The rise of the 'Mankle' - the male ankle goes mainstream
It used to be known as wearing your trousers at half mast – but now it seems the latest trend to hit men’s fashion.
Trousers where the hem of the leg ends deliberately at least four inches above the shoe have become one of the fastest selling items of men’s clothing this year, says high street store Debenhams.
The style enables men to show off their ankles and in some cases a glimpse of manly calf as a sign of masculinity and sportiness.
The trend is now so common that it has been embraced by a string of celebrity ambassadors including Tom Ford, Jude Law, Zac Efron, Olli Murs, Nick Grimshaw, Marvin Hulme from JLS and Ryan Gosling.
So great is the trend for exposing men’s ankles that industry experts are now calling them ‘Mankles’.
Said Debenhams Director of menswear buying, Paul Baldwin: “the tailors of Saville Row must be having a fit”.
“For years, they have taken great pride in measuring men’s trousers so that the hem skilfully kisses the front of the shoe, and hangs gracefully down the back.”
“But now, ankle swingers are the name of the game. There are now so many manly ankles and calves on our High Streets that Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters would have a fit. ”
Retailer Debenhams has seen a 20% increase in sales across their shorter length trousers in the last six months alone with taller gents picking up smaller slacks all in the name of fashion.
Socks are suffering as the mankle increases in popularity; sales are down by 4% for the retailer. However, their short loafer socks are flying off the shelves, 4000 pairs have sold in recent weeks.
Debenhams ‘roll-up’ chinos are soaring by 108%. The retailer’s personal shoppers have also been inundated with men asking for tips on how to best show off their mankles and what shoes are best to wear.
Paul Baldwin continues Debenhams says: “Mankles have been one of the most unlikely trends that we have seen this season, the rolled up chino look was seen across the catwalks and sported by fashionistas along, but now the trend has hit the high street”
Debenhams also saw a further surge in sales last week during the heat wave, as temperatures soared men were rushing to give their ankles an airing.
The mankle has been most popular in Manchester, Aberdeen, Newcastle and Brighton, where shorter length chino sales have been the most popular.
The trend for flashing ankles was first adopted by risqué Victorian ladies and has now been adopted by gents and can be seen across the high street.
Chinos are available in all stores nationwide and online at Debenhams.com, prices start at £30.
