With the Spring-Summer season nearly coming to an end, it is now time for fashion brands to plan their upcoming collections for the Autumn-Winter season. Today, Inflow is here to navigate you through the key trends in men's fashion, zooming in on the essential jackets and outerwear pieces that should feature in your Winter '24-'25 lineup.

1. Work Leisure Jacket 

Let's be real, it's 2024, and fashion always has to go with comfort. According to recent studies, over 81% of consumers choose comfort over style, and only 13% of them consider going after trends is essential (source: Haute-Comfort: Consumers Choose Comfort Over Style Says New Research). This preference challenges brands to find a sweet spot between coziness and chic.

Introducing a fashion trend that every brand should invest in this autumn winter season, according to WGSN - the work leisure jacket, a perfect combination between style and comfort (source: WGSN). This hybrid marries the simplicity and elegance of work attire with the ease of leisurewear. It's a chance for brands to satisfy the comfort-craving customer while still flexing their creative muscles.

Key pieces that embody the work leisure jacket concept include the versatile Blouson or the laid-back Shacket, both of which promise to be customer favorites.

The Blouson (on the left) and Shacket (on the right) can be included in your upcoming collection.

2. Top Coat 

The top coat appears every time the autumn winter season comes around. This classic piece reaffirms its position when it makes its appearance on major fashion runways during the Paris Fashion Week or the London Fashion Week. WGSN also reported that it was even considered a staple on the Milan and New York runways (source: WGSN). As we reimagine this classic, consider the following updates to transform it into a contemporary must-have:

• Bold Pocket Designs: Introduce oversized or uniquely shaped pockets to add a functional yet fashionable twist.

• Varied Lapel Styles: Experiment with lapel sizes—go wide for a bold statement or high for a refined look.

• Belted Waist: Offer a belt to cinch the coat for a tailored silhouette or to add structure to an otherwise straight cut.

• Updated Patterns: Refresh the traditional with modern checks in new scales and colors, or explore other prints like houndstooth or tartan for visual interest.

• Innovative Fabrics: Utilize high-quality materials that provide both luxury and practicality, such as lightweight wools or technical blends.

 

Adding details or patterns to the coat can elevate it to the next level.

By focusing on these details, fashion brands can elevate the top coat, making it a versatile and stylish choice for the modern man's wardrobe.

3. Smart Bomber 

The Smarten Up aesthetic arises from the urge of consumers wanting to look smarter in their outfits. Hence, designers are also looking to mix formalwear codes with casual appeal. Bomber jackets have long been a staple in men's outerwear, but the Smart Bomber takes it up a notch. It's about crafting bombers that fit seamlessly into both professional settings and laid-back scenarios. WGSN highlights variations like the Sport Smart bomber and bombers adorned with statement pockets as prime examples of this trend.

Bomber designs that work as inspiration for fashion brands.

4. Leather Jacket 

We cannot stress enough the importance and significance of leather materials in outerwear. It is simple yet stylish, suitable for every man. Moreover, leather jackets are also durable; they can be worn for a long time. The appeal of leather jackets lies in the fact that the longer you wear them, the more beautiful they look. Leather can never look old; it can only look vintage, and vintage is the aesthetic everyone is aiming for these days (source: Retro is back: Nearly half of UK consumers regularly buy vintage). 

For fashion brands, the key to a successful leather jacket lies in its simplicity. Let the material speak for itself. Yet, there's room to play with color; consider introducing a palette of rich browns or deep, dark hues to add depth to your collection.

Some leather jacket designs appear on famous runway shows.

5. Slouchy Cardigan 

Cardigan may seem a bit too feminine to be on the list for men’s fashion trends. However, men’s fashion and grooming are now moving beyond outdated stereotypes, paving the way for diverse expressions of masculinity. As society evolves, so do our perceptions of what it means to be a man (source: Breaking Stereotypes: Redefining Masculinity in Men's Fashion & Grooming - LIVID). 

WGSN has been tracking this movement since 2021, and the slouchy cardigan has emerged as a firm favorite. Its popularity is enhanced by vintage-inspired openwork stitches and fur-effect yarns that add texture and a handcrafted feel.

The cardigan challenges men’s old-school perceptions about men’s fashion.

As we look to the Autumn-Winter '24-'25 season, it's clear that the lines between comfort, style, and traditional gendered fashion are blurring. The modern man's wardrobe is becoming a playground for innovation, where the functional meets the fashionable, and self-expression is the ultimate goal.

Inflow is excited to see how these trends will take shape in your collections. Whether it's through the practical elegance of a work leisure jacket, the timeless sophistication of a top coat, the versatile chic of a smart bomber, the enduring allure of a leather jacket, or the relaxed charm of a slouchy cardigan, there's a wealth of opportunity to cater to the contemporary man. Even more fascinating, at Inflow we have diverse fabric materials available for your brand's jacket collection, as well as highly-skilled, expert garment manufacturing skills so you don't have to worry about the beauty of your designs being compromised.

Remember, the key is to blend comfort with style, heritage with innovation, and to boldly redefine what men's fashion can be. As the Autumn-Winter season approaches, let these trends inspire you to create collections that resonate with the evolving tastes and lifestyles of men around the world. With Inflow's insights and your creative vision, this season is set to be one of the most exciting yet. Collaborate with us today!

Visit Inflow’s ready-design catalog for men’s outerwear and jacket inspiration 

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