Korean fashion has risen to global prominence, mirroring the influence of cities like Paris and Milan. Seoul Fashion Week is a major event, and the Korean fashion industry is now a robust multi-billion dollar market, fueled by the “Hallyu” wave and the global popularity of K-Pop and K-dramas. This phenomenon has led to a widespread adoption of Korean fashion styles, particularly Korean streetwear, with many drawing inspiration from K-Pop idols and Korean actors.
While emulating Korean men’s fashion may appear straightforward, achieving their stylish looks requires attention to detail. Selecting the right pieces and accessories is key. Korean men are known for their meticulous approach to fashion, always appearing polished and on-trend. Their style is celebrated for its fresh and innovative approach to contemporary streetwear.
Achieving the Korean male style doesn’t necessitate an extravagant wardrobe. Mastering the art of mixing and matching key items can create impactful outfits reminiscent of K-drama scenes or K-pop music videos. For those looking to impress with a sophisticated yet trendy style, understanding the essential elements of Korean Male Fashion is the first step.
This guide explores the key clothing items, patterns, and styles that define Korean male fashion in recent years, providing insights into how to incorporate these trends into your own wardrobe.
Essential Clothing Items in Korean Male Fashion
Bucket Hats
Bucket hats, once debated for their style quotient, have firmly established themselves as a trendy accessory in recent years. Celebrities and fashion icons globally have embraced this trend, and bucket hats remain a cool and versatile item in 2020 and beyond.
In Korean male fashion, bucket hats are ubiquitous, seen on K-Pop idols and actors alike. Their appeal lies in their adaptability, effortlessly complementing various styles from casual to streetwear, and even adding an unexpected twist to more formal ensembles. A bucket hat can inject an element of coolness and flair into any outfit, making it a must-try trend for those exploring Korean male fashion.
Basic Shirts
In the realm of timeless fashion, the basic shirt stands as an enduring staple. Simple yet versatile, it’s a foundational piece in any wardrobe, including Korean male fashion. A basic shirt provides endless styling possibilities, easily adaptable for various occasions.
For a relaxed, casual look, pair a basic shirt with denim jeans or slacks, complemented by sneakers and a bucket hat or belt bag. To elevate the look for more formal settings, tuck in the shirt, add a belt, and layer with a coat, switching to loafers or boots for footwear. The basic shirt is a cornerstone of adaptable Korean male style.
Polo Shirts
Expanding on wardrobe essentials, the polo shirt is another key item in Korean male fashion. The addition of a collar elevates the basic shirt, bridging the gap between casual and smart-casual. A polo shirt offers an effortlessly polished appearance without requiring extensive effort.
Styling a polo shirt is straightforward: tuck it into slacks or denim and pair with formal shoes for a smarter look. For a more relaxed approach, combine it with shorts, sneakers, and a cap. The polo shirt is a versatile piece that should be a staple in any fashion-conscious man’s closet seeking Korean style inspiration.
Long Sleeve Polo Shirts
The long-sleeve polo shirt, when styled correctly, can be a sophisticated and versatile addition to a wardrobe inspired by Korean male fashion. It offers flexibility for both casual and formal occasions. For a relaxed style, layer it over a thin sweater or t-shirt, paired with slacks, jeans, or shorts, and finished with sneakers.
For a more formal look, button up the long-sleeve polo, leaving the top button undone for a touch of casual sophistication. Layering it under a coat with slacks and leather shoes creates an ensemble suitable for evening events. Whether worn with sleeves rolled up or paired with a jacket, the long-sleeve polo is a striking and adaptable piece in Korean men’s style.
Straight Cut Jeans
Straight cut jeans are a prominent trend in Hallyu-influenced fashion, offering a comfortable and stylish option for Korean-inspired outfits. Ideal for a simple yet fashionable look, straight cut jeans pair effortlessly with graphic tees or any basic t-shirt. Distressed or tattered versions of straight cut jeans are also popular, adding an edgy element.
Beyond the classic tee and sneakers combination, straight cut jeans can be styled with polos and oversized jackets for a modern, voluminous silhouette. This style is a key trend for those aiming to capture contemporary Korean male fashion.
Dark Wash Jeans
Dark wash jeans are a universally flattering choice, making them a staple in Korean male fashion. They offer a slimming effect and are versatile enough to be styled both casually and formally. Available in various cuts, including straight, skinny, distressed, or ripped, dark wash jeans provide numerous options.
For casual looks, pair them with a graphic tee, bucket hat, and sneakers or sandals. To elevate the style, combine them with a long-sleeve polo shirt, tucked in with a belt. Dark wash jeans are an adaptable and essential item, suitable for a wide range of styles from casual dates to office-appropriate outfits, embodying the versatility of Korean male fashion.
Slacks and Trousers
Slacks and trousers are indispensable pieces that serve as the foundation for a range of looks, from casual to professional, in Korean male fashion. Their versatility allows for creating diverse styles depending on how they are styled.
