The Forgotten Link Between Men's Mental Health and Style
The Californer/10328547

LOS ANGELES - Californer -- Today, men's mental health is in crisis. Millions feel lonely, too many turn to violence or suicide, and most assume the cause is purely social or digital. But part of the story is hiding in plain sight, in what hangs inside men's closets. Since the 18th century's Great Male Renunciation, when men abandoned ornamentation in favor of restrained dark suits, fashion has quietly reinforced emotional suppression. While thought leaders like Joe Rogan and Andrew Tate have begun speaking out about masculinity, style remains a blind spot.

Aces Wilder, a Los Angeles menswear brand, joins the Movember movement: not with mustaches, but with bold patterns on familiar yet expressive pieces. Their fully funded Kickstarter champions men's mental health by donating 5% of proceeds and introducing a new kind of fashion: clothing that makes men feel seen.

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Over the last two centuries, men's closets have grown increasingly muted, and with them, men's self-expression. This shift began when industrialization and new ideals of masculinity emphasized utility, competition, and rational thought over expression. The result isn't just dull style, but a dulling of the self, with fewer chances for compliments, visibility, and connection. As British psychologist John Flügel observed, men "abandoned their claim to be considered beautiful" and "henceforth aimed at being only useful."

Cultural shifts toward comfort and convenience have made men's style increasingly fragmented. Suits are reserved for formal events, bold styles are confined to music festivals, and hoodies have become the default for everything else. With nothing that carries across occasions, getting dressed often feels less like expression and more like obligation. Aces Wilder, a Los Angeles menswear brand, set out to change that.

"For too long, men have been told to play it safe in what they wear and how they show up. Brands like Vuori and Lululemon proved how much men value premium fabrics, but comfort alone is no longer enough. Expression is part of confidence, and confidence is part of mental health. Just as athleisure redefined style, we are creating the next category, Performance Festive-wear™, adaptable like activewear but vibrant enough to spark connection at a festival, a party, the airport, or the gym," says Aces Wilder Co-founder, Juliet Chen.

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The first piece, the Ace Zipup, launched on Kickstarter in September and hit its funding goal in under 12 hours, a clear sign that men are ready to express themselves differently. Aces Wilder has also pledged ongoing support for men's mental health, beginning with a donation of 5% of proceeds to the Movember Foundation. The campaign is only the beginning, with new silhouettes and prints already in development to help men show up boldly, feel confident, and connect authentically.

Support the campaign: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/aceswilder/ace-zipup