Why men’s fashion is more important today than ever before

Social media has changed the game. People who used to only be seen in the office are now permanently visible on LinkedIn, Instagram and in video calls. The visual first impression counts just as much as professional expertise. Studies prove it: Well-dressed men are perceived as more competent, reliable and stronger leaders – even before they have said a word. Clothing is visual communication.

It’s not about luxury for luxury’s sake. A structured outfit that suits your personality is more effective than an expensive label without a concept. If you know your own fashion style and implement it consistently, you will make better decisions every day when dressing – and save time, money and energy.

Luxury brands, social trends and new masculinity

The fashion world reflects social developments like no other industry. What used to be reserved for women – conscious shopping, style advice, fashion as an expression of identity – now also applies to the world of men. This can be seen in the collections at Fashion Weeks around the world. Men’s fashion trends from Fashion Week are now wearable and close to everyday life: trench coats, structured pants, clean layering looks.

Luxury brands are specifically catering to this change. They are focusing on new identities, queer chic and a return to classic cuts – depending on the target group. What they all have in common is a clear brand profile. PME Legend stands for masculine lifestyle style: timeless, suitable for everyday wear, with military and outdoor influences. A brand for men who value quality over hype.

Fun fact: PME Legend was founded in the Netherlands in 1988. The name stands for “Pall Mall Endeavor” – inspired by military expeditions. Today, the brand is available in over 20 countries.

Clothing as a career strategy

A well thought-out dress style is one of the most underestimated career measures. The first impression at a job interview, the outfit at a customer pitch, the appearance at a conference – all these things influence how others think about your competence and leadership potential. Clothing is the silent language before the interview.

There is the right strategy for every context:

• Business formal: structured slim-fit blazer, dark chinos or suit trousers
• Business casual: High-quality jeans (e.g. PME Legend jeans), plain shirt or polo
• Leisure: layering looks with quality basics, well-fitting shorts for men for the summer
• Event: statement piece over a basic outfit, good shoes as an upgrade

Current inspiration is provided by successful men’s models and their looks, for example, which show how different men’s fashion can look without having to be expensive.

The historical roots of men’s fashion

What men wear as a matter of course today has its origins in the Victorian era of the 19th century. With the Industrial Revolution, the suit spread as a symbol of reliability, status and professional seriousness. Shirt, tie and buttoned-up jacket were considered the uniform of the modern man.

But fashion evolved in waves. The austerity of the post-war years was followed by the looseness of the 1960s and 70s, the extravagance of the 80s and the grunge understatement of the 90s. Style breaks were never mistakes – they were statements. Today, we are experiencing a return to quality: less trend-hopping, more capsule wardrobe and conscious brand selection.

Nostalgia plays a major role here. Y2K trends are back, military looks are being translated into contemporary streetwear and French chic shows how a few high-quality pieces can define a complete look.

Tip: Invest in three basic pieces that work in five combinations each: a pair of dark jeans, a neutral blazer and a classic shirt. You’ll be perfectly equipped for 80% of all occasions.

Sportswear, casual & the new freedom of menswear

Today, elegant fashion and casual wear no longer exist as opposites, but complement each other. Sportswear influences can be found in business looks, luxury brands collaborate with streetwear brands and the hoodie has long since become socially acceptable. Today, caring for hoodies and styling them correctly is as much a part of fashion expertise as tying a tie.

The fit is important here. Nothing determines the overall impression as much as the fit of a garment. A well-fitting trouser cut turns an inexpensive outfit into a convincing look. Clothes that are too loose or too tight detract from the overall look, no matter how expensive the label is.

Accessories sharpen the final look: matching statement sunglasses or a good watch set the final accent without overdoing it. Less really is more here.

Sustainable brands: quality beats quantity

Fast fashion costs more in the long term – due to frequent replacement purchases, poorer workmanship and the ecological footprint. A growing proportion of men are therefore consciously opting for brands that stand for longevity. This saves money, conserves resources and results in a more coherent clothing style.

