Tailoring's Romantic Return to Prominence
Suiting has been somewhat out in the wild in recent years for menswear. Streetwear — an often overly broad umbrella term for the more casual tear that men’s dressing has been on since the late 2010s — has dominated the scene, driving both luxury and emerging brands, and shaped our wardrobes to be filled with bold branding, ultra-comfort items like oversized hoodies, and above all, embracing the humble sneaker as something to be venerated.
Prior to the rise of brands like Off-White, A-Cold-Wall*, and the explosion in popularity of one of the original streetwear brands, Supreme, menswear was under the spell of a more tradition-leaning, heritage aesthetic. Structured, very slim tailoring, double-monk strap formal shoes, and specific details like different tie knots and pocket square folds were all the minutia that the conversation of the #menswear blogs centred around. As social media evolved and the world moved on to new platforms, tie knots and double monks became about finding the next statement sneaker or perfectly fitting hoodie.
But nearly a decade after Off-White's debut runway show, the relentless trend cycle is moving on to pastures somewhat new — yet steeped in timeless menswear staples.
We’ve been talking about the return of formality and tailoring since the end of last year, but this re-embrace isn’t just a simple retread of the past — it’s not about rigid, structured shapes or slim silhouettes. Instead, the return of tailoring in 2025 is romantic and relaxed, drawing on similar ideas that ‘90s Armani is famed for.
This ‘romance’ comes from a silhouette designed to move with the body, as opposed to something designed to follow the body. Wider-legged pants that flow elegantly as you walk, along with looser-cut jackets and outerwear with wider lapels and longer lengths, all evoke the early years of Hollywood’s leading men, like Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart.
Brands like Støffa, The Row and Saman Amel offer beautifully designed menswear with this romantic spirit imbued into their DNA, while Sunflower, Our Legacy and Hope Stockholm are delivering tailoring that feels bolder, blending tasteful allure with a hint of attitude.
After a decade focused on brand-forward logos and prints, and five years post-lockdowns, this revisiting of some of menswear’s most staple styles feels like a welcome solution for what comes next. Collections brimming with suiting and more formal accessories but viewed through a more relaxed lens, show that there’s a clear hunger for a more purposeful and cohesive approach to dressing — one that feels distinct from the loungewear and athleisure that we've all relied on.