Stop looking for the skinny jeans. Honestly, they’re gone. If you walk into a shop today looking for that sprayed-on denim look that dominated the 2010s, you’re basically searching for a ghost. Today's fashion for guys is weird, wide, and strangely familiar. It feels like someone took a bunch of clothes from a 90s thrift store, ran them through a high-end Italian tailor, and then told everyone to act natural.
Trends move fast. Too fast, maybe. But the shift we’re seeing right now isn't just a random blip; it's a total overhaul of the male silhouette. We’ve moved from "fitted" to "fluid."
The Big Fit: Why Tight Is Out
Comfort won. That’s the short version. After years of being squeezed into slim-fit chinos, men collectively decided they wanted to breathe again. We are seeing a massive resurgence in "relaxed" and "oversized" cuts. It’s not just about being lazy, though. It’s a deliberate stylistic choice.
Look at brands like Stüssy or Aime Leon Dore. They’ve mastered this vibe where a hoodie isn't just a hoodie; it’s a structural piece of clothing with a specific "drop" on the shoulder. If your sleeves don't have a bit of a stack at the wrist, you're probably wearing something from five years ago.
But here’s where people get it wrong: oversized doesn't mean "too big." There is a world of difference between wearing a shirt that’s two sizes up and wearing a shirt designed to be oversized. One makes you look like you’re wearing your dad’s suit; the other makes you look like you know what’s happening in Paris right now.
It's about the proportions. If you go wide on the bottom with some baggy carpenter pants—which are everywhere, by the way—you might want something slightly more cropped or structured on top to keep from looking like a literal tent. Or don't. Some guys are going full "big suit" energy, reminiscent of David Byrne in Stop Making Sense.
The Return of the Pleated Pant
Remember when pleats were for old men? Yeah, not anymore. Today's fashion for guys has embraced the pleat because it allows trousers to drape beautifully. When you have extra fabric at the waist, the pants flow when you walk. It adds a level of sophistication to casual wear that flat-front pants just can’t touch.
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Quiet Luxury vs. Loud Graphics
We’re living in a split reality. On one side, you have the "Succession" effect—often called Quiet Luxury or Stealth Wealth. This is all about $500 blank t-shirts, cashmere sweaters in oatmeal colors, and sneakers that don't have a single logo on them. It’s the Loro Piana and Brunello Cucinelli aesthetic. It says, "I have money, but I don't need you to know where I got this."
Then, on the absolute opposite end of the spectrum, you have the graphic-heavy, maximalist streetwear scene.
Think bold prints. Think racing jackets covered in patches. Think about the rise of Online Ceramics or the chaotic energy of MSCHF. Guys are using clothes as a billboard for their personality again. It’s a reaction against the "minimalist gray bedroom" vibe of the late 2010s. People are bored. They want color. They want a shirt that sparks a conversation at a bar.
The "Gorpcore" Obsession
If you aren't familiar with the term, "Gorpcore" is basically dressing like you’re about to hike the Appalachian Trail, even if you’re just going to buy a latte. "Gorp" stands for "Good Old Raisins and Peanuts."
Brands like Arc'teryx, The North Face, and Salomon have moved from the mountain to the runway. Why? Because technical gear is functional. It has pockets. It’s waterproof. It’s durable. In an era where everything feels a bit flimsy, wearing a Gore-Tex shell feels like wearing armor. Plus, those Salomon XT-6 sneakers are genuinely some of the most comfortable shoes ever made. You’ll see them on every street corner from London to Tokyo.
Shoes: The Great Chunky Divide
Let's talk about footwear because the "Common Projects" era of sleek, white leather sneakers is fading. It’s not dead, but it’s definitely resting.
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Today, it’s all about:
- Loafers with white socks: This is the unofficial uniform of the "modern classic" guy. Brands like Blackstock & Weber have made loafers cool for dudes who used to only wear Jordans.