For a casual approach, pair slacks or trousers with a plain white shirt, graphic tee, or a knitted sweater, complemented by sneakers. To achieve a smarter, more refined look, opt for collared shirts or long-sleeve polos, tuck them in with a belt, and pair with loafers or black leather shoes. Slacks and trousers effortlessly project class and sophistication, essential for embodying varied facets of Korean male style, from the relaxed to the impeccably dressed.
Leather Jackets
Leather jackets are a timeless and essential item in fashion, holding a significant place in Korean male style. They are a classic piece that adds an instant cool factor to any outfit. Popularized by icons like Marlon Brando and James Dean, leather jackets are synonymous with effortless style and a touch of rebellion. They can also evoke a sophisticated, chaebol family vibe, as seen in K-dramas.
Leather jackets are ideal for fall and winter layering, suitable for men of all ages. They are a hallmark of the “bad boy” image prevalent in K-dramas, a style that is widely admired. For styling, simply layer a leather jacket over a white shirt with dark denim pants and boots. Inspiration can also be drawn from K-Pop idols like Jungkook and Suga of BTS, Yeonjun of TXT, or Bambam of GOT7, who frequently showcase leather jackets in their wardrobes, solidifying its status in Korean male fashion.
Puffer Jackets
Puffer jackets have surged in popularity globally, including in Korean fashion, thanks to K-Pop stars and K-drama actors who are often seen wearing them, especially during colder seasons. Beyond their practicality for warmth and comfort, puffer jackets are now highly regarded as stylish outerwear pieces.
They can be styled casually over a shirt, jeans, and sneakers, or surprisingly, can be dressed up with formal wear like a tuxedo and black shoes. Puffer jackets have also made a significant impact on streetwear fashion, with oversized and color-block styles becoming particularly trendy. Versatile and practical, the puffer jacket is a must-have for those embracing Korean male fashion, particularly for cooler climates.
Trench Coats
Trench coats are a quintessential piece, especially in countries with four seasons, and are a staple in Korean male fashion for fall and winter. Originally designed for colder weather, trench coats have evolved into an iconic garment in South Korean fashion, transcending their functional purpose to become a symbol of style.
Korean male idols and actors frequently wear trench coats at premieres, photoshoots, and in everyday life. Notable examples include the trench coat fashion in the K-drama “Goblin” and BTS’s V, whose trench coat style went viral after a New Year’s performance in the US. The charm of the trench coat lies in the sophistication and elegance it adds to an outfit. Its structured fit enhances the male silhouette, emphasizing height and shoulders, and often evokes a leading man aura, making it a sought-after piece in Korean male fashion.
Loafers
While sneakers and canvas shoes offer comfort and ease, loafers are essential footwear in Korean male fashion for occasions requiring a more polished look. They strike a balance between formal and casual, offering a stylish alternative when sneakers aren’t suitable.
Loafers may not be strictly formal shoes, but they pair impressively with coats and ties, adding a touch of sophistication without sacrificing comfort. They are the ideal choice when aiming for a look that is dressier than casual but not overly formal, making them a versatile and crucial component of Korean male style.
Key Patterns and Styles in Korean Male Fashion
Monochrome
Monochromatic dressing, using a single hue from head to toe, is a defining characteristic of cool and effortless Korean male fashion. It’s a trend that’s easily achievable, often relying on wardrobe staples in neutral colors and denim.
Monochrome outfits in Korean style don’t always mean solid, block colors. Instead, they often incorporate varying shades and tints within the same color family, along with different textures for added depth and visual interest. For example, a light gray wool sweater over a white collared shirt, paired with dark gray slacks and white sneakers, creates a sophisticated monochrome look. The key to successful monochrome outfits is choosing colors that complement your skin tone, enhancing the overall cohesive and stylish effect.
Oversized Shirts and Jackets
Oversized clothing, including shirts, sweaters, and jackets, is a prominent trend in Korean male fashion, often associated with a youthful and approachable “oppa” vibe. This style, reminiscent of 90s grunge, has seen a resurgence in recent years, becoming a dominant trend.
The key to mastering oversized styles is balance and proportion. Oversized garments can overwhelm the wearer, so pairing them with slimmer-fitting bottoms like skinny jeans or shorts is crucial for a balanced silhouette. While oversized tops can also be styled with baggy bottoms, this requires careful attention to overall proportions. Tucking techniques, like a full tuck for a formal look or a half-tuck for a casual vibe, are also essential in styling oversized pieces effectively in Korean male fashion.
Stripes
Stripes are a favored pattern in Korean fashion, embraced across age groups and genders. They offer a minimalistic yet versatile design, available in various styles from awning to pinstripe. Stripes are considered stylish and high-end, making them a popular choice in Korean male fashion.
Styling stripes effectively involves balancing patterned pieces with solid colors and textures to create a harmonious and relaxed outfit. Coordinating these elements is key to achieving a balanced look. Classic stripe looks often feature a black and white striped polo shirt, half-tucked into black skinny jeans or shorts, finished with sneakers or black shoes. Adding accessories like a baseball cap or a denim jacket can further enhance the striped ensemble in Korean male fashion.
Multiple Layered Clothing
Layering, combining various clothing items to create a cohesive look, is a chic and sustainable style popular in Korean male fashion across all seasons, even summer. While it can appear bulky, Korean men adeptly incorporate layering into their style.
