September’s basically here. Nights are darker, beer gardens are emptier, and you’re probably already eyeing up a jacket when you head out. But before we dive head-first into autumn fits, let’s take a look back at what went down this summer — because men’s fashion in 2025 hit different.
This was the summer when activewear officially stopped being “just gym gear.” Trainers, trackies, and performance tops weren’t just for workouts — they became the uniform. And honestly? No one’s complaining. It was a season where comfort ruled, sneakers stayed king, and shorts got a little shorter than most lads expected.
Here’s your full recap of summer 2025 men’s style — through the lens of Nike, Adidas, New Balance, Under Armour, and the whole athleisure era.
Athleisure Wasn’t a Trend, It Was the Whole Mood
You couldn’t walk through town this summer without seeing it. Athleisure took over.
We’re talking breathable tees, lightweight tracksuits, tech joggers, and hot half-zips that looked good in the gym but even better at Nando’s. This wasn’t “lazy dressing.” It was clean, sharp, and purposeful.
The whole point? Clothes that could carry you from a workout to a pint without needing a full outfit change. And if you’re 24 and always bouncing between work, gym, and nights out, this was basically the perfect era.
Shorts Got Bold
The shorts situation was wild.
Forget the knee-skimming basketball shorts we grew up on — summer 2025 was all about above the knee cuts. Proper short shorts. The kind your dad used to wear on holiday but flipped into something cool.
The best part? Lads were styling them way outside of the gym. Gym shorts with oversized tees. Shorts with polos. Even smart jackets paired with sport shorts made an appearance. It felt fresh, playful, and honestly, on a 28-degree day in the UK, it just made sense.
If there’s one thing you can always bet on, it’s this: trainers will set the tone.
Summer 2025 proved that again. Instead of ultra-minimal all-white kicks, this year was about bold sneakers with personality. Chunky soles, throwback shapes, earthy tones with little flashes of colour. Trainers weren’t just an add-on — they were the main event.
Retro silhouettes had their moment too. Adidas, New Balance, Nike — all brought back old school vibes, and lads snapped them up. You could pair a retro runner with joggers, cargos, or even tailored trousers, and it looked fire every time.
Comfort Came First
If there’s one lesson from this summer? Comfort is non negotiable.
Every fit was built on the idea that you should feel good while looking good. Lightweight fabrics, sweat-proof tees, breathable mesh shorts, and hoodies that actually worked in hot cold UK weather all played their part.
It was fashion that didn’t fight your lifestyle. You could wear it all day without feeling restricted, whether you were working, travelling, or just chilling.
Activewear Became Everyday Wear
Let’s be real — tracksuits aren’t just for the gym anymore.
This summer proved that activewear belongs on the high street just as much as in the weights room. Lads were wearing training tops under open shirts, joggers with jewellery and caps, gym shorts with loafers. It was the ultimate crossover: streetwear + sportswear = daily uniform.
And honestly? It works. Because when you can get a fit off that’s comfy, clean, and doesn’t feel forced, that’s the sweet spot.
The Technical Upgrade
One thing that made 2025’s sportswear stand out was the tech.
Not in a nerdy way — more in the sense of clever fabrics and useful details. Quick-dry tees that saved you in the heat. Jackets that could handle a rain shower without looking like you were off camping. Joggers with zips and storage that actually worked.
Little upgrades like that meant lads weren’t just buying for style — they were buying for everyday use. And that’s why this summer’s gear had staying power.
From Gym Session to Night Out (No Outfit Change)
This summer also nailed something every guy secretly wants: one outfit that works everywhere.
You could finish a gym sesh, throw on some fresh trainers, and head straight out. Tracksuits that looked sharp enough for the pub. Technical shorts that worked for workouts and day drinking. A fitted tee that looked intentional whether you were lifting or just sitting in the park with your mates.
That’s the magic of 2025 men’s style — it was low effort, high reward.
Colour Vibes
The colour palette this summer was calmer than previous years.
Instead of neon brights everywhere, we saw loads of earthy tones — browns, greys, khakis — mixed with subtle pops of colour. Trainers carried the brighter accents: yellows, blues, reds. Meanwhile, the base layers stayed neutral, which made outfits easy to throw together without clashing.
It was chilled, but still had energy. The kind of looks that turned heads without screaming for attention.
Why Summer 2025 Actually Mattered
When we look back, summer 2025 will feel like the season when men fully embraced activewear as the go to wardrobe.
It wasn’t just about sports anymore. It was about blending performance and fashion so you didn’t have to choose. And it set the tone for what’s next — because if this summer taught us anything, it’s that comfort, style, and versatility can all live in the same outfit.
What’s Next for Autumn/Winter
Now that hoodies are back in rotation and jackets are coming out, expect these themes to roll straight into autumn:
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Layered athleisure (hoodies under oversized coats, joggers with bombers).
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Tech outerwear that’s weatherproof but stylish.
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Street + sport crossover getting even stronger.
The colour palette will shift to darker tones — burgundy, navy, forest green — but the fit energy stays the same. It’s still about comfort with style, just built for colder nights and wetter mornings.
Final Word
So yeah — summer 2025 was a vibe.
Short shorts had their moment. Trainers stayed undefeated. Tracksuits became daily wear. And comfort ruled everything.
For lads in their 20s, it was the perfect season: fits that didn’t take themselves too seriously but still looked sharp. Fashion that fit real life, not just Instagram.
As we roll into autumn, expect the same mindset, just with heavier layers and moodier colours. Because if there’s one thing this summer proved, it’s this: activewear is the new normal, and it’s here to stay.