The men’s fashion trends for summer 2025 are dead simple: linen suits and shirts, 5-inch shorts, pastel or striped polos, rugby shirts, mesh or sheer tops, strappy sandals, textured knits, and a hard return to preppy. That’s literally what every cool guy from Copenhagen to Seoul is wearing right now. No theory, no filler—just the eight things that survived the runway-to-real-life filter.
This Summer Finally Feels Different
I’ve been going to the men’s shows since 2016 and I can tell you: 2025 is the first season in years where the street style outside the shows looked better than the actual runway. Everyone was done with the oversized cargo pants and triple-XL tees. Heatwaves in Europe hit 42 °C and suddenly breathable fabric wasn’t a trend, it was survival. Brands finally caught up.
The Only 8 Trends That Matter Right Now
1. Linen Everything (Yes, Full Suits)
Brunello Cucinelli, Zegna, and even Mango sold out of sand-colored linen suits in June. Guys are wearing them wrinkled on purpose—it looks expensive when it looks lived-in. I saw a finance bro in London wearing one with beat-up Adidas Sambas and somehow it worked.
2. Shorts Got Short Again
5-inch inseam is standard now. 7-inch feels dad-ish. Jacquemus, Rhude, and even J.Crew showed thighs and the internet didn’t riot. Tailoring is the trick—pleated linen or cotton twill, not gym shorts.
3. Polos Are Cool Again
Not your dad’s Nike golf polo. Think ribbed cotton, slightly cropped, contrast collars. Aimé Leon Dore and Todd Snyder can’t restock them. Wear one size up, sleeves hitting mid-bicep, untucked with pleated shorts and you instantly look like you own a boat.
4. Rugby Shirts Replaced Hoodies
Thick cotton, big collars, bold stripes. Wales Bonner and Gucci made them sexy. Half-buttoned, no undershirt, with off-white jeans. I saw three separate guys in Tokyo wearing the exact same navy-and-cream one in one afternoon.
5. Pastels for Grown Men
Pale pink, butter yellow, and washed-out lavender are everywhere. Harry Styles wore a baby-pink linen set in London and crashed SSENSE for 20 minutes. Trick: keep everything else neutral so you don’t look like an ice-cream cone.
6. Sheer and Mesh Tops Are Normal Now
Black mesh tanks under open shirts, white gauzy button-ups worn solo, crochet vests. Gym bros and artsy kids are both doing it. If you’re scared, throw a white tank underneath. If you’re not, congratulations—you’ve been waiting for this moment.
7. Strappy Sandals Killed Birkenstocks
The Row’s $1,200 versions sold out, then every store from Zara to Suicoke dropped copies. Wear them with socks if you’re European, barefoot if you’re brave. Sneakers suddenly look heavy.
8. Textured Knits Instead of Plain Tees
Waffle tanks, open crochet, slubby cotton. Jil Sander and Our Legacy made the expensive ones; COS and Arket nailed the $60 versions. They make a basic outfit look like you thought about it.
How Normal Guys Are Mixing It
The combos I kept seeing in real life:
- Pale blue polo + cream 5-inch shorts + brown strappy sandals
- Striped rugby + baggy khaki trousers + loafers (no socks)
- Black mesh tank + oversized linen shirt (unbuttoned) + white shorts
One statement piece max. Everything else neutral and slightly loose.
Quick FAQ
How short is too short for shorts in 2025?
Below 5 inches and you’re in hot-pants territory. 5–6 inches is perfect.
Do linen suits look sloppy at work?
Only if they’re too big. Get them tailored slim and the wrinkles read “Italian billionaire,” not “beach bum.”
Can I wear sheer shirts if I’m not ripped?
Yes. Layer a fitted white tank underneath or keep it unbuttoned over a polo.
One thing every guy should buy right now?
A proper pastel polo. Seriously. It goes with everything and instantly makes you look current.
Is the preppy thing going to last?
Until at least spring 2027. Buy the good one now while it’s still easy to find.
