The Rise Of The Soft Boy
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore|July 2021
The most impactful look in menswear right now borrows from the women. Jeffrey Yan explores why it is the ultimate power move
Jeffrey Yan
The Rise Of The Soft Boy

The state of menswear has come a long way since the days of the beefcakes immortalised in Versace campaigns by Bruce Weber and the neo-Greek gods Tom Ford sent down his Gucci runway in the 1990s. It’s also a far cry from the template set by the Pitti Peacocks in the late 2000s with their three-piece suits and double monk strap shoes. The mid-2010s were all about the hypebeasts and streetwear swagger, but that, too, has reached peak saturation. These days, it’s all about the soft boy.

As its name implies, the look is all about a certain tenderness, flamboyance and romanticism that deviate from the traditional masculinity that defines classical suiting and even sportswear—the roots of which can be traced to skate, basketball and other conventionally hyper-masculine sports and subculture. Instead, the soft boy borrows from the language of womenswear, with colours, fabrications and ornamentations more commonly associated with the modern female wardrobe and the menswear of centuries past.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HARPER'S BAZAAR SINGAPOREView all
Lights, Camera, Fashion
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

Lights, Camera, Fashion

How does social media alter the way we consume fashion cues from our favourite TV shows and movies?

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2024
Beyond Beaches
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

Beyond Beaches

Escape Down Under for everything your heart desires a romantic intimate wedding, or a cruise along Sydney's picturesque harbour. The world is your oyster and the best thing is you can eat it too.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
Out Of This World
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

Out Of This World

Celestial bodies animate autumn's most elegant spritzes.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Do You Fashion, Bro?
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

Do You Fashion, Bro?

As the number of male fashion influencers swells, we look at what's driving this trend.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
DOWN TO EARTH
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

DOWN TO EARTH

In the spacious apartment of Geraldine Toh and Vincent Lim, art, design elements and an earthy sensibility commingle in perfect harmony.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
CRUISING ALTITUDE
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

CRUISING ALTITUDE

With his idiosyncratic Thai movies, dashing movie star good looks and frequent Paris red carpet appearances, Apo Nattawin Wattanagitiphat is bringing the best of Thailand to the rest of the world.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
PUT A RING ON IT
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

PUT A RING ON IT

Complete your love story with a beautiful engagement ring and exquisite bridal jewellery from storied London jeweller, GRAFF.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
PERFECTING TIME
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

PERFECTING TIME

With its unique Atelier d'Antoine programme and an assembly of artisans, Jaeger-LeCoultre shows how it takes watchcraft into the next level.

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2024
SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW

'The Shape of Colours', Hermès haute bijouterie collection, is a true technicolour dream.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
HAUTE BIJOUX
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

HAUTE BIJOUX

The latest and most talked-about collections.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024