Return of the He-cleavage

It looks like leading men in showbiz and politics have finally “taken a plunge.” No. We are not talking about their career or character, but their “V-nice” dropping necklines. From French President Emmanuel Macron to Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, from Bollywood biggies John Abraham, Shah Rukh Khan, and Varun Dhawan to soccer star David Beckham, everybody is sporting their “He-Cleavage.”

In the ever-evolving fashion world, trends come and go, but some manage to make a powerful return, transcending industries and social spheres.

One such trend currently making waves is the return of the “He-cleavage”, where men unbutton their shirts to reveal their chiselled chests. From political leaders to global fashion icons, the resurgence of this bold, masculine display of self-confidence is impossible to ignore. Whether on the red carpet, in political meetings, or during media appearances, the he-cleavage trend is redefining the sartorial choices of influential men worldwide.

Venkat Gaddam, artist, fashion designer and owner of Whencut Goddamn, Hyderabad says that we are in an exciting era of expression, liberation, and effortless style in men’s fashion. “It’s refreshing to see men confidently embracing trends like the ‘he-cleavage’ with a sense of fun and individuality. Lately, we’ve seen stars sporting translucent shirts, zipped-up denim, and bold print-on-print looks with ease. It's been a thrill to see Shahid Kapoor, Rajkumar Rao, and Orry rocking these trends. Each of them brings their unique flair. Fashion today is all about breaking boundaries, and it's inspiring to see how men are joining this conversation with such enthusiasm.”

B-Town Bare-chest Boys

Bollywood’s biggest stars have also jumped on the “He-cleavage” bandwagon. Shah Rukh Khan (SRK), often referred to as the ‘King of Bollywood,’ has always been at the forefront of style in India. Now in his late 50s, SRK’s decision to flaunt his toned chest, even at formal events, sends a message that age is no barrier to staying in shape or keeping up with contemporary trends. SRK’s openness to embracing this trend reflects the growing acceptance of male vanity in a traditionally conservative society, where notions of masculinity are rapidly evolving.

Alongside SRK, Bollywood heartthrobs like Akshay Kumar, Varun Dhawan, and John Abraham have also embraced this fashion statement. Akshay Kumar, who is known for his fitness regimen and action-packed roles, effortlessly combines his tough-guy image with a dapper, unbuttoned look that reveals his ripped chest.

Similarly, Varun Dhawan, a younger Bollywood star known for his boyish charm and athletic physique, regularly sports he-cleavage at award shows and media appearances, often pairing it with sharp, tailored suits to balance modern and classic aesthetics.

John Abraham, famous for his sculpted body and model-turned-actor career, was perhaps one of the earliest proponents of the ‘he-cleavage’ trend in India. Known for showing off his physique in movies and off-screen appearances alike, Abraham’s bold fashion sense combines muscular masculinity with a stylish twist, making him a natural fit for the trend.

Chest-Thumping Appeal

From the Élysée Palace to Hollywood: The global appeal of He-Cleavage is spreading like wildfire. The French President Emmanuel Macron, known for his polished and formal appearance surprised many when he started to sport a more relaxed look, leaving a few buttons undone during public engagements. His subtle approach is not just about projecting confidence but also an attempt to resonate with a younger, more casual audience. Macron’s take on he-cleavage is measured and deliberate, embodying a modern European flair that blends formality with a hint of rebellion.

Across the Atlantic, American fashion and music icon Kanye West has been embracing the trend in his own way. Known for pushing boundaries in fashion, West is often seen sporting open shirts that reveal his chest, pairing them with oversized jackets or minimalist outfits. West’s he-cleavage style is part of his overall aesthetic that combines raw masculinity with avant-garde fashion sensibilities. It’s a bold statement from a man who has always been at the cutting edge of style and pop culture, symbolising his desire to challenge traditional notions of masculinity.

Sports & Fashion

Meanwhile, in the UK, football legend David Beckham has long been a trendsetter, both on and off the field. Beckham’s fashion choices have always been closely followed, and his recent appearances have shown him sporting open-necked shirts that reveal his well-toned physique. Beckham’s adoption of the he-cleavage look adds to his aura of effortless style — combining athleticism with high fashion. Whether he’s attending events with his equally stylish wife, Victoria Beckham, or making solo appearances, Beckham’s he-cleavage is a nod to the confident, metrosexual man he’s often been credited with popularising.

He-Cleavage Renaissance

The resurgence of he-cleavage is more than just a fashion statement — it reflects broader societal shifts around gender roles, masculinity, and body image. In many ways, it challenges the traditional norms that have long dictated what men should and shouldn’t wear, pushing boundaries in both political and entertainment spheres. It also signals the growing importance of body positivity for men, as the trend is often associated with those who take pride in their physical fitness.