Layering effectively involves understanding fabric weights and proportions. Starting with thinner materials and layering with progressively heavier items is crucial. For instance, layering a jacket over a long-sleeved polo or a mid-thigh coat over a white shirt, paired with shorts, long socks, and black shoes, exemplifies this trend. Completing the look with accessories like a bucket hat and a bag adds to the layered style, demonstrating the skillful art of layering in Korean male fashion.
Rich Business Man Look
The “rich businessman look,” often seen in K-dramas, is a style that exudes confidence, class, and refinement in Korean male fashion. This ensemble typically includes a plain wool shirt, plaid pants, and a signature coat, often complemented by designer bags and stylish sunglasses.
Neutrals, particularly blacks and whites, are dominant in this style, though there’s room for incorporating pastel or bolder colors for a playful twist. Whether opting for subtle or vibrant hues, the rich businessman look is designed to make a strong impression, embodying a sophisticated and affluent aesthetic in Korean male fashion.
Half-Tucked Shirts
The half-tucked shirt is a simple yet impactful styling technique prevalent in Korean male fashion. This method involves tucking in only the front portion of the shirt while leaving the back loose, adding a relaxed yet styled edge to an outfit.
This technique can be applied to various shirts, including long-sleeve polos, often paired with rolled-up sleeves, black slacks, and loafers for a polished look. For a more casual streetwear style, half-tucked shirts can be combined with trousers or jeans, accessorized with sunglasses and a pouch. The half-tuck is a subtle yet effective way to enhance the casual sophistication of Korean male fashion.
Athleisure
Athleisure has become increasingly popular in recent years and is a significant trend in Korean male fashion. Evident in K-Pop dance practices and everyday wear, athleisure combines high fashion pieces with casual sportswear like basketball shorts, baseball caps, and joggers.
This style is celebrated for its comfort and versatility, being stylish enough for various settings. Athleisure in Korean male fashion involves balancing casual gym-ready pieces with more refined items to create a unique and comfortable fashion statement. Its gender-neutral appeal further enhances its widespread adoption and experimentation.
Logo Craze
Logos have become increasingly prominent in Korean street fashion, with bolder and larger designs gaining popularity. Clothing brands are catering to this trend, featuring eye-catching logos from luxury brands like Gucci, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton, as well as streetwear brands like Supreme.
In Korean male fashion, the logo craze is about showcasing brands, but styling it effectively means adhering to the rule of wearing one brand prominently at a time. To emphasize the logo, the rest of the outfit is typically kept minimal. For a subtler approach to incorporating logos, consider using printed scarves tucked into jackets. The logo trend is a bold statement in Korean street style.
Ripped Denim
Ripped denim remains a relevant and continuously refreshed trend in Korean male fashion, maintaining popularity both in Korea and globally. Ripped jeans, jackets, and skirts are widely seen, offering a versatile element that can be paired with various tops, from plaid shirts to sweaters and coats.
Styling ripped denim in Korean style requires balance. Overdoing the rips can detract from the style; it’s often better to keep tears minimal and experiment gradually. Ripped denim can be found in stores or DIY-ed, with numerous online tutorials available. Balancing ripped denim with more refined tops or vice versa is key to achieving a stylish look. Ripped denim on ripped denim can also work if the rips are not excessively large, showcasing the edgy yet controlled aesthetic of Korean male fashion.
Neon Colors
Neon colors are a vibrant and popular choice in Korean fashion. Often seen on K-Pop idols in music videos and performances, neon adds a striking element to outfits. This bold color choice is sure to draw attention and energize any ensemble.
Incorporating neon into Korean male fashion can be as simple as adding a splash of neon to a relatively understated outfit. Neon accents have been a recurring trend, particularly favored by younger demographics. Confidence is key to pulling off neon successfully; it’s a style that demands attention, encouraging wearers to embrace boldness and own their look.
Mix & Match
The mix and match trend is perhaps the most liberating aspect of Korean fashion. It defies conventional fashion rules, encouraging experimentation and creativity. This trend is about taking risks and combining unexpected pieces to create unique outfits.
In mix and match Korean male fashion, there are virtually no boundaries. It’s about disregarding traditional fashion advice and exploring unconventional combinations. This style is for the bold and daring, where confidence in one’s choices is paramount. It’s about creating something unexpected and original, pushing the boundaries of conventional style.
Loud Colors
Korean fashion is characterized by its unapologetic approach to experimentation, often pioneering standout styles, especially in K-Pop. Embracing vivid and bright hues like greens, blues, and reds is a hallmark of this fashion scene.
When incorporating loud colors into Korean male fashion, balancing the intensity and combination of colors is essential to avoid an overwhelming effect. Understanding color theory and choosing colors that complement each other and your skin tone is crucial. Similar to the neon trend, wearing loud colors with confidence is key to making a bold and stylish statement in Korean male fashion.
Staying updated with trends in Korean male fashion is about personal expression and confidence. Trends offer opportunities for experimentation and style enhancement, allowing individuals to infuse their personality into current fashions. Embracing creativity and not being afraid to experiment are at the heart of Korean male fashion.
