Well, folks, 2024 is just about in the books. And with so much transpiring in the world of menswear this year, we convened our staff to weigh in on the trends, fits, products, and people that have defined the past 12 months. Welcome to the first annual GQ Style Questionnaire.
What was the defining trend of 2024?
Samuel Hine, senior fashion writer: Not even
indie sleaze could halt the tide of menswear inflation this year—that is, the phenomenon where everyone's clothes seemed to grow a few sizes. On the runways and in the malls, coats achieved Brobdingnagian proportions,
trousers ballooned in volume, and Balenciaga somehow
made even bigger sneakers. It even became hard to find a button-up that didn't look like a tunic. Perfect for a year when life felt like a nonstop series of memes.
Raymond Ang, associate director, editorial operations: Male
sluttiness. Another stop in the mainstream's embrace of queer culture.
Yang-Yi Goh, style editor: A return to elegance. It was really nice to see so many
sport coats and ties in the
GQ offices on the regular again.
Anthony O'Baner Jr., executive assistant to the global editorial director:
Western dominated this year, and I credit Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter for that!
Matthew Roberson, GQ Sports staff writer: The seeds of it were planted a few years ago, but this feels like the year that
light wash jeans really came back in a big way.
Which trend are you most ready to leave behind?
Doug Branlund McClenahan, Discord community manager:: I think in the quest for perfect pants, we have strayed too far from the light. Pants are rapidly approaching “too big” status. Let's dial it back to a healthy range. I'll give you anything
between a 501 and a 550.
Cam Wolf, watch editor: Cheap, disposable clothing.
Michael Nolledo, associate commerce director: Lookalike contests.
The first few were entertaining , but now they're just kinda sad?
Avidan Grossman, senior commerce editor: I really, truly can't remember the last sneaker I really, truly wanted. Buy a pair of high-top Chucks and be done with it.
Gerald Ortiz, style commerce writer: The generic “TikTok guy” look.
Click here to read the full story—including our staff’s picks for the biggest trend of 2025, the year’s finest fashion release, and much more.