The 5 Most Potent Menswear Trends of 2025

 The 5 Most Potent Menswear Trends of 2025

In a 2019 Dazed interview, the late Virgil Abloh predicted that the 2020s would signal the slow death of traditional street style.

“How many more T-shirts, hoodies, and sneakers can we own?” he asked.

“Fashion will move away from buying box-fresh pieces and toward personal archives.”

As the decade unfolds, Abloh’s vision feels uncannily accurate. Logomania and hype-driven fashion have lost their grip, replaced by archival references, understated luxury, and intentional dressing.

Menswear in 2025 occupied a space between the futuristic and the nostalgic—where old silhouettes were reborn with a modern intent. Below are the five menswear trends that defined the year.

1. Boat Shoes: The Ultimate Prep Revival

Once synonymous with yacht clubs and coastal elites, boat shoes made an unexpected return. In 2025, they were worn by city creatives, office professionals, and fashion insiders alike.

Styled with relaxed tailoring, oversized trousers, or classic denim, boat shoes proved their versatility far beyond the dock.

Style Tip: Pair leather boat shoes with pleated pants and a lightweight blazer for a modern preppy look.

2. Fireman-Clasp Jackets: Utility Meets Heritage

Inspired by vintage workwear, fireman-clasp jackets became a standout trend. Their metal closures and structured silhouettes brought craftsmanship and rugged charm back into the spotlight.

Designers leaned into heritage aesthetics, making these jackets a statement piece across seasons.

Style Tip: Keep the rest of the outfit minimal to let the jacket speak.

3. Torpedo Sneakers: The New Retro Runner

Bulky sneakers finally stepped aside for torpedo sneakers—sleek, elongated, and racing-inspired. This silhouette blended 1970s athletic nostalgia with modern minimalism.

Seen on runways in Paris, Milan, and New York, torpedo sneakers became the go-to footwear for fashion-forward men.

Style Tip: Best worn with straight-leg trousers or tailored suits for contrast.

4. Labubus: The End of Performative Menswear

The exaggerated accessories of recent years, nicknamed Labubu,s quietly faded out. As conversations around masculinity and authenticity grew louder, novelty fashion gave way to restraint.

Pearl chokers, ironic mascots, and overly performative styling lost relevance in favour of cleaner, timeless looks.

Trend Status: Retired.

5. Quarter-Zip Knits: Tech-Bro Chic Goes Mainstream

Once reserved for startup founders and venture capitalists, quarter-zip sweaters entered mainstream fashion. Their semi-formal, semi-casual appeal fit perfectly with the rise of quiet luxury and understated wealth aesthetics.

Paired with baseball caps, relaxed trousers, and minimalist sneakers, the quarter-zip became a uniform for the modern internet generation.

Style Tip: Stick to neutral colors like grey, navy, or beige.

Final Thoughts

Menswear trends in 2025 proved one thing: fashion is no longer about excess it’s about intention. While some styles faded as quickly as they rose, others cemented themselves as modern classics.

As Virgil Abloh predicted, the future of menswear isn’t about owning more clothes it’s about owning the right ones.