5 Menswear Trends to Stitch Up for Father’s Day

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It’s time to treat Dad to something new, so why not do it in style? Our menswear expert, Julian Collins, recently took a look at the current menswear trends in sewing, and he’s come up with some great suggestions! One is sure to be perfect for the dad, husband, uncle, brother, or anyone who loves stylish menswear.

5 Menswear Trends to Try

I love checking out new designs from major high fashion brands—not because I want to copy them, but because I am always interested in how I can incorporate new ideas into my sewing. Many of us in the sewing community have lamented that we don’t get a lot of new designs in the pattern market. But even existing patterns are a great base for new ideas and garments. Let’s look at some of the new spring/summer 2023 menswear trends and some patterns can be used to emulate the looks.

Baggy

One thing we have seen a lot of on the runway is the resurgence of looser-fitting styles. I think this trend started on social media, where a battle between generations is taking place: those who like slim legs and skinny jeans versus those who prefer baggy, wide-leg, stovepipe, or straight legs. We’re now seeing a lot of baggy styles on the runway—not just in casual chines and jeans but also in more formal attire, including suits. Implement the baggy look with the following patterns.

Wide-leg pants are a great place to start: ME2018 | Men’s Shirt and Pants by Julian Creates | Know Me Patterns

Flared legs give a nice silhouette: ME2024 | Men’s Jeans by Norris Danta Ford | Know Me Patterns

Baggy Shirts

The baggy look isn’t just for pants. You can also find it in oversized, loose-fitting jackets and shirts, as seen in these patterns:

This oversized hoodie is comfy and looks great: ME2023 | Men’s Hoodie and Shorts by Morris Danta Ford | Know Me Patterns

This oversized shirt is bound to be a spring/summer favorite: S9554 | Unisex Shirt in Two Lengths | Simplicity

V-Neck

As we head into summer, it’s time for styles with more ventilation around the neck and chest. We’re not just seeing typical V-necks that stop right around the clavicle; we’re seeing designs that are cut a lot deeper. Vintage patterns (and knitting patterns) from the 1970s can offer great inspiration. To find vintage patterns, you might scour resale websites or check with your older relatives who sew. Here are some other options to get in on the V-neck action.

Look for vintage Kwik Sew and Stretch & Sew, whose shirt and sweater patterns were cut with a deeper V.

A basic T-shirt pattern can give you many options: S8613 | Simplicity Sewing Pattern Men’s Knit Top by Mimi G Style | Simplicity

This shirt doesn’t have a conventional V-neck, but the center split gives it perfect summertime vibes: Turlough Shirt Sewing Pattern | Sew Mark Francis

This modern pattern offers a deeper V-neck: Pattern No. 815 I Men’s Knit Jumper and Waistcoat | Grasser

Western Wear

Western shirts have been in style and offered in pattern catalogs for decades. In this respect, the home sewing industry has been ahead of the fashion industry curve, I love the details found in Western wear, especially the front shoulder yokes on the shirts and the interesting pocket detailing on the pants. This type of flair can be added to almost any pattern. Here are some patterns and ideas to get you started.

These basic shirt patterns are a great place to start: M7980 | Misses’ and Men’s Shirts | McCall’s

This collection gives you five yolk options, for a variety of looks: 212 Five Frontier Shirts | Folkwear

Athleisure

Athleisure has remained popular for many seasons, not only in high fashion but also in regular department stores. Now that a lot of people have hybrid or full-time work-from-home jobs, we’re dressing differently than in the past. Athleisure works well for our new lifestyles. We’ve seen slacks that look like regular woven pants but are made from super stretchy techno fabric that is sweat-resistant, moisture-wicking, and moves with you. We’re also seeing more patterns for stretch fabrics and features such as elasticated waists in the back and regular flat waistbands in the front. Athleisure is a great addition to our wardrobes and something we will wear often. Here are a few patterns for comfortable, stylish clothing.

The extending waist adds extra comfort to: these pants: Liesl + Co Men’s Alyalade Trousers | The Fold Line

These unisex pull-on pants fit like a dream: Men’s Everyday Trousers | The New Craft House

These elastic-waist pants can be made in a more formal garment fabric such as suiting, for a pair of slacks that can go straight from the office to errands: Pattern No. 915 | Trousers Grasser

Boldness

Boldness in menswear is a trend that can be applied to any design. It’s all about exploring and having fun with color, patterns, and prints. Gone are the days when men were limited to wearing only neutrals such as navy, dark gray, black, and khaki. We are now free to explore different fabrics, patterns, and prints. On the runway, we’ve seen a lot of metallics (including metallic vinyl), faux leathers, and denim. To embrace this trend, find ways to incorporate different fabrics into your makes. Be bold and choose a fun summer print for a button-up shirt. Or if that’s a little too daring for you to start with, try adding a pop of color inside your pocket linings or your waistbands as a way to try something new.

As sewists, whether we’ve been doing it professionally for years or we’re just starting out, we are our own personal fashion designers. We can decide on the styles, silhouettes, and fashions to fill our wardrobes. The patterns highlighted here are only guides to get your imagination working. The sky is truly the limit to what you can create. Take a chance to be bold this season—and have fun doing it!

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More for Dad

Last year, we put together a fun group of patterns for Father’s Day. They’re still just as great, so check them out for more ideas for Dad!