Chanel has made its position clear: menswear isn’t on the horizon. “It’s going to be the same answer: no, we are not planning to enter men’s,” said CEO Leena Nair, shutting down speculation around a potential expansion into menswear. But while the brand maintains a firm stance, it hasn’t stopped men around the world from adopting Chanel pieces as part of their everyday wardrobes. From sneakers and tweed jackets to quilted crossbody bags, men have been making Chanel their own.
FASHION
Historically, Chanel has never released a dedicated menswear collection. Yet, male figures have frequently appeared in its campaigns and shows, serving as ambassadors or simply walking the runway in select pieces. Still, the brand has steered clear of building out a full line for men. That hasn’t deterred a growing number of male style leaders who now wear Chanel with the same ease as any other luxury label.
The idea of a Chanel menswear line wasn’t far-fetched in 2024, when the house was temporarily without a creative director. Whispers in the industry pointed to Hedi Slimane, renowned for his work at Dior Homme and for introducing menswear at Celine, as a potential candidate to take the reins. Had he been appointed, a dedicated men’s offering may have finally materialized. Instead, Matthieu Blazy stepped in.
Once viewed as distinctly feminine, Chanel’s signature design elements have become more universally accepted, especially as traditional gender distinctions in fashion become less defined. Well-cut jackets and thoughtful tailoring hold universal appeal, and many of Chanel’s silhouettes naturally complement a more gender-fluid approach to dressing.
For men looking to wear Chanel without compromise, options do exist. The Boy de Chanel beauty line was designed specifically for men and remains a clear nod to the brand’s openness in certain product categories. Chanel’s fragrances and watches also offer entry points for male consumers, positioning the brand within reach, at least in accessories and grooming, if not yet in apparel. Even without a runway slot or seasonal lookbook, men are finding their place in the Chanel universe.
