Herrenabteilung

Herrenabteilung, literally “men's department” in German, refers to the part of a retail store or department store dedicated to menswear and related goods. It is typically located on a separate floor or area and is distinguished from Damenabteilung (women's department) and Kinderabteilung (children's department).

Products commonly found in the Herrenabteilung include formal wear such as suits, jackets, dress shirts, and ties; casual wear such as polo shirts, T-shirts, and jeans; outerwear such as coats and jackets; underwear and loungewear; footwear; accessories like belts, wallets, hats, and watches; and sometimes grooming products and sportswear.

Shopping experience and services in the Herrenabteilung may be organized by clothing category or by occasions (formal, business casual, casual). Staff may be specialized in menswear and alterations, with tailoring services offered in some stores. The section is often designed with fitting rooms and display fixtures that reflect current fashion seasons and trends.

History and regional usage: The term has been in use since the rise of large German-speaking department stores in the 19th and 20th centuries. In recent years, some retailers have reduced gendered sections in favor of unified or unisex collections and online shopping, reflecting broader movements toward inclusive marketing. Nonetheless, Herrenabteilung remains a common label in German-speaking retail and in many European stores.

See also: Department store, Menswear, Fashion retail, Retail layout.