There was a time when selling beauty and fashion to men required targeting their female friends, lovers, and family members who could persuade them into making those purchases. Well ladies and gentleman, the times they are a changing. It seems that men are increasingly talking, shopping, and having fun making their own style decisions. If you’re wondering where today’s bachelors are spending, saving, and shaving, then read on.

Spending on Lavish Items: Even though ladies’ designer duds are being hocked at a fraction of the price these days, things are drastically different in the menswear world. In an October survey conducted by the American Affluence Research Center, men revealed they were less inclined than women to reduce spending on designer apparel, fine jewelry, and watches. Twenty-three percent of male respondents said they hadn’t reduced overall spending since the recession started, compared with just 14 percent of women. Tellingly, Hermes just opened it’s first men’s boutique on Madison Avenue and we can expect to see other high end retailers follow suit.

Boob-Baring Is Back: Laugh all you want but thanks to Alec Baldwin more men are letting it all hang out. That’s right folks, from scoop neck to v-neck shirts, guys are going for the décolleté look right down to the last unbuttoned button. Perhaps the last time we witnessed this fashion trend was in the disco era, but even back then John Travolta had those chest hairs peeking out so there really is no need to be shy about it.

Body Contouring Shapewear: Yup, it finally happened. Spanx, the lingerie line that nips, tucks, and lifts a woman’s shifting shape has launched a line of spandex sucking slim wear for men. The new line includes tank tops, v-necks, and crewneck undershirts, perfect for pressing down beer bellies and bulking up arms and chests. If you want to be the first to try it on for size, drop into a Neiman Marcus where the products will be in store beginning March 15th.

Bald Is Big: So you are down to just a few strands of hair and that prescription for Propecia is not yielding positive results? Genes be damned, as the male pattern in this case reveals that more men are braving the bald look and discovering that dealing with it is anything but difficult. For starters, there are hassle-free benefits to going hairless, plus many have claimed it can be liberating and boost “chic” appeal. The phenomenon has even turned some into Baldies by Choice and inspired the launching of grooming products like BaldGuyz which boast head-wipes, shaving gels, and sunscreen so there is no need to be razor reluctant.

No More Neckties Around the Collar: Blame it on the recession but according to marketing research firm NPD the number of ties sold in the U.S. fell 18 percent in 2009, to twenty-nine million, more than double the 7.3 percent drop in 2008. Ties, which began to lose their powerful status during the dot.com boom, will remain at the back of the rack until we fully recover.

Originally published on Single Edition