Top Product Trends for Men in 2021

2021 will be a recovery year for men. A huge percentage of us have seen the consequences from COVID-19. We've seen downturns or job loss at work, too many indoor hours, and social distancing. Can anyone say CABIN FEVER?!?!

We are looking so forward to turning things around!

The vaccine will be distributed, herd immunity is coming, businesses will open up, and we'll start hanging out again. GUY product purchases will reflect our emergence back into normal life.

What Do Men Want This Year?

We want to get out more and we want to hang out. While we've gotten pretty good at sheltering-at-home and perfecting our living spaces, we'll be looking for escape as the weather warms up and communities start to reopen.

We'll be looking to get in better shape and shed some weight. We'll be wanting to engage with friends we haven't physically seen for months. We'll want to visit the old haunts as we venture out.

We suspect men will want to hit the trail this year like never before. We'll do anything to get out and away from the house. 

So how will this impact our gift and product purchases this year?

Outdoor Trends

Expect a huge emergence this year as men seek to escape from their quarantine internment. They'll hit the trails in all sorts of activities. They'll be buying gear, apparel, equipment, and more. Men will be looking for new gear like packs, water containers, survival gear, first aid, knives and tools, food, etc. I personally can't wait to get out! Here are the top outdoor product categories:

• Hiking
• Biking
• Camping
• ATV/UTVs

Tech and Device Trends

In 2020 we spent SO much time indoors. We justified buying new devices, TVs, sound systems, computer gear and more. We think there may be a slump in tech purchases in 2021. That may be true but we'll likely see an uptick in tech purchases drawing men outside. Consider these items:

• GPS
• Fitness Devices
• Wireless Earbuds
• Tech

Fitness and Sports Trends

Gyms and trails will see a huge increase in men venturing out toward the end of Summer and end of the year. Articles are claiming that the average american has gained anywhere from 8-15 pounds since quarantine began. On the lower side, that's 2 billion pounds of weight gained in the US assuming 250 million adults. A lot of men will be wanting to shed the 1 billion pounds we're responsible for. Top categories and items:

• Health and Fitness
• Sports
• Outdoors

Living Spaces Trends

As of January, COVID isn't over. It'll affect men's purchases throughout the year. Men will be enhancing the indoor spaces they use including offices, dens, man caves, garages, and living rooms. Here are the top categories:

• Office/den
• Man Cave
• Home Theater
• Garage
• Living Room
• Back Yard

Fashion Trends

Formal wear and business wear flatlined in 2020. We think the trend will continue into 2021. Many men will be working from home and only venturing out for exercise, etc. Casual wear, fitness wear, and outdoor wear will drive the fashion indusry in 2021.

• Outerwear
• Pants
• Footwear

Seasonal Trends

The transition to recovery will be very obvious as the seasons progress this year. COVID restrictions will be removed slowly and men will become much more active - may be even normal??

Spring Trends

In the Spring, men will still be couped up and home lifestyle will be important. However, outdoor activities will see a huge increase as the weather warms up. GUYs want to get out. 

Spring gifts and products

Summer Trends

Summer will see a loosening of restrictions as the vaccine is rolled out and herd immunity is achieved. Travel will increase as vacations become more acceptable. Men will begin to socialize again in closed spaces.

Summer gifts and products

Fall Trends

The Fall will be interesting for men. Vaccination and herd immunity should be the themes allowing men to get back to normal but flu season will set in and make everyone nervous. It'll be a lot more active than last year however.

Fall gifts and products

Winter Trends

Unless some unforeseen event occurs, Winter activities should be back to 2019 levels. Men will travel for the holidays and gifts and product sales will be very normal.

Winter gifts and products

How to Shop for Men this Year

If you are buying a gift for a man this year consider how COVID will impact his activities. Early in the year he'll still be focused on indoor activities. As Spring and Summer bring sunny days, GUYs will be wanting to get outside. Birthday gifts, holiday presents, and special events will be driven by COVID in a lot of situations.

By end of year we're hoping we can start to throw around the word "normal" as we talk gift and product purchases.