Men's clothing trade shows offer the chance to see and be seen. For men's fashionwear providers, they are an opportunity to display the latest looks and fabrics. For men's clothingwear buyers, they are a way to add what's new to the inventory and to glimpse what's coming next. If your company falls into the first category, your most important task is selecting the apparel to showcase. Some men's clothing trade shows have a theme, such as fall and winter wear. Other shows highlight new fashions. Still others are general showcases. Check with some friends in the business for men's clothing trade show advice.

As you review a men's clothing trade show guide, you'll note that there are events all across the calendar and around the world. Depending on the size of your company's enterprise and the number of clothing categories you sell or buy, your company might attend most of them or a select few. As you identify men's clothing trade shows to attend, remember the following points:

1. Most large men's clothing trade shows are regional.

2. Some men's clothing trade shows focus on specific fashions.

3. Some men's clothing trade shows feature specialized businesses.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use a men's clothing trade show directory to select your event

Peruse the clothing and fashion industry directories for men's clothing tradeshow listings. Note that some are listed separately while others are grouped in shows that include women's and children's apparel.

I recommend: The Menswear Collection show sponsored by Columbia College Chicago is renowned in American men's clothing circles. Visit it to see a range of clothing styles, some even based on 1920s fashions. Go see the fashions on display at the Dallas Market Center. Everyone from leading designers to niche ones will be there. Keep an eye out for the Men's Collective at the same venue.

Find men's clothing trade show information about your specialized business

Men's clothing trade shows can be huge, and 'little guys' can get lost. If your company produces specialty fashions or accessories, don't despair. Search the men's trade show directories for trade shows for your product or specialty.

I recommend: Take the challenge at the ASR show. It highlights the latest in action sports apparel and promises unique events and displays for its 18,000 attendees and 450 exhibitors. It also offers an online "exhibit hall." You can find Imprinted Sportswear Shows several times a year. Attend ones that fits your calendar and marketing plan.

Attend a men's clothing trade show specialty event

While most of the trade shows focus on fashion, there are some each year that offer the supporting casts a chance to display their products. Events for fabric suppliers, mannequin makers, and belt and shoe companies dot the calendar. Don't overlook events for your business.

I recommend: If your company produces fabrics for industry, check out the IFAI show. The Industrial Fabrics Association International event hosts more than 7,500 folks annually. For the well-dressed man, accessories are very important, See the latest and greatest along with 14,000 other visitors at the Accessories the Show event.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Be prudent when you build your men's clothing trade show itinerary. Some shows are close together time wise but not geographically, making travel a real challenge. Consider training two exhibit teams or spacing events apart as much as possible.
• •  If your company's exhibit is large or complex, use men's clothing trade show services. They'll set up, take down and ship your materials.