Thomas StewartThere are two words which I would use to describe Topman. They are: universally specific. Topman has its dedications but what it doesn’t have is a narrow mind. Like us at MFM, Topman’s main priority is style. With that comes the want to sell and promote the best style in the men’s fashion world. This forms their commitment to keeping an open mind with new ideas and new designs. When you walk into a Topman you will notice the wide range of options. From the t-shirts with photographs on them to the patterned jumpers, over to the three-piece suits and dickey-bows, Topman opens its doors to a whole host of customers but not without having that stamp of originality.
Founded in 1978, in Sheffield, Topman became the male equivalent of Topshop, which launched in 1964. Ever since its launch, Topman has been growing. Over the years, Topman has collaborated with young designers such as Kim Jones to promote young style and new minds in the fashion industry. With its continuous growth, Topman now has stores in New York, Chicago and Japan.
Topman’s original premise was to “drive trends forward” and “shift the way men approach shopping”. Topman’s styles border into “jazzy” – with tie-die t-shirts and leopard printed trousers – but they have always wanted to “create brilliant, affordable and authoritative menswear”. With affordable in mind, Topman is one of the few shops on the high street to offer student discount, in addition you can – and I most certainly did – buy a wonderfully tailored suit for only £100. With regards to authoritative, Topman was the winner of ‘Best Fashion Retailer’ at Maxim Style Awards in 2005 and also the winner of ‘Best High Street Retailer’ in 2007. Topman has carried their mission statement from 1978 right to the present day and their clothes are the prime example.
T-shirts:
The beauty of Topman is that their wide variety of clothes suit many types of people but don’t go so far that they become generic. Topman is specific to its customers by supplying many options – from the lovers of tie-die to those that prefer oversized, baggy t-shirts. Something that could be plain is made much more fashionable with a simple patterned pocket attached to its breast.
Coats:
With winter coming with a vengeance a coat is essential. But what kind of coat? Coats are big investments because they’re something we wear constantly – you can add a hat or a scarf to it, even some shoes will change the look – but when you buy one coat, you’ve made a commitment. Topman offers many coats – a smarter choice with a belt, a waterproof with a hood or a jacket or those breezy nights. You could be standing next to someone who doesn’t share the same style as you as you pick your coat but both nod in acknowledgment of you appreciation for the place you stand.
Suits:
For my graduation, I bought suit number 3 which fitted so sleekly that I felt that all I wanted to do was wear suits. Not only does Topman offer a range of fits, its accessories compliment your choice, whether you want to wear a flowery tie, plain, a tweed or even a dickey-bow, your options are endless.
Accessories:
Watches, hats, bags, belts – accessories are the salt and pepper of fashion. They add a flavour to what we wear, they are the additional comments. Topman’s smart-indie offering is not just the only choice but is perfect for those of us that buy our suits or shoes. A brown watch to wear with your suit or a beanie to go with your coat – you walk around and you find the perfect partner.
Shoes:
The beauty of a department store is that everything you need is under the same roof – you’ve found the perfect outfit, now, shoes. In its own way, Topman is a department store. Shoes are right around the corner, you can make your outfit right under that roof. Selections range from suede casual shoes to a brown, formal pair but, as we feel at MFM, there’s nothing wrong with wearing smart clothes in everyday life.
Conclusion
The fact that Topman suits so many people and stays distinctive is extraordinary, a kind of marvel and something to be admired – this admiration extends into Topman’s commitment to exploring new and innovative designs. Here at MFM we share a lot of the same ideas as Topman – we believe in style and designs and everything fashion. So what do you think? What have your experiences been of Topman? Have you been surprised how much £100 will extend? Have you – much like I – wanted to buy seven suits and wear them every day of the week?? Let us your thoughts and ideas.