Today, those who focus on sustainability will find brands that combine style and responsibility. Labels such as Haderlump show what sustainable design looks like at Berlin Fashion Week. Established brands are also rethinking their production chains. Berlin Fashion Week 2025 has proven this: The boundaries between sustainable and aesthetically pleasing are becoming increasingly blurred.

Recommendation: Buy less often, but better. Two high-quality jeans in different washes can replace five cheap ones. Do a quality check: seams, fabric weight, finish of pockets and buttons – they may or may not hold up.

Frequently asked questions

How important is menswear for your career?

Very important. Studies show that clothing directly influences perceived competence, reliability and leadership strength. A conscious clothing style is an underestimated career measure that can be implemented without a large budget.

Which brands stand for high-quality men’s style?

Brands such as PME Legend combine masculine design with everyday practicality and durability. They work equally well for leisure and business casual.

What is part of the basic wardrobe for men?

Dark jeans, structured blazer, neutral chinos, two quality shirts and a good sweater. This covers 80% of all occasions. Add good shoes and a seasonal statement piece and your wardrobe is complete.

How do I combine men’s shorts with style?

High-quality men’s shorts in calm colors (navy, khaki, black) go well with a polo, linen shirt or a clean-cut T-shirt. Shoes: loafers or clean sneakers instead of flip-flops. Length: above the knee is more timeless.

What is the difference between business casual and smart casual?

Business casual allows high-quality jeans and structured shirts, but no tracksuits. Smart casual is one step more casual: combines fashionable pieces with quality principles without following a dress code.

Homeowners’ association at a glance

A condominium owners’ association (WEG) is an association of owners of apartments in a common building.

The community of owners can be described like this:

Community of all owners of a property.

As the owner of your apartment, you are a member of the WEG and have joint responsibility with the other owners for managing the common property, e.g. the staircase, the roof, the facade and the common utilities.

You also decide jointly on maintenance and repairs and on the financing of these measures. It is important to note that every decision in the WEG is made jointly and that you, as a member of the WEG, are also obliged to participate in the decisions and bear the costs.

The WEG at a glance:

• Each owner can represent his right to vote at the meeting of owners
• Each owner has a certain co-ownership share in the common property
• Each member of a WEG must bear costs for the common property
• Each owner is responsible for his or her own special property
• Each owner has to fulfill certain rights and obligations
• Each COA must have certain documents that set out rules and boundaries

The legal basis for a WEG is provided by the Condominium Act. It provides the owners with guidelines and regulations for the proper administration of the WEG. Let’s take a closer look at the Condominium Act (WEG for short).

Condominium Act (WEG)

The German Condominium Act (Wohnungseigentumsgesetz ) is of great importance to all condominium owners in Germany, as it lays down the legal foundations for the organization and management of condominium associations.

The WEG regulates, among other things, the distribution of rights and obligations between the individual owners and the community as well as the management and maintenance of the common property.

There are clear specifications for holding owners’ meetings, passing resolutions and managing funds. The establishment and duties of the management advisory board and the administrator are also regulated in the WEG.

The WEG regulates:

• The distribution of rights and obligations
• The management and maintenance of the common property
• The conduct of the meeting of owners
• The decision making
• The management of funds

The owners’ meeting is guided by the laws of the WEG:

In a WEG, every member is involved and must fulfill certain rights and obligations. In the next section, we will explain what you have to do as an owner.

Rights and obligations of the owners

As an owner in a homeowners’ association, you have certain rights and obligations. You have the right to use and manage your apartment, but you must also consider the common interests. This means that you must abide by jointly agreed rules and regulations that apply to the building and its residents.

Furthermore, as an owner in the homeowners’ association, you are obligated to participate in the management and maintenance of the common areas and facilities.

