This archive report was first published on 2 December 2019.
As the world of men's fashion continues to evolve, Nairobi's central business district is witnessing a surge in menswear stores. The trend, driven by international fashion icons and award seasons, has made high-end fashion more accessible to the average man.
From Moi Avenue to Kenyatta Avenue and Tom Mboya Street, there are barely any streets in the city's town centre without a men's shop. According to Fred Obare, who has been running a men's shop along Muindi Mbingu Street for seven years, menswear has better profit margins than women's clothing.
Obare's gamble on relatively unknown brands has paid off, with a loyal customer base that includes business leaders, politicians, and their aides. His regular clients spend between Sh5,000 and Sh30,000 per visit, he says.
High-end malls like the High End Mall along Koinange Street have also set up stores for traders looking to cash in on the fashion-conscious Nairobi man. Lydia, who works at Dee's Menswear in the mall, attributes the success to the surrounding office blocks, which have become their biggest clients.
With the centrality of the city's CBD making it easily accessible, business owners can cast a wide net for customers. As Mary, who works at Jinelle Men's and Women's shop, puts it, 'People from all walks of life frequent the city on a daily basis, which definitely boosts our sales.'
Despite having outfits for both men and women, Mary and her fellow attendants say they get more male than female customers. And, she affirms, men prefer shopping for themselves.
