Top 5 Men's Formal Wear Trends in London This Year
London has long been considered the global capital of men's tailoring. With the historic influence of Savile Row meeting the fast-paced, modern aesthetic of the City, London sets the benchmark for how a modern gentleman should dress. But formal wear is no longer just about rigid black suits and stiff collars.
This year, we are seeing a brilliant shift towards comfort, texture, and subtle color, without losing an ounce of sophistication. Whether you are dressing for a boardroom meeting in Canary Wharf or a stylish wedding in Chelsea, here are the top 5 men's formal wear trends dominating London right now. Start exploring with our men's navy suits or browse the full men's wedding suits range for occasion-ready options.
1. The Return of the Double-Breasted Suit
The double-breasted jacket has officially made a massive comeback, but it is not the boxy, oversized version from the 1980s. Today's London cut is slim, highly tailored, and features a shorter jacket length. It instantly broadens the chest and slims the waist, offering a powerful, authoritative silhouette. Look for subtle pinstripes or solid navy for a truly commanding presence.
2. Earth Tones and Muted Greens
While navy and charcoal will always be foundational, Londoners are increasingly reaching for earth tones to stand out. Rich chocolate brown suits and especially muted forest green suits are taking over the formal wear scene. These colors work exceptionally well in the UK climate and look phenomenal when paired with crisp white shirts and dark brown leather loafers.
3. Relaxed and Unstructured Tailoring
The