Fashion police

Fashionably fighting back

Boys prove they can be just as stylish as the girls

Story and photographs by Kelly May

Look outside, there's a revolution happening right under our noses. Men of all ages are waking up to fashion. Believe it or not, after years of wearing boring jeans and T-shirts, men are gradually becoming more fashion conscious.

In wasn't long ago that men were considered sissy if they wore jewellery or cared about how they looked. But there is still a long way to go as Happy Berry's co-founder, Roampol Rochanakit explained. "Shops are realising the market potential of men's fashion but the choice is still limited when compared to women's fashion. More and more shops are diversifying and offering a male section, like we have at Happy Berry."

One fashion conscious student, Chindanai Pattanapong, complained that there is little variation from one shop to another for men's fashion. He would like to see a greater variety for men to choose from.

Fashion Editor of The Boy magazine, known only as Ink, acknowledges the changing trends. "Years ago, male magazines rarely included fashion shoots or features relating to clothes. Now clothes and trends feature on almost every page. Men have become more confident to experiment with different styles to find out what suits them and their lifestyle. Fashion is about caring what you look like and men of all ages have started to care."

The growing popularity of both Western and Asian boy bands offer men role models and a source of inspiration. The media plays a vital role in determining what men wear, believes Rachata Kittigosin, a Faculty of Arts student at Chulalonkorn University. "TV soaps, music channels and the Internet give men an idea about was is trendy and what isn't. I'm really into Japanese fashions and buy NONNO to see what's happening in the world of fashion over in Japan."

The trend for men this season, according to Ink, is effortless style influenced by extreme sports and hip-hop. "Over-sized jeans worn below the hips, showing the waistband of your underwear is really popular. Belts are an essential requirement to this look to prevent your trousers falling down," Ink laughed.  

Trendsetter Roampol suggested that second-hand T-shirts, easily found at Chatuchak Market, and chunky bracelets are this season's must have items. "Just mix and match new gear with second-hand gear for a real skater boy look," Roampol advised.

Thammarat Pummarin, 13, a student at Samsen School is an avid fan of Happy Berry at Siam Square. Thammarat isn't afraid to experiment with accessories and loves his new hat. He thinks that this seasons' skater look is comfortable and practical.

Supamongkd Thanayodcharoen, 16, a student at the Debsirin School, looks to popular Thai boy bands for inspiration when deciding what clothes to buy. This outfit was inspired by D2B and was purchased at MBK.

Chayanarong Suttinak, 14, a student from Assumption College, is a huge fan of Levi's merchandise. He often buys worn and faded jeans at Chatuchak weekend market much cheaper than at department stores.

Witid Assawarat, 16, a student at the Debsirin School is another Chatuchak weekend market fan. He loves to hunt for cool second hand T-shirts like this yellow Coca-Cola T-shirt. According to Witid, T-shirts can cost as little as 50 baht if you are prepared to rummage through the rails. 

Teera Siribanchaporn, 18, a student at Srinakarinwiroad University shops at Chatuchak Market and customises his own clothes including his glasses.

Vocabulary

revolution (n): great change in conditions, ways of working, beliefs, etc. that affects large numbers of people
conscious (adj): aware of something; noticing something
sissy (adj): believed to be weak or frightened, or only interested in the sort of things girls like
potential (n): that can develop into something or be developed in the future
diversify (v): develop a wider range of products, interests, skills, etc. in order to be more successful or reduce risk
trend (n): general direction in which a situation is changing or developing
role model (n): person that you admire and try to copy
inspiration (n): process that takes place when somebody sees or hears something that causes them to have exciting new ideas or makes them want to create something, especially in art, music or literature
rummage (v): move things around carelessly while searching for something