M&S sees rebound in demand for suits as office return fuels growth

M&S has reported an 8% gain in men's suit sales over the past year, pushing total annual suit volumes past half a million for the first time. The retailer also said shoppers now rate M&S as more stylish than Zara in a YouGov survey, the latest sign that its fashion overhaul is resonating. As big firms push staff back to the office, jogging bottoms are out and the suit is back. M&S is targeting men who want to sharpen up their work wardrobes in its autumn and winter ranges, just as dark clouds gather over the job market.

M&S has recruited model David Gandy as its ambassador of tailoring and the face of a future Jaeger campaign, part of its push to attract younger shoppers. Mitch Hughes, director of menswear, said: 'Men's formalwear continues to be a growth category for us as men look to smarten up their wardrobes for the office.' The pandemic has left a mark, with a shift toward more smart-casual, versatile dressing, as consumers are now more likely to pair a smart blazer and trousers with a casual T-shirt and trainers, compared to the formal shirt and smart shoes of years gone by. Hughes added: 'Stylish separates that flex across office, weekend and occasion are key and our latest collection reflects this with breathable fabrics, stretch innovation and modern fits that prioritise comfort, movement, and style.' The Office for National Statistics removed suits from the basket used to calculate inflation in 2022, replacing them with a formal jacket or blazer; the shift underlines the move toward versatile tailoring.

As many firms cut costs, workers have been described as clinging onto their jobs in a 'great stay', a contrast to the earlier 'great resignation' trend. M&S has grown its share of the men's suits market from 14.2 per cent last year to 19.4 per cent in the year to April 2025. Its new range includes a £120 machine washable suit and a £28 smart trouser that is offered in different fits, including 'skinny' and 'relaxed'. The group is trying to entice younger male customers by recruiting celebrity ambassadors, including Spencer Matthews and Ian Wright, to share style advice online. After using celebrities including Sienna Miller and Hannah Waddingham to win over younger women in a fashion shake-up, M&S said it had beaten rival Zara in a survey among women for the first time, achieving its highest-ever 'style ranking' with shoppers aged 18-34, according to YouGov. The surveys began in 2021 as part of the retailer's effort to shed its reputation for 'dowdy' clothes.

Industry observers say the rebound aligns with retailers' focus on versatile, smart outfits that can be worn across office, weekend, and occasions. M&S continues to lean into autumn and winter ranges to grow menswear sales, even as broader economic uncertainties linger and the job market remains in flux.