The upcoming season is defined by a sharp focus on elevated essentials, refined tailoring and a conscious shift towards investment dressing.
With menswear outpacing womenswear in the Italian market and global projections estimating its surge from US $ 595.74 billion to US $ 936.94 billion by 2033, brands and retailers are strategically prioritising to include pieces that offer versatility, quality and timeless appeal, within their collections.
Male shoppers, being goal-oriented and peer-influenced, gravitate toward well-defined wardrobe staples, whether that be driven by necessity or aspiration. In that sense then, the best-selling menswear pieces are often those with a clear ‘why’— be it the perfect jacket, an impeccably cut suit or a highly coveted sneaker. This demand-driven market thrives on repetition rather than fleeting fads, allowing key trends to be tested over multiple seasons before achieving mainstream success.
This season, tailoring remains a dominant force, yet it evolves with modern ease. “For menswear, the influence of international dressing standards—like the sharp tailoring we presented in Paris—is driving demand for structured, well-fitted garments
that exude quiet confidence,” Mehruz Munir, Creative Director and Founder of Zurhem said.
Double-breasted blazers and oversized tailoring continue to cast an impact, offering a balance of strong structure and relaxed elegance, while high-waisted trousers and subtly integrated pleats nod to vintage sophistication with a contemporary twist. Textured knitwear emerges as a key styling element, often layered under sharp outerwear. The market also leans towards tailored casualwear, where relaxed but structured pieces transition seamlessly from day to night.
Overshirts, sleeveless vests and structured knitwear reinforce the trend towards understated luxury, with quiet, high-quality essentials featuring minimal branding taking centre stage.
Knitwear and shirting take precedence over traditional jersey, which returns to its foundational role as a layering staple. Knitted polos, particularly featuring button-through designs with refined collar shaping, are poised to be a key trend, offering an elevated alternative to basic tees. Co-ordinated sets are also gaining traction in menswear, providing a cohesive, put-together look across both jersey and woven styles.
This season, outerwear takes on a dual identity, blending traditional elegance with a utilitarian edge. Expect to see long coats, slouchy double-breasted styles and chunky cardigans add an old-world sophistication to modern dressing. Technical outerwear, even post-Gorpcore boom, remains integral to winter collections, with sportier silhouettes featuring multiple pockets, volume, hoods and toggles gaining precedence. Classic plaids, herringbones and shearling trims reinforce a sense of heritage with contemporary relevance. The Western influence, while still present, has been refined to a more wearable aesthetic, appearing via subtle design hints such as snap buttons, topstitching, shoulder yoke panels, suede and corduroy textures and earthy colourways.
Material innovation aligns with both luxury and sustainability. As Mehruz highlights, “Look towards incorporating wool blends and cashmere for structured outerwear and elegant layering pieces; velvet and jacquard for luxe textures with an opulent feel for eveningwear. In addition, sustainable leather and vegan alternatives point towards a growing preference for ethical yet luxurious materials.” The tactile appeal of menswear is further enhanced by contrast textures, with leather detailing, quilted accents and structured shoulders adding depth to garments. Rich, indulgent fabrics take centre stage for eveningwear, with jewel tones accentuating cashmere, velvet and corduroy for a refined yet impactful aesthetic.
Textures play an integral role, with open gauge stitches and subtle variations adding visual interest.
Colour palettes remain grounded in timeless neutrals such as navy, black and grey, with commercial muted tones flowing seamlessly throughout the season. A distinct move towards earthy hues that envelope camel, deep olive, taupe and rich burgundy, anchor the season’s offering, while midnight blue provides a sophisticated alternative to traditional black. Tobacco, chocolate and espresso brown continue their dominance, reinforcing a luxurious and seasonless approach to colour. These shades ensure cross-functional styling, allowing full wardrobe integration across various occasions.
It is imperative to note that retail strategies are aligning with the evolving preferences of male shoppers, who prioritise convenience and flexibility. While e-commerce remains crucial, there is a notable uptick in physical retail experiences, as men prefer to engage with products in-store, preferring to assess fit, fabric and construction firsthand. Click-and-collect services offer the best of both worlds, enhancing accessibility without compromising on experiential shopping.
With a growing emphasis on conscious consumption, consumers are investing in lesser, but higher-quality pieces rather than engaging in excessive seasonal purchases. This shift is set to influence brand offerings, with a stronger focus on seasonless, multi-occasion garments that deliver longevity.
Key wardrobe staples for Fall/Winter 2025 season include tailored double-breasted blazers, high-waisted structured trousers, statement overcoats with unique silhouettes and textured knitwear.
Accessories such as small crossbody bags, belts, leather gloves and boots further elevate the season’s refined offering.
In a nutshell, the growing niche between smart and casual dressing continues to shape the global menswear market. As workplaces embrace hybrid structures as well as styles, casual shirts and collared polos bridge the gap between formality and ease, offering a polished alternative to the simple T-shirt. This balance between structure and relaxation underscores the F/W ’25 menswear direction, where every piece is designed keeping purpose, longevity and understated sophistication in mind.
In order to nail a market increasingly shaped by informed and discerning consumers, brands need to prioritise quality craftsmanship, intelligent design and strategic versatility to ensure they emerge as the season’s true leaders.
