Why sewing with trends matters
Incorporating even one current fashion trend into your sewing project can instantly take it from homemade to high style.
Peter, my husband, walked into work the other day to be greeted by the receptionist, "I like it, very on trend."
He doesn’t get that very often as a 55 year old especially from a Gen Y. It resonated enough with him to come home and tell me. He knew I would appreciate it. I love that she thought to mention it to him.
Although he was on trend, he wasn't aware of it.
So how do you know which trends will feel wearable, timeless, and meaningful for the men you sew for?
It’s easy to fall into the trap of sewing the same tried-and-true styles, especially when you’re unsure what’s fashionable or worth the effort. Trends can feel like they’re made for runways or fast fashion, not thoughtful, handmade gifts. And no one wants to spend hours sewing something that ends up sitting in the back of the wardrobe.
Fortunately, many of us have seen "Devil Wears Prada" and we understand how the catwalk ends up in our day-to-day fashion 12 months later, or even less.
If you ignore current style shifts, your DIY gift might feel out of step. But when you align your sewing with what’s trending in menswear, your project feels intentional, stylish and maybe more likely to be worn and loved.
That’s why I’ve created this short list of five men’s fashion trends in 2025 that work beautifully in a home sewing context. These aren’t fleeting fads. I feel they’re wearable, adaptable ideas that give your garments a modern edge.
In the list below, you’ll find each trend with sewing-friendly tips so you can start planning your next garment.
Pick your favourite trend from the list—and start planning a project around it today.
In this article I will cover:
- Why sewing with trends matters
- Three key takeaways
- What Is a Trend? The Psychology Behind Fashion Choices
- The Trends: How to Sew What’s Modern in 2025
- Relaxed Tailoring
- Tech-wear and Functional Elements
- Bold Patterns and Textures
- Monochromatic Layering
- Retro Futurism
Conclusion & Next Steps
Key Takeaways
- Incorporating trends into your sewing projects isn’t about chasing fashion, it’s about helping the men you sew for feel confident, modern, and comfortable.
- Understanding the psychology of clothing shows that what we wear can influence how we feel. Sewing with trends in mind can boost creativity and connection.
- The 2025 menswear trends are practical and adaptable, making them ideal for thoughtful, wearable garments that reflect current style without sacrificing function.
What is a trend?
Simply put, a fashion trend is a style, colour, or design detail that gains popularity over time, shaping the choices people make in how they dress. But beyond what’s visible, trends can influence how we feel.
The concept of "enclothed cognition", introduced by researchers at Northwestern University, suggests that the clothes we wear have a measurable effect on our thoughts, emotions, and performance—based on the symbolic meaning we associate with them.
In their study, participants who wore a lab coat described as a “doctor’s coat” performed better on attention-related tasks than those who wore the same garment described as a “painter’s coat.” Wearing a lab coat made people feel smarter and more focused. This supports the idea that clothing can influence our internal state, not just our outward appearance.
I would argue the internal impact is more important than the external impact.
While research is inconclusive about how clothing affects how others perceive us due to too many variables to isolate (culture, norms, climate etc) there is stronger evidence for its internal impact. When we sew garments that reflect current trends, we may feel more in tune with the present, more self-assured, and more expressive. Engaging with trends isn’t about fitting in, it’s about using style as a tool to feel like the best version of ourselves.
Ok lets get into the trends that I think you could incorporate into your sewing.
I have chosen examples from fashionable brands for each heading but your will notice that many of the images apply across multiple trend categories.
5 Fashion Trends to Sew Into Your 2025 Projects
1. Relaxed Tailoring
Key Features: Looser silhouettes, unstructured blazers, and wide-leg trousers.
Why It Works: Combines comfort with a polished look—perfect for smart-casual pieces he’ll wear.
Incorporation Tip: Use breathable, drapey fabrics like silk or linen blends or soft cotton twill. Try adding pleats, dropped shoulders, or a looser fit through the legs and chest.
Ranra, Dolce & Gabbana, Hérmes
2. Tech-wear and Functional Elements
Key Features: Water-resistant fabrics, zippered pockets, adjustable straps, and technical finishes.
Why It Works: Practical and modern, this trend offers visual interest and everyday utility.
Incorporation Tip: Experiment with utility jackets, vests, or cargo trousers. Include thoughtful details like oversized patch pockets, toggles, or double zippers.
Kolor, Emporio Armani, Ranra
TBC, Ten C, C_p. Company
3. Bold Patterns and Textures
Key Features: Oversized checks, abstract prints, and tactile fabrics like bouclé or corduroy.
Why It Works: Adds personality and a sense of fun to classic silhouettes.
Incorporation Tip: Choose one bold element, like a patterned shirt or textured jacket and pair it with neutral basics. Look for statement fabrics or play with colour blocking.
Versace Resort, Gucci, Antonio Marras
Gucci, Versace, Auralee
4. Monochromatic Layering
Key Features: Dressing in tonal shades of one colour for a cohesive, layered look.
Why It Works: Minimal effort, maximum impact. It’s modern, masculine, and easy to wear.
Incorporation Tip: Sew coordinating pieces in the same colour family, like a button-down shirt and relaxed trousers.
Not sure which colours to choose?
Take the Fabric Formula Quiz to discover his best colour palette, so your project looks as good as it feels.
Georgio Armani, Kent & Curwen, Zenga
Ralph Lauren, Bottega Veneta, Georgio Armani
Emporio Armani
5. Retro Futurism
I always love it when fashion swings back around to my youth. This is one of them, but definitely with a 2025 vibe.
Key Features: 1970s-inspired shapes with flared trousers, cropped jackets, exaggerated collars, updated with a modern twist like metallic accents or clean lines.
Why It Works: Feels nostalgic and bold without being costume-like (you know those 1970's dress up parties).
Incorporation Tip: Try wide-legged trousers or a boxy jacket in a retro cut, but pair with modern fabrics like stretch cotton or matte satin to keep it wearable.
Conclusion
Before you thread your needle, take a moment to think about who you’re sewing for. Not just their measurements, but their lifestyle, personality, and how they want to feel in what they wear. The right trend can give your handmade gift a sense of modern relevance and make it something he’s genuinely excited to put on.
But don’t forget: trends work best when built on a solid foundation. Make sure you’re starting with garment styles that suit him well — then layer in the details, fabrics, or silhouettes that reflect what’s current.
Whether you choose relaxed tailoring, a bold print, or a modern utility detail, the goal isn’t to copy fashion, it’s to create something thoughtful, wearable, and true to the moment. So pick the trend that resonates most, and start planning your next sewing project today.
Next steps
Start with a solid stylish foundational pattern
You can't go wrong with the Camp Collar Shirt pattern to build upon.
