The Definitive Men’s Spring Fashion Guide For 2025

Image Credit: Oliver Spencer

Put the big coat down. We know, we know. You’ve forgotten how to dress yourself without it, but the darkest depths of winter are well behind us now, and there’s more to life again than parkas, puffers and heavyweight knitwear.

Struggling to get in the swing of spring? We’re here to help. Every season, we like to provide an overview of the key pieces, fabrics and trends you should have on your radar if you want to be well-dressed and current. So, consider the following article your guide to transitional style in 2025.

Whether you’re putting a whole new wardrobe together or just looking for a couple of trend-led pieces to help bring your current rotation up to speed, you’ll find what you need below. So, without further ado, here’s what you need to know when it comes to spring dressing this year.

Key Pieces

Cropped Worker Jacket

Every era in men’s fashion has its standout outerwear trend, and right now it’s cropped worker jackets that are dominating. These aren’t your standard three-pocket overshirts worn by the French labourers of decades gone by – think less 1920s Parisian railroad worker and more 1980s Michigan mechanic.

Carhartt’s Detroit jacket is the most obvious example, with its short body, boxy fit, rugged fabric and zip pockets, but all the usual suspects (Dickies, Stan Ray, Ben Davies) make something very similar.

You’ll get bonus points if you buy vintage, so it looks like you’re no stranger to a hard day’s work – even if the closest you get to any machinery is standing on the other side of the La Marzocco espresso maker waiting for the barista to prepare your flat white.

Fisherman Beanie

Don’t leave woolly hats behind just yet. It’s warming up, sure, but there’s still a chill in the air on those spring mornings, and some decent headgear is still a good idea.

A fisherman beanie works well here, as it’s not as heavy-duty as its ear-covering counterparts, but it still delivers a bit of additional warmth where it’s needed most… not to mention a welcome pop of colour.

Slouchy Cardigan

Knitwear isn’t just for winter. In fact, spring is the time of year when it really comes into its own. A light jacket worn alone can leave you feeling the chill on cooler days, but with a cardigan layered underneath it’s just right.

Opt for a slouchy one in an earthy tone if you’re interested in keeping it current, or something simple and neutral with a zip front if timeless minimalism is more your bag.

Boxy Grey Hoodie

The transitional months are the humble hoodie’s time to shine. Throw one on with jeans, joggers or even a pair of shorts and you’re ready to tackle day-to-day duties in comfort.

But don’t fall into the trap of neglecting fit. Comfortable isn’t a byword for sloppy, so look for something boxy in the body but with a snug ribbed hem that rests on the waist.

A nice heavyweight jersey cotton will ensure the garment sits nicely, so steer clear of anything overly thin and flimsy.

Knitted Polo

Another essential piece of transitional knitwear, the knitted polo straddles the divide between smart and casual, allowing it to be dressed up or down with ease.

It’s one of those rare items that’s just as at home with jeans and sneakers as it is with tailoring, so get one in a fine-gauge fabric (think merino or cotton) for easy layering and let it help you through the spring months in style.

Fleece Jacket

Fleece. We’d argue it’s one of the most versatile midlayers it’s possible to own. And in the spring, it becomes a legitimate outer layer.

The best versions lean into the outdoorsy aesthetic without going full mountaineer cosplay. Think slightly boxy fits, contrast panelling and tasteful, low-key branding.

Aim for something that can be worn over a T-shirt on warmer days, or under a shell when the weather turns. In other words, nothing you can’t comfortably throw another layer on top of.

Mid-Wash Jeans

Winter denim tends to be dark, heavy and stiff. The stuff you wear from spring should feel a little lighter in both tone and texture. A good pair of mid-wash jeans hits that sweet spot.

This versatile wash is relaxed enough to wear casually, but doesn’t look out of place with loafers and an Oxford shirt.

Go for a straight or loose tapered leg, and keep distressing to a minimum – a frayed pocket? Fine. Gaping rips at the knees? Less so. If in doubt, think worn-in, not worn out.