- Mules and Clogs: Thanks to the Birkenstock Boston, guys are finally embracing the slip-on. It’s the "ugly-cool" aesthetic.
- Vintage Runners: Think New Balance 2002R or 990s. The "Dad shoe" trend hasn't died; it just evolved into a more refined, vintage-inspired look.
- Work Boots: The Timberland 6-inch boot is having a massive moment again, along with rugged options from Red Wing.
Texture is the New Color
If you want to level up your style without wearing neon green, look at texture. Corduroy, mohair, fleece, and heavy denim. A mohair cardigan—shoutout to Needles—adds a fuzzy, visual depth to an outfit that a standard cotton hoodie just can't provide. It looks expensive. It looks intentional.
Even denim is changing. We’re seeing a move away from "distressed" jeans with fake holes and moving toward "raw" denim or interesting washes like "acid" or "tinted" denim that looks like it’s been sitting in a garage since 1982. The weight of the fabric matters. Heavy, 14oz denim hangs differently. It feels real.
Accessories Aren't Optional Anymore
For a long time, guys were allergic to accessories. Maybe a watch, maybe a wedding band. That’s it.
That’s over.
Cross-body bags (don't call them fanny packs) are standard. Pearl necklaces—yes, pearls—and silver chains are everywhere. Even "trucker hats" have made a massive comeback, but not the cheap ones from the gas station. We’re talking about high-structured caps from brands like Carthartt WIP or local niche labels.
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And rings. Lots of them. Silver, chunky, slightly weathered. It's about adding detail to the "big" silhouettes we talked about earlier. If your clothes are oversized, small details like a signet ring or a thin leather belt help ground the look.
The Sustainability Reality Check
We have to talk about the "second-hand" boom. Depop, Grailed, and Vinted have changed how guys shop. It’s no longer "gross" to wear someone else’s old shirt; it’s actually a status symbol if that shirt is a vintage 1992 Nine Inch Nails tour tee.
Vintage is the ultimate flex because it’s unique. You can’t just go to the mall and buy the exact same one. This shift is partly due to environmental concerns—fast fashion is a disaster—but mostly it’s about the hunt. Men love to collect things. Whether it's watches, trading cards, or vintage Patagonia fleeces, the "archive" culture is a massive part of today's fashion for guys.
How to Actually Navigate This
You don't need to buy a whole new wardrobe. That's the trap. Fashion is a cycle, and the best way to handle it is to mix the old with the new.
If you’re sitting there wondering how to start, don't overthink it. Grab a pair of wider-cut trousers—maybe some Dickies 874s—and pair them with a simple, high-quality white tee. Throw on a pair of loafers or some clean New Balance sneakers. That’s the baseline.
From there, you can experiment. Try a vest (huge right now). Try a chore coat instead of a denim jacket. The "workwear" look is arguably the safest and most stylish bet for most men because it’s based on utility. It doesn't look like you’re trying too hard, which is the ultimate goal of style.
Actionable Steps for Your Wardrobe:
- Ditch the skinny fit: If you have to jump to get into your jeans, give them to charity. Look for "Straight" or "Relaxed" cuts.
- Invest in "Transition" pieces: A good overshirt or a heavy cardigan can be worn 9 months out of the year.
- Focus on the feet: Your shoes set the tone. If you're wearing baggy pants with tiny, slim shoes, you'll look like a clown. Match the "bulk" of your shoe to the "width" of your pant.
- Embrace the high-low: Wear a hoodie under a wool topcoat. Wear a tie with a denim shirt. Mixing formal and casual is the easiest way to look like you know what you're doing.
- Go Thrifting: Find one high-quality vintage piece—a leather jacket, a wool sweater—and build an outfit around it.
Fashion right now is more lawless than it’s been in decades. There aren't really "rules" anymore, just "vibes." You can wear a tracksuit to a dinner party or a tuxedo jacket with jeans, and as long as the fit is intentional, people will buy it. It’s a good time to be a guy who cares about clothes. Just make sure you can actually walk in your pants.