By Giulia Piceni. Cover image GUCCI Menswear SS 2025, courtesy of Vogue Runway
The boundaries of menswear have been rapidly evolving, challenging traditional norms and pushing the envelope of fashion innovation. The menswear’s trends for SS 2025 collections from Milan Fashion Week hinted at a transformative wave. From ballet-inspired flats and bold knitwear to playful prints and a revival of raver culture, the new trends are reshaping the fashion landscape for men.
Take note of menswear’s trends SS 2025
1. Who said ballet flats are only for women? Menswear’s trends say no
Gone are the days when ballet shoes were deemed solely for women.
Last season, brands like The Row, Yohji Yamamoto, Bianca Saunders, and Bode embraced this footwear, incorporating it into menswear with unique flair. This season, ballet-inspired styles are making a strong comeback.
Gucci’s offerings feature silver-hooped, textured ballet flats paired with Miami Vice-esque jackets, illustrating a technical yet stylish twist on traditional attire.
Magliano’s innovative hybrid of a loafer and a sabot, reminiscent of a hiking shoe worn by a grandpa in Emilia Romagna, brings a nostalgic yet contemporary touch to men’s flat shoes.
2. Menswear’s trends SS 2025 embrace layered knitwear despite the summer heat
Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons have taken knitwear to new heights with their extra-tight, layered designs that create the illusion of movement and texture with trompe l’oeil effects. Their latest collection hints at a cold summer ahead, encouraging fashion enthusiasts to embrace layered knitwear regardless of the season’s temperatures.
Jonathan Anderson’s exaggerated knitted bombers redefine the concept of summer knitwear by emphasising texture and bold design. However, it’s debatable whether it’s accurate to use the term ‘knitted’ to describe them. The jackets, presented in grass green, camel hue, and bright lemon yellow, feature a mimicked waffled stitch (relief squares) that gives the impression of threads woven over each other rather than knitted with any support.
3. Summer prints: a vibrant comeback
In menswear fashion Summer prints have made a vibrant comeback, as seen in MSGM and Gucci’s summery bowling shirts, evoking a casual yet stylish Adam Sandler look.
Stripes also make a statement in Dolce & Gabbana and MSGM’s collections, promising to be the must-have pattern for any Venetian escape during the Biennale.
4. It’s nightlife fashion revival: ’cause menswear’s trends for summer never sleep
Finally, the resurgence of nightlife fashion in menswear is undeniable. Brands like Dsquared2 and Martine Rose are drawing inspiration from raver culture, blending sexy, bondage-inspired elements with nostalgic references and bold statements. Dsquared2’s provocative tank tops and leather accents, along with Martine Rose’s eclectic characters, capture the essence of after-dark style and the vibrant energy of the club scene.
