M&S launches ‘Autograph Performance’ menswear line

M&S doesn’t seem to have put a foot wrong with its clothing offer in the last couple of years and it’s clearly hoping that a new menswear collection within its sub-brand Autograph will continue that successful run.

It has launched Autograph Performance, a new menswear offer that “brings together cutting-edge innovations into a single performance-led edit that has been designed with modern living — across work, travel and leisure — in mind”.

Each piece within the collection uses “advanced fabrics” such as Tech Wool and 360 Flex technology. Four-way stretch tailoring and crease-recovery suiting “can be packed and worn straight after the morning commute or gym while water-resistant material offers stay-dry protection”.  

Star pieces include the Performance Packable Suit. The retailer said that with 86% of UK workers now operating in hybrid or fully working away from home roles (equating to approximately 15 million men commuting at least part of the time) the suit “has been designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s workforce”.

The “innovation-led wool-blend” is shower-resistant, machine-washable and naturally crease-resistant at a “market-leading” £129 for the jacket and £70 for the trousers.

Across the collection, the company said “advanced innovations enhance comfort and adaptability, including moisture-wicking, quick-dry chinos, elasticated waist joggers and shirts, polos and tees with added stretch and an antibacterial finish, bi-stretch trousers, extra fine merino wool jumpers with naturally breathable yarn and footwear with Smart Step Technology soles, which have integrated high density shock-absorbing foam”.

The launch comes as Autograph Menswear has quadrupled in value in three years and now accounts for nearly a quarter of its total menswear sales.  

It added that the collection also supports M&S’s strategy to “broaden appeal to the 35-54 age group and strengthen the brand’s relevance as a destination for men’s fashion”. 

Its belief in Autograph is clearly justified by its figures. The brand “has helped introduce new customers to M&S” and in FY25, 52% of Autograph customers were new to the sub-brand while 5% were new to M&S. Meanwhile 55% of all Autograph customers are under the age of 45 (vs 37% of total Menswear customers).  

The latest launch comes after the August debut of M&S Man – an Instagram channel exclusively dedicated to men’s style.