LONDON, Aug. 6 (UPI) -- British men are becoming more fashion conscious, and spending more money on clothes than women, thanks to the influence of male celebrities, a survey said.
Almost half of the men surveyed said they had purchased an item of designer clothing in the past year compared with 44 percent of the women, said a study released Friday by consumer analyst Mintel, Britain's Daily Mail reported.
Only 47 percent of men said designer clothes were too expensive vs. 56 percent of women feeling that way.
The men's designer wear market has grown 24 percent during the past five years, with women's market increasing 14 percent.
Well-groomed celebrities, such as soccer star David Beckham, get credit for the new trend.
"High profile male celebrities have clearly played their part, making it acceptable for men to take care of the way they look and to be interested in good quality, stylish clothing," said Mintel's Jenny Catlin.
