Menswear wool fabric trends for Spring/Summer 2025 by WGSN

For Spring/Summer 2025, trend forecaster WGSN anticipates a radical evolution in wool for menswear, redefining the fabric's role with a focus on sustainability, seasonality, and high-performance qualities. Once considered primarily a cold-weather staple, wool is now being reimagined for year-round wear, aligning with the modern consumer’s demand for comfort, versatility, and eco-conscious design.

Sustainable wool: A core principle

Sustainability takes center stage in WGSN’s forecast, with innovation in sourcing and production playing a key role. Traceability and ethical practices are now non-negotiable, with a growing preference for wool from regenerative farming systems that improve soil health and biodiversity.

Fully traceable supply chains allow consumers to confidently align with responsible sourcing. Recycled and upcycled fibers will feature more prominently in wool blends, helping to reduce environmental impact by minimizing landfill waste and lowering the use of virgin resources. Certifications like RWS (Responsible Wool Standard) and ZQ Merino will become the norm, signaling higher animal welfare and sustainable land management.

Lightweight innovation: Wool for warm climates

WGSN forecasts a strong shift toward open, airy weaves that challenge traditional views of wool as a heavy fabric. These include fine-gauge knits and innovative lightweight constructions designed for airflow, making wool surprisingly breathable and ideal for warmer temperatures.

Enhanced softness and next-to-skin comfort are priorities. Finer yarns and advanced spinning techniques result in luxurious fabrics that feel gentle and smooth, suitable even for direct contact in hot climates.

Versatile blends: Fusing natural and technical benefits

Wool’s adaptability is further enhanced through intelligent blending with both natural and technical fibers.

• Natural blends: Wool-linen, wool-cotton, and wool-silk blends deliver breathable, soft, and stylish fabric solutions. Wool-linen is crisp and elegant—perfect for summer suits and unlined blazers—while wool-cotton adds softness and drape ideal for casual shirts and light jackets.
• Technical blends: Performance-driven consumers can expect wool with added functionality. Blends will increasingly feature UV protection, moisture-wicking, odor control, and wrinkle resistance. These properties make wool viable for travel, activewear, and everyday performance apparel.

Texture and aesthetic: Quiet luxury

A move toward sophisticated surface interest defines the textural story. Expect subtle slubs, irregular weaves, and nubby textures that lend depth and tactile appeal without appearing overly rustic.

Faux-plains and micro-structures are gaining ground—appearing plain from afar but revealing rich detail up close. Lightweight bouclés and crepes offer soft volume and structure, ideal for softly tailored or unstructured silhouettes. Tweed effects, jacquards, and brushed finishes contribute to the artisan-inspired narrative.

Elevated neutrals and future-forward accents

Neutral tones dominate the wool palette for S/S 2025. Soft beiges, warm greys, and taupes offer versatile base tones, with “Wax Paper” emerging as a standout hue—clean, modern, and understated. WGSN’s Color of the Year, “Future Dusk,” introduces a moody blend of blue and violet, ideal for elevated evening wear and refined tailoring.

Complementing these muted tones are optimistic accents—coral, mint, and sunshine yellow—offering energy and freshness to the collection, particularly in blends or detail applications.

Tailoring evolution: The new power suit

Lightweight wool fabrics will shape the silhouette of the season. Oversized cuts, soft shoulders, and relaxed tailoring define the “new power suit”—marrying structure with ease. These fabrics drape beautifully while offering freedom of movement and a modern aesthetic.

In essence, WGSN’s Spring/Summer 2025 outlook positions wool as a fabric of the future—sophisticated, sustainable, and seasonally versatile, ready to meet the expectations of today’s conscious and style-driven menswear consumer.