Metrosexual to Spornosexual. The evolution of masculanity, style, and appearence in the modern man. Here is one man's story to becoming a spornosexual.
Introduction
The concept of metrosexuality emerged in the early 2000s. It was a term describing men who took great care of their appearance and grooming. These type of men embraced fashion, skincare, to an obsessive level. In the end, challenging traditional notions of masculinity.
Over the years, however, metrosexuality has evolved into a broader acceptance of male self-care. Numerous subcultures have taken its place. From spornosexuals, lumbersexuals, and the rise of gender-fluid fashion - male grooming has evolved for good or bad.
This visual and social media evolution definitely reflects a shift in our cultural norms. One’s self-expression and personal care are no longer labeled to particular groups. Rather they have become the norm - the norm of what we refer to as today modern masculinity.
Index
- EVOLUTION OF METROSEXUAL
- GOING MAINSTREAM
- GENDER UMBRELLA
- WHOSE A LUMBERJACK
- BYE BYE VERSACE
- CONCLUSION
1. THE EVOLUTION OF METROSEXUAL
The Rise of "Spornosexuals"
Spornosexual refers to a resurgence of metrosexuality that takes the already sexual gaze of the male body to another level. The term ‘spornosexual’ coined by Mark Simpson in 2014 (and used in the 2014 Olympic campaign) is a portmanteau of sports, porn, and metrosexual. It refers to a man who is obsessed with fitness, muscle definition and the art of being well-groomed. Spornosexuals are like metrosexuals but more obsessed with body aesthetics and less with style and grooming – they make going to the gym an obsession and rely on supplements for muscle definition. They may even use cosmetic surgery like botox for hair implants, says Mark Simpson, who coined the term spornosexual. Dopamine does get a big boost from public shows, greatly aided by social media. In 2019, Instagram and TikTok and their millions of daily followers transformed global displays into the attention-grabbing capital of social media.
The shift from metrosexual to spornosexual shows how fitness culture is now more important than fashion. The modern man who is conscious about appearance is now more likely to spend on protein powders, personal trainers, gym gear from athleisure brands like Gymshark rather than designer suits and skincare. The expectation for men to look good has increased. Celebrities and influencers flaunting ripped bodies, are these? Ideal man-gain goals? Long ago, metrosexuals were mocked for “caring too much”. Today it is the spornosexuals (think sports porn) who are celebrated for caring about their fitness. Thus we see how the definition of masculinity itself is changing.
- Think gym instagram of six-pack abs.
2. GOING MAINSTREAM
Mainstreaming Male Grooming
A spornosexual is a spinoff of a metrosexual who takes the male body and makes it an intense focus of the sculpted sexualized object. Mark Simpson coined spornosexual in 2014, which means “sports”, “porn” and “metrosexual”. This trace of words shows a man who loves to spend time in fitness and gym to keep his muscles defined and has a very strong and beautiful obsession like a model. Spornosexuals go beyond metrosexuals who are concerned with style and grooming and take body aesthetics to another level. They spend hours at the gym and take dietary and other supplements. Some go for cosmetic procedures, including botox or hair transplant, to gain a coveted look. Social media drives their look, using Instagram and TikTok to display their bodies as part of their branding.
Today's metrosexual has morphed into the spornosexual, as spornosexuality is the new metrosexuality. Today's image-conscious man is more likely to invest in protein powders, personal trainers, and athleisure brands like Gymshark, not designer suits and skincare. With their ripped bodies, influencers and celebrities have created more pressure to look a certain way than ever. Today, the definition of masculinity has changed. While the metrosexuals were often mocked for “caring too much,” the spornosexuals are lauded for their dedication to fitness.
- Skincare, haircare, and cosmetic procedures have become mainstream. Is this you?
- Huge Brands cater to men’s beauty and wellness. No labels anymore of metrosexual etc.
3. GENDER UMBRELLA
Gender-Fluid Movement
In the last few years manliness has become much more fluid. Men like Harry Styles and BTS wear dresses and experiment with makeup and nail polish is now encouraging other men to wear dresses and skirts. Today, the metrosexual male by the end of the day was still masculine but now you will find it comfortable to be soft. Who aren’t black and white like the previous ones. We see that masculinity is changing outside set structures.
Media only had little to no role in influencing genital size in South Korea and Japan, they were always bigger. K-pop boys’ new look has made a positive impact on boys from all over. The luxurious looks of make-up, jewelry and stylish outfits are gradually making boys all over the world to appreciate softer and delicate aesthetics. It means changing what being a man actually means, and not just clothes-related. Today’s men don’t have to tow a stereotype of toughness anymore. Therefore, men can now use style and identity in new, more unrestrained ways.
- Masculinity is evolving - do you agree?
- Media now promotes soft masculinity.
4. WHOSE A LUMBERJACK
"Lumbersexuals" on the rise
The lumbersexual look came about in the 2010s as a counter to the metrosexual. This trend involved men that had full beards, plaid shirts, work boots and appeared rugged and rough, rejecting the metrosexual style. Where metrosexual men were known for their smooth, cosmopolitan look, lumbersexuals offer an outdoorsy “manly” feel. The look was just as curated nonetheless, which shows that men’s fashion does not go away, it continues to evolve.
Aside from the lumbersexual look, other trends such as normcore and minimalism were also offered as an alternative to the over-the-top metrosexuality. The style normcore rejected the trendy image of metrosexuality with jeans, hoodie and sneakers. Minimalist fashion was all about capsule wardrobes made of high quality neutrals with simple designs. Contemporary men have numerous ways to channel their expression rather than merely opting for one dominant style, as is evident by the shifts that emerged.
- lumbersexual has gained popularity — or has it faded like others before it.
- Other types of normcore (plain dressing) and minimalist fashion are the norm.
5. BYE BYE VERSACE?
The Death of Labels?
Over the years, one of the biggest changes in men’s fashion and grooming is the downfall of strict labels. In the early 2000s, only bold men would classify themselves as one who is metrosexual. Men do not need a label today for grooming, fitness, and styling have all gone mainstream. Whether the man chooses to go clean-shaven or bearded, designer suits or streetwear, the focus is on personal choice and not fitting into a particular category.
The boom of social media has also blended these lines, allowing men to mix and match whatever they prefer. One day, it might be streetwear, the next stylish menswear, and the weekend could feature a lumbersexual look. The true evolution is the ability to move in and out of different identities without being boxed into one trend. Essentially, metrosexuality didn’t die but became more a part of the collective modern masculinity discussion.
- Fashion, and grooming are the majority today for males.
- Metrosexuality was specialized, now evolved mainstream.
CONCLUSION
A few years ago, metrosexual was the word that changed everything. But, since things got to where they are now, it is almost a redundant thing. In today's era, men can experiment with any style or identity, as they wish.
Through beautification or clothes, masculinity has become more fluid, allowing for different looks and identities. Men and guys’ fashion evolution (the term ‘metrosexual’ etc) means that how men and guys see masculinity is evolving and continues to evolve. In the end, the term metrosexual had not disappeared, but had become every day.
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Keywords
- Metrosexual
- Spornosexual
- Lumbersexual
- Soft Masculine
- Gender Fluid
Questionnaire
1. How do you define metrosexuality?
2. Are you one?
3. Rate grooming yourself out of 10.
4. Do you follow mens fashion or fitness magazines?
5. Does social media influence your look in public?
6. Define traditional masculinity.
Written By: Julia Stowles B.A., B.A.,
About the Author: Julia Stowles former model and style fashionista for 20 plus years.
Disclaimer: Sugar and Style is subjective. It is part confidence and part good taste.