The menswear landscape of 2025 was characterized by a shift toward “Rugged Luxury” and a sophisticated blending of traditional masculinity with softer, more expressive elements. While the “Quiet Luxury” movement remained a foundational pillar for the market, the year saw a significant rise in identity driven aesthetics like “Poetcore” and “Corporate Grunge.” This report ranks the top 10 menswear trends of 2025 based on media coverage, consumer sentiment from Reddit and TikTok, and market performance data.
Methodology and Ranking Criteria
The ranking is derived from three primary data sources:
- Media Coverage: Analysis of editorial features in GQ, Esquire, and Vogue Business.
- Consumer Sentiment: Qualitative data from Reddit (r/malefashionadvice, r/ThrowingFits) and TikTok engagement metrics.
- Market Impact: Sales data and search volume growth for key items and brands.
| Rank | Aesthetic Trend | Primary Driver | Sentiment Score | Media Presence |
| 1 | Rugged Luxury / Workwear 2.0 | Durability/Status | Very High | High |
| 2 | Poetcore / New Romanticism | Self Expression | High (Gen Z) | Very High |
| 3 | Corporate Grunge | Youth Culture | High (Trendy) | Medium |
| 4 | Western / Cowboy Core | Pop Culture | Medium (Saturated) | High |
| 5 | Quiet Luxury (Menswear) | Investment Value | High (Stable) | High |
| 6 | Golf Gear / Country Club Chic | Accessibility | High (Growth) | Medium |
| 7 | Technical Gorpcore (City Tech) | Functionality | High (Utility) | Medium |
| 8 | Vintage Sportswear (Blokecore) | Nostalgia | High (Social) | Low |
| 9 | Slim Fit Revival | Silhouette Shift | Polarizing | Medium |
| 10 | Visible Mending / Sashiko | Sustainability | High (Ethical) | Low |
1. Rugged Luxury / Workwear 2.0
The top trend of 2025, Rugged Luxury, takes traditional workwear silhouettes, like the chore coat or carpenter pants, and elevates them with premium materials like Italian suede, cashmere, and heavy duty raw denim.
“The average menswear brand in 2025 is harping on things like durability and practicality, selling a lifestyle of ‘ruggedness’ that feels authentic yet high end.”, Reddit User, r/ThrowingFits.
Consumer sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, as it offers a “masculine” aesthetic that is both functional and status driven.
2. Poetcore / New Romanticism
A major shift in menswear, Poetcore emphasizes soft fabrics, ruffles, and sheer materials. Driven by high fashion houses and adopted by Gen Z influencers, it represents a move toward more expressive and fluid masculinity.
Media coverage was exceptionally high, with GQ and Vogue labeling it the “defining look” of the 2025 runway season.
3. Corporate Grunge
Corporate Grunge emerged as the “cool” alternative to traditional office wear. It involves mixing tailored pieces (blazers, ties) with grunge elements like distressed knits, oversized silhouettes, and punk inspired accessories. It resonated strongly with younger professionals looking to subvert traditional dress codes.
4. Western / Cowboy Core
The Western influence remained strong throughout 2025, with bolo ties, fringe jackets, and cowboy boots appearing in both high street and luxury collections. However, by late 2025, sentiment began to dip as the trend reached a point of market saturation.
5. Quiet Luxury (Menswear)
The menswear version of Quiet Luxury focuses on the “perfect” version of basics, the ideal white T shirt, the perfectly cut navy blazer. While it remains the “best” trend for investment and longevity, younger consumers on Reddit have increasingly criticized it as “boring” or “lacking personality.”
6. Golf Gear / Country Club Chic
Performance golf wear transitioned into everyday style in 2025. Brands like Malbon Golf and traditional labels like Ralph Lauren saw a surge in consumers wearing technical polos and pleated trousers outside the golf course.
7. Technical Gorpcore (City Tech)
Gorpcore evolved into a more streamlined, “City Tech” aesthetic. The focus shifted from bright, mountain ready gear to muted, waterproof, and highly functional pieces designed for urban commuting. Brands like Arc’teryx and Salomon remain the leaders in this space.
8. Vintage Sportswear (Blokecore)
The styling of 90s football (soccer) jerseys remained a dominant street style trend. While it has lower media coverage in traditional fashion outlets, its social media volume is massive, particularly among Gen Z and millennial men in urban centers.
9. Slim Fit Revival
After years of oversized and baggy fits, 2025 saw the beginning of a Slim Fit Revival. This is not a return to the “skinny” jeans of the 2010s, but rather a move toward more tailored, body skimming silhouettes. This trend is highly polarizing, with many “baggy” enthusiasts on Reddit expressing strong distaste for the shift.
10. Visible Mending / Sashiko
The most niche but ethically “best” trend, Visible Mending, focuses on the beauty of repair. Using techniques like Japanese Sashiko, consumers are choosing to repair their high quality denim and knitwear rather than replacing them. This trend is highly valued in the “slow fashion” community.
The “Worst” Trends of 2025: Consumer Backlash
- The “No Time to Die” Suit: Extremely tight, shrunken tailoring was widely mocked on Reddit as being “comical” and uncomfortable.
- “Freaky” Shoes: Overly experimental footwear that sacrifices all function for form was labeled as one of the “worst” trends by consumers who value practicality.
- Fast Fashion “Designer” Collabs: Consumers expressed frustration with high priced collaborations that utilized cheap, fast fashion manufacturing.
Conclusion
The menswear trends of 2025 reflect a man who is increasingly comfortable with complexity. Whether through the rugged utility of “Workwear 2.0” or the soft expression of “Poetcore,” the year was about finding a personal balance between tradition and innovation. As we look toward 2026, the “Rugged Luxury” and “Corporate Grunge” aesthetics are expected to dominate the mainstream market.
