear brands

Luxury brands, light luxury labels, and sportswear companies are redefining business fashion.

Luxury brands’ business formal wear innovation (Armani, Zegna, Tom Ford)

• Armani’s relaxed power suits embody effortless sophistication.
• Zegna’s sustainable wool suits focus on eco-friendly luxury.
• Tom Ford’s sharp tailoring merges classic elegance with modern aesthetics.

Light luxury brands and emerging brands (Suitsupply, Lardini, Uniqlo U)

• Suitsupply’s affordable customization makes tailoring accessible.
• Lardini reinvents business casual with premium materials.
• Uniqlo U blends minimalism with tech fabrics.

Sports brands cross over into the business market (Lululemon, Nike × Off-White)

• Lululemon’s "ABC Pant" collection brings athletic comfort into business attire.
• Nike × Off-White collaborations introduce sporty suiting for younger consumers.

Online customization and the rise of DTC brands (Indochino, Hockerty)

• Indochino’s digital tailoring experience makes suits customizable from home.
• Hockerty’s AI-driven fit solutions create personalized business wear.

Future development trends of business formal wear

The next era of business fashion is all about sustainability, smart technology, and hybrid styling.

Sustainable business formal wear: the application of environmentally friendly wool and recyclable fabrics

• Recycled wool and plant-based fabrics reduce the carbon footprint.
• Closed-loop production models improve material reuse.

Smart clothing: the possibility of temperature-controlled suits and health-monitoring shirts

The popularity of mixed styles: the combination of business + sports, formal + street

• Sneakers paired with suits redefine business casual.
• Relaxed blazers with joggers create new office aesthetics.

How do consumers’ personalized needs drive the customization trend?

• AI-powered shopping assistants refine fit recommendations.
• On-demand tailoring reduces inventory waste.

Conclusion: How does the business formal wear market adapt to the new consumer era?

Business formal wear is no longer a rigid category—it’s a fluid, evolving industry catering to modern professionals.

To stay relevant, brands must blend tradition with innovation, focusing on comfort, sustainability, and personalization. The future of formalwear is adaptive, versatile, and consumer-driven.