Business Insider | Executive Insights: Powered by Maserati

From African print suits to running shoes — these are the 5 workwear trends for SA men this Spring

Timothy Rangongo , Business Insider SA

Oct 11, 2018, 08:23 AM

Spring has sprung and with that comes a change in wardrobe for the office.
We asked one of SA's top up-and-coming fashion designers for some tips on what to rock this season.
African print suits, running shoes and neon tops are some of the trends that made the list.

Trench coats, jerseys, wool suits and leather boots are finally being tucked away as the Spring/Summer season kicks in. The change in seasons, however, also calls for a change in wardrobe for the office, which can get tricky.

We turned to one of SA's top up-and-coming fashion designers, Mzukisi Mbane, owner of Imprint ZA, to get some tips on what to buy. Imprint ZA is a budding fashion brand that's been winning the favour of local celebrities, including DJ Tira, Siv Ngesi, Minnie Dlamini, Nomzamo Mbatha and Bonnie Mbuli.

"Don't be afraid to challenge yourself when it comes to fashion. More especially with colour. Spring is the best time to play," is his advice.

These are the top 5 workwear trends Mbane has identified:

1. Sports luxe

The sport luxe trend of taking items with pure athletic purposes and adding fashionable twists to them is "in" this spring, according to Mbane.

(Instagram)

A good example is wearing running shoes, he says.

(Superbalist)

You can even wear running shoes with a t-shirt and suit for the office.

(Getty)

2. Neon

Bright, vivid, reflective and eye-catching colours are the hue of Spring this year, according to Mbane.

US designer Virgil Abloh wearing a neon top.

The trick with wearing neon for men: "Keep it very simple," he adds.

Mbane tells Business Insider SA that if you're going for the neon look, "a neutral tone suit with that pop of colour in the tie or t-shirt" is more ideal for the office.

3. Denim

Denim is back, says Mbane.

Denim jacket and pants.

The 70s denim look - matching a denim top with denim bottoms - is hot, in particular.

Denim top and pants. (Superbalist)

4. Afrofuturism

Afrofuturism has been big since the release of the Marvel blockbuster Black Panther — which showcased magnificent African fashion in great detail.

Actor Chadwick Boseman at the premiere of Marvel Studios' Black Panther.

Mbane recommends investing in an African print suit for the office.

African print suit with running shoes/trainers. (@Imprint_za, Instagram)

"But you don't have to wear it as a suit if it's really not your vibe." he says.

Musician Bongeziwe Mabandla accepting an award during the 24th annual South African Music Awards wearing an African print suit by Imprint ZA. (Gallo)

You can either do the pants with a solid white shirt or t-shirt depending on the occasion, says Mbane. "Or do a blazer, white shirt, with neutral solid coloured pants or denims."