Suede Chukka Boots

Big ol’ leather boots can feel a bit stuffy once the clocks go forward and the weather begins to warm up. That’s where the suede chukka comes in. Still structured, still hard-wearing, but lighter, lower cut and arguably easier to style with spring’s more casual wardrobe.

Crepe rubber soles give them a bit of bounce and make them comfortable for all-day wear, and the classic round-toe silhouette shows no sign of going out of fashion anytime soon.

Go for sand or taupe suede from a trusted brand such as Clarks or Astorflex if you want something classic.

Tinted Acetate Shades

Tinted lenses are a strong move, particularly in statement colours like amber, yellow or bottle green. Set in a chunky acetate frame, they feel retro without looking costumey and give even the most mundane of casual outfits a bit of oomph.

Brands such as Johann Wolff, Meller and Monokel are all offering solid, wearable options that won’t break the bank.

A Zesty Fragrance

Last but not least, never forget that fragrances are seasonal. That rich woody eau de parfum you’ve been rocking all winter is starting to feel a bit out of place by now, which means it’s time for something a bit lighter and fresher.

Choose a scent that reflects the weather – crisp, warm and light.

Key Fabrics

Cotton Twill

Simple, versatile and durable, cotton twill is the outerwear material of choice when the weather begins to warm up.

This stuff ages beautifully and is incredibly easy to wear, making it perfect for spring staples like overshirts, chore jackets and legwear.

Fleece

Finisterre

This is the time of year when fleece jackets stop being midlayers and become outer layers in their own right. The fuzzy fabric is great for trapping body heat, but it’s breathable too, so you won’t find yourself sweltering.

It’s also a great option for gilets, which are perfect for adding a bit of texture and visual depth to your layered springtime looks.

Gore-Tex

Arc’teryx

You can’t have spring without rain, which means a good waterproof is more important than ever. Gore-Tex is widely regarded as the gold standard for balancing weather protection and breathability.

Brands such as Arc’teryx, Nike ACG, and The North Face do a good job of harnessing its functionality and presenting it in technical garments that don’t look completely out of place with casual clothing. Look for something with a trim fit, taped seams and waterproof zippers.

Suede

Luca Faloni

Whether it’s a pair of loafers or a bomber jacket, suede is one of our favourite materials for spring. It’s soft and comfortable for footwear while lending outerwear a luxurious edge. The slightly hairy texture adds a bit of character to outfits, too.

Just make sure you look after it properly, especially if you get caught in the rain.

Shrinking Sneakers

It’s almost been a decade since big beetle-crushing sneakers first started appearing on Fashion Week runways. Since then, oversized silhouettes have dominated the market. However, we are slowly beginning to see the pendulum swing in the opposite direction, as slim, low-profile sneakers are making their way back into the spotlight.

Samba madness was the first indicator, and since then we’ve seen even slimmer styles gaining traction – the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico ‘66, Puma Speedcat and Adidas Japan, to name a few.

This is a sneaker trend that’s gaining momentum fast, so now is a great time to get involved.

‘00 Heaven

They say trends come in 20-year cycles, and the latest fixation with everything noughties fashion is yet more proof of this.

From baggy jeans to wraparound shades, many of the pieces that defined turn-of-the-millennium style are making a comeback. While we encourage you not to borrow too heavily from the era, incorporating the odd garment or taking some aesthetic inspiration is perfectly fine.

Crop That Immediately

Sneakers aren’t the only thing getting smaller. While pants continue to grow in volume, jackets and tops are going in the opposite direction. Cropped worker jackets have been a big trend lately, and this shorter, boxier look is starting to infiltrate other styles of outerwear, too.

It’s all about playing with proportions, elongating the legs and making use of the rule of thirds, which involves splitting your outfit so that the top part accounts for ⅓ of the overall length and the trousers account for ⅔.

Paddy Maddison

Paddy Maddison is Ape's Style Editor. His work has been published in Esquire, Men’s Health, ShortList, The Independent and more. An outerwear and sneaker fanatic, his finger is firmly on the pulse for the latest trends, while always maintaining an interest in classic style.