Last autumn, M&S launched its first dedicated menswear campaign in eight years and now the retailer is boosting the category further, particularly in the formalwear area.

That’s may be a surprise given that in this decade there had been a belief that it was in terminal decline due to casualisation and the work-from-home trend.

But the company has an 18% share of the formalwear market that’s worth close to £1 billion and said it’s launching more trend-influenced pieces as it aims to respond to the changes in the sector and broaden the category’s appeal.

So it’s offering formalwear that’s rather less formal with a move away from the standard suit/shirt/tie, and a move towards softer tailoring and more smart separates. That should echo the day-to-night dressing that has so long been a feature of the womenswear market.

Interestingly too, it’s responding locally to key formalwear occasions so stores near destination racecourses, for instance, are getting more options. The company wants to add to this local approach elsewhere too.

And it’s upped its offer to meet the demand created by the hundreds of thousands of weddings that take place each year.

The retailer has also reduced core options (like plain, traditional colours) and they now account for half of the offer compared to three-quarters previously.

It has introduced innovative materials too with more stretch and crease-resistance in its formal offer.

And it has made the category “easier” to shop with clearer and more simple pricing and an £85 entry price. In some stores we also get a new suit fit guide, and clearer navigation to make items easier to find.

M&S’s MD for clothing, home and beauty Richard Price said “exceptional product must be at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we’re investing in resets across categories where we have identified customer demand and market share opportunity. Men’s formalwear is one of these opportunities. By delivering a better, more personal experience across stores and online, we can broaden customer appeal and really differentiate M&S as the high street retailer for formalwear.”