Marks & Spencer’s CEO, Stuart Machin, announced a resurgence in tuxedo sales, particularly velvet suits, during the holiday season. With a 20% sales increase in suits compared to last year, celebrities like Daniel Craig and Jake Gyllenhaal have revived interest in stylish formal wear. Following a decline during the pandemic, driven by remote work and casual trends, the demand for tuxedos has grown with the return of festive gatherings. M&S menswear director Mitch Hughes noted a renewed affinity for classic men’s fashion. The company’s successful menswear includes complete tuxedo looks starting at £150, appealing to both men and women.
The boss of Marks & Spencer has declared that the tuxedo is coming back, with velvet suits being a particular hit.
Chief executive Stuart Machin said suits had disappeared from stores this Christmas, with sales “driven by the return of tuxedos”.
Celebrities opting for classy looks include Daniel Craig and Jake Gyllenhaal, who wore colorful velvet ensembles on the red carpet.
Sales of suits jumped 20% in the three months to December 28 compared to the same period last year.
Demand plummeted during the pandemic, but celebrity styling and the return of Christmas gatherings have revived demand.
M&S menswear director Mitch Hughes said Brits were falling in love with James Bond’s favorite sartorial choices again, citing “timeless but finely tailored clothing choices”. “We’re guaranteed to deliver a masterclass.”
The high street stalwart is one of the country’s largest suit retailers.
Daniel Craig attends the 15th Annual Governors Awards in a tuxedo at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles
Chief executive Stuart Machin (pictured) said suits had disappeared from stores this Christmas and sales were “boosted by the return of tuxedos”.
Sales surged 20% in the three months to December 28 compared to the same period last year (file image)
This Christmas bestseller is a complete look for £150, including stretch trousers for £40, a jacket for £70 and a cotton dress shirt with bow tie for £40.
Women’s velvet suits also sold well, including the popular £40 bright blue stretch trousers.
Stars like Taylor Swift and Naomi Watts are fans of festive fabrics for both suits and dresses.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, demand for suits has plummeted as remote workers choose more comfortable clothing.
Even when employees returned to the office, they opted for more casual pieces like sweatshirts and quarter zips.
Jake Gyllenhaal on stage in a tuxedo at the 69th Golden Globe Awards ceremony held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 15, 2012.
Taylor Swift attends the New York premiere of ‘All Too Well’ on November 12, 2021 in a velvet suit
Will Smith attended Starlight Gala 2024 in Marbella, Spain on August 4th last year wearing a tuxedo.
Actress Naomi Watts poses in a velvet suit at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival premiere of The Wolf Hour
David Beckham attends the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2024 held at the Royal Festival Hall on February 18th in a tuxedo
In 2021, M&S was forced to reduce its number of stores to just 110 out of 254.
Another sign that the case is becoming obsolete is that the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has kicked it out of the basket of goods it uses to calculate the annual inflation rate for 2021.
