10 Spring Men’s Fashion Trends That Work In Real Life

Let’s be honest. The vast majority of trending styles and “must-have” pieces will not be looked back on fondly. Embracing them too readily leaves you wide open to future regret, which is why we always recommend taking anything that feels too of-the-moment with a pinch of salt.

When it comes to your spring wardrobe – or any season for that matter – trends are best incorporated sparingly and with careful consideration. Some can slot right into your daily outfits naturally, while others feel more forced. A cropped jacket, for example, feels current and shows that you have your finger on the pulse, but it’s something most guys can pull off without too much effort. A pair of bug-eyed Oakley shades, on the other hand? They fall into the latter camp.

With that in mind, allow us to break down the current spring menswear trends we believe will translate well into most wardrobes… and how not to mess them up.

Relaxed Tailoring

Buck Mason

Whether it’s looser cuts, a lack of structure or incorporating sporty, Ivy League elements, tailoring has become less stuffy over the last few years, and that’s something all men can benefit from.

We like to see it as a democratisation. This is tailoring becoming more accessible. For the average guy, a suit was something reserved for weddings and corporate workplaces, but strip away the stuffiness and there’s no reason you can’t wear one to dinner or even a date.

Just steer clear of stiff silhouettes, smooth fabrics and highly tailored cuts. Instead, opt for unstructured, loose-fitting styles in tactile materials like corduroy, linen and hopsack.

Earth Tones

Wax London

The temptation is to start reaching for brighter colours the second the temperature begins to shift, but earth tones are having a moment right now, and they’re perfect for smoothing the transition from dark winter clothing into the lighter shades of summer.

The trick is to use them as subtle accent colours against a neutral base. If your capsule wardrobe is constructed of mainly black, white, navy and grey, a splash of olive, burnt orange or mustard here or there can liven things up without stealing the show.

Technical Fabrics

Hiking Patrol

It should be clear by now that the crossover of outdoor gear into everyday wardrobes is here to stay. That means technical fabrics – think Gore-Tex, softshell and the currently trending Polartec Alpha – now sit right alongside denim, wool, corduroy and flannel.

Don’t be scared of them, but don’t go all in either. Dressing head to toe in synthetic performance fabrics is never a good option unless you’re getting dressed for an ascent of the Eiger. Instead, balance them with natural, tactile materials like the ones mentioned above to keep things feeling harmonious.

Outdoor Footwear

Salomon

In a similar vein, footwear styles borrowed from outdoor activities are still a huge part of what’s popular right now. The Salomon XT-6 might be feeling pretty played out at this point, but trail runners on the whole are huge, largely thanks to the balance of comfort, sporty looks and practicality they offer. Hiking boots and approach shoes are not to be ignored either, and even climbing silhouettes are starting to creep in, thanks to brands like Village PM bringing them to a new audience.

If you’re looking for specific models to check out, Keen’s Jasper line is a good place to start. The original Jasper silhouette is modelled on an approach shoe but tailored for everyday life around town, while the sportier, more aggressively treaded Jasper Zionic takes its cues from trail running instead. See also: Norda, Hoka, La Sportiva and Scarpa.

Cropped Jackets

H&M

Short, boxy outerwear has had men’s fashion in a chokehold for some time now, but it’s really nothing new. From fishing jackets to truckers, these cropped styles have always been around, which means you can confidently incorporate them into your wardrobe without worrying about looking ridiculous when the tides begin to turn.

The key here lies in understanding proportions. The goal is to create balance throughout your outfit. If you’re wearing a short jacket, steer clear of cropped pants and instead go for something that elongates the lower half, like a pair of straight-leg jeans with a nice high rise. A classic pair of Levi’s 501s is hard to beat in this department as far as shape goes.

Relaxed Legwear

Arket

A big part of dabbling in trends without being left high and dry is about avoiding extremes. Take the ongoing proliferation of loose-fitting legwear, for example. Comically baggy jeans are going to date quickly, as the noughties have already taught us, but opting for a relaxed cut rather than something that really swamps your lower half is a good way to dip a toe into the aesthetic without getting carried away.

Think loose, flowy tailored pants, wide-leg chinos and denim that feels easy to wear without veering into teenager territory.

Slim Sneakers

Adidas

After years of maximalism, slim sneaker styles have taken over as the footwear shape of choice. We’re talking flat-to-the-floor, low-profile training shoes, with clean lines and minimal detail.

The good news is that these shoes have been around forever, and never really fall out of style. Plus, they go with everything, work great for spring weather and there are countless time-honoured models to pick from.

Right now, German Army Trainers are enjoying a big resurgence. They’re simple, easy to wear and timeless, so that could be a good place to start if you want to embrace the look.

Vintage Mania

Beyond Retro

One of the overarching trends that has defined the last several years in mainstream fashion has been the fixation with pre-loved clothing.

An antidote to inflated prices across the fashion market, and a sustainable alternative to buying new, there’s really no good reason not to get involved. Add to that the growing consumer desire for clothes with patina, that feel lived in and real, and it’s no wonder vintage has become the default for a lot of people.

If you’re working on a spring wardrobe refresh, this is the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to do it.

Waxed Jackets

Peregrine

With wildly fluctuating temperatures and sudden, unexpected rain, spring can be a tricky time to pick a coat for. You want something relaxed and easy to layer with that also works as a standalone, but that won’t bat an eye at the mention of a downpour. With that in mind, the current resurgence of classic waxed jackets couldn’t have come at a better time.

Our advice would be to stop messing about with other brands and go directly to the source: Barbour. These things are arguably the perfect transitional jackets, and something every man should have in his spring wardrobe, trending or not.

Fuzzy Knitwear

Velasca

Whether it’s a mohair cardigan or a Shetland wool crewneck, fuzzy knitwear is still big, and it’s perfect for adding a touch of texture to your spring wardrobe.

Wear it on its own, or layer it up with one of the outerwear styles mentioned above, and you’ll be ready for anything the spring weather can throw at you.