attiremen

Attiremen is a term used in fashion theory and cultural studies to denote a class of ensembles that are specifically assembled to convey masculine identity and social role within a given context. The concept treats clothing, grooming, and accessories as an integrated system whose primary function is communicative, signaling things such as formality, occupation, or affiliation, rather than merely protecting the body.

The word appears as a blend of attire and man, and in some discussions it is used to refer to the standardized or codified set of garments that a group regards as appropriate for men in particular situations. While not universally adopted, the term helps scholars describe how groups curate looks to project collective norms.

Characteristics of attiremen include tailored silhouettes, selection of fabrics, color palettes, and distinctive accessories configured to suit specific settings—workplaces, ceremonies, sports teams, or subcultures. The concept emphasizes fit, craftsmanship, and the symbolic meaning of garments, rather than fashion trends alone. It also acknowledges variation across cultures and historical periods.

In practice, analysts use the notion of attiremen to compare how different communities construct masculine presentation, how dress codes evolve, and how individuals negotiate style within expectations. It can apply to formal suits, uniforms, or subcultural outfits that are recognized as masculine-coded within their context.

See also: dress code, menswear, uniforms, sartorial culture, gender and clothing.