The menswear market in the United States is shifting. While casualwear still dominates overall sales, formalwear—specifically tailored clothing—is showing steady and surprising growth. Consumer behavior indicates a renewed interest in suits that prioritize personalization, sustainability, and long-term value.

This isn’t a simple return to pre-pandemic norms. Instead, the resurgence is driven by changing attitudes toward clothing investment, lifestyle milestones like weddings, and the growing role of digital tailoring platforms.

Formalwear market trends

According to Statista, revenue in the U.S. men’s suits segment is projected to reach $12.8 billion in 2025, marking a 4.3% increase over 2024. While that’s still below the 2019 peak, the category’s rebound is stronger than expected, especially in the post-pandemic era.

The American Apparel & Footwear Association attributes this to several key developments:

  • A significant uptick in weddings and formal events post-2022
  • Increased demand for personalization and better fit
  • A consumer shift away from fast fashion toward quality pieces
  • The rise of hybrid and flexible work environments, creating demand for versatile formal-casual clothing

The growing appeal of custom tailoring

Fit remains the top driver of satisfaction when it comes to formalwear. A 2024 report by McKinsey & Company on fashion personalization found that 62% of male consumers ages 25–45 are more likely to return to brands that offer tailored or made-to-measure services.
This reflects a broader trend: men are no longer satisfied with standardized sizing or off-the-rack designs. Instead, they want garments tailored to their physique, lifestyle, and taste.

Custom suits meet this need precisely. Whether for daily professional wear or special occasions, custom tailoring allows for precise control over fabric choice, silhouette, and finishing details. As the resale and alteration costs of mass-produced suits increase, custom garments are viewed as more economical over time.

The modern role of the tuxedo

Though often perceived as traditional, the tuxedo remains a steady presence in the men’s formalwear sector. In fact, demand has diversified rather than diminished. Sales data from rental and retail platforms like The Black Tux and SuitShop indicate an increase in non-traditional tuxedo purchases, including colors like emerald, deep burgundy, and off-white.

This shift aligns with broader changes in wedding culture. Grooms are no longer defaulting to classic black-tie attire; instead, they’re treating formalwear as an extension of their personal style. Additionally, groomsmen, fathers of the couple, and even guests are investing in quality suits and tuxedos with plans to re-wear them for future events.

Digital tailoring on the rise

Technology has also made custom formalwear more accessible. Online tailoring platforms now offer at-home measuring kits, virtual consultations, and 3D fitting previews, minimizing barriers for first-time buyers.

Companies like Indochino, Proper Cloth, and Hive & Colony report that first-time custom suit buyers are getting younger, with most new clients falling between 28 and 40. The ease of remote ordering and the appeal of clothing made to last are helping normalize custom tailoring among millennials and Gen Z.

Key takeaways

  • The U.S. menswear market is seeing a steady return to tailored formalwear, with a notable shift toward personalization and sustainability.
  • Custom suits are increasingly favored for both professional use and special occasions due to superior fit and long-term value.
  • The tuxedo, while rooted in tradition, is being reimagined with modern fabrics, colors, and styling preferences.
  • Digital platforms and changing consumer expectations are helping tailor-made clothing reach a broader, younger market.

In today’s fashion landscape, formalwear isn’t fading—it’s evolving. The new standard is flexibility, personalization, and purpose.