Rights of use to one’s own home

As the owner of your apartment in a homeowners’ association, you have the right to use and manage your apartment. It is up to you whether you live in the apartment yourself or rent it out. For example, you can renovate your apartment or buy new furniture, as long as you do not interfere with other owners.

The own apartment may be managed and designed by the owner, as long as the common property is not affected.

However, you must also consider the interests of the other owners and the community when using your apartment. For example, you may not make any structural changes to your apartment that could affect the appearance of the building or cause problems with other apartments.

Rights of use to common property

As an owner in a homeowners’ association, you are responsible for managing and maintaining the common areas and facilities together with the other owners. This includes, for example, the staircase, the elevator, the roof, the facade, the outdoor facilities and, if necessary, the heating system.

These rights and obligations accrue to owners on the common property:

• Management and maintenance of common areas

How these costs are financed and distributed is explained in the next section.

Financing common costs

As an owner in a homeowners’ association, you are obliged to contribute to the common costs of the association. This includes, for example, the costs for the management and maintenance of the common areas and facilities, but also the costs for the operation of the elevator, the waste disposal or the water supply.

The costs are usually calculated according to the ratio of your share in the common property. For this purpose, the declaration of division specifies which share you have in the homeowners’ association. This distribution of costs is also called the cost distribution key.

In addition to the running costs, larger maintenance or renovation measures may also be required, which are associated with a higher financial outlay. For this purpose, a reserve is usually formed, which is regularly replenished by the owners with a certain amount. This reserve is used to finance larger repairs and maintenance measures without the need for additional funds to be raised by the owners.

These costs are incurred in a WEG:

• Costs for the management and maintenance of common areas
• Costs for the operation of the elevator, waste disposal or water supply
• Maintenance reserves

The costs incurred are discussed at the owners’ meeting:

Organization of a homeowners association

The organization of a homeowners’ association is an important part of living together. There are various committees and bodies that are responsible for managing the community.

The most important body is the owners’ meeting. Here, all owners meet once a year to make important decisions and to discuss the concerns of the community.

Another important body is the management advisory board. This is elected by the owners’ meeting and supports the administrator in the management of the community.

The administrator is the executive body of the condominium owners’ association. He or she takes care of the administration of the community and ensures that all necessary work is carried out.

The most important instances of the WEG at a glance:

• WEG administrator
• Management Advisory Board
• Owners’ meeting

Now let’s take a closer look at the individual instances.

Administrator of the WEG

The administrator is the executive body of a condominium owners’ association and is responsible for the administration of the community. This includes, among other things, the organization and monitoring of maintenance measures, the preparation of accounts and communication with the owners and the various committees of the community.

The duties of the administrator include:

• Organization and monitoring of maintenance measures
• Preparation of accounts
• Communication with the owners and the various committees

The choice of a suitable administrator is therefore of great importance. As a rule, a professional management company is commissioned that has the necessary knowledge and experience. However, voluntary management by an owner is also possible.

Management Advisory Board

In addition to the administrator, there is also the management advisory board. The management advisory board consists of at least three owners. This body is elected by the owners’ meeting and has the task of supporting and monitoring the manager. However, the management advisory board has no decision-making authority and can only make recommendations.

The Management Advisory Board at a glance:

• Composed of at least three owners
• Elected by the owners’ meeting
• Supports and controls the administrator

Owners’ meeting

The owners’ meeting is the highest decision-making body and meets at least once a year. Its task is to discuss and decide on important matters concerning the community.

The owners’ meeting is convened by the administrator or by an owner. Certain deadlines and formal requirements must be observed. As a rule, invitations must be issued in writing at least two weeks before the meeting. The invitation must state the items on the agenda as well as the place, date and time of the meeting.

The typical topics of an owners’ meeting include the adoption of the business plan, the election of the manager, the vote on maintenance measures or the definition of house rules. The owners’ meeting also decides on the amount of the monthly house fees.

The community of owners at a glance:

• Meets at least once a year
• Advises on important matters of the community
• Convening takes place through the administrator