Everyone watches films nowadays which makes it easy for them to have an influence on us. Film seems to have a huge impact on the way men want to dress. Men’s fashion in particular used to be about the logos but now it’s more about detail, colour and chic. To what extent does film effect the way men want to look? During the 1950s American actor Marlon Brando popularized denim jeans in his hit film The Wild One. Denim Jeans first came into circulation in the 1850’s. Levi Strauss the creator believed miners needed more sustainable clothing. Jeans have now become a staple in men’s fashion. According to the Statistic Brain Research Institute 60% of Americans wear jeans to work. Denim is a very comfortable material and one that can be washed frequently. From working overalls to designer fashion Jeans have made a big leap.

Saturday Night Fever (1977) is often said to be the film that popularized disco. John Travolta’s character wore a white suit and open chest shirt which took off as the look to go for. The film was responsible for making the classic three-piece suit which then went to influence millions. It became the outfit every man wanted to buy. Movie stars are conveyed to look confident and powerful which causes an audience to align with them. James Bond is an epitome of sophistication, class and style. Bond is known for wearing tailor fitted suits. It is also important to remember that the actors who have played Bond have been around the 40-55 mark. Middle aged men are represented as being powerful and attractive. Product placement seems to appear a lot in Bond films. Aston Martin, Sony, Heineken and Omega have contracts with Eon Productions. After the release of Skyfall Sony’s sales increased by 36.9%. Omega, a luxury Swiss watch manufacturer reported a sales increase of 14%. It just shows how important film is and how it can impact men’s fashion.

When it comes to men’s accessories guys have a wide range things to choose from. From belts to baseball caps there seems to be something for every style. Warner Bro’s 1983 film Risky Business popularized male accessories. This film was deemed a critical and commercial success. It was also the debut and beginning of Tom Cruises

career. He was paid $50,000 dollars by Ray Ban to wear a pair of their glasses throughout the film. After the film had premiered, Ray Ban reported profits had increased to four million US dollars. Its film stars that seem to have the influence on fashion rather than the film itself.

Robert Downey Jr brought back Tank Tops in 2013’s Iron Man 3. Tank tops before used to be commonly worn for sports training. After the film had premiered Tank Top sales in the

U.K. increased by 36%. Downey Jr had turnt them into an everyday item of clothing instead of just a sports top.

I believe it’s fair to say films have a big impact on fashion. Film stars are what cause the audience to want to look a certain way. Fashion is constantly changing. Old styles are coming back and newer styles are dying out. I suppose that’s just fashion.

By Ryan T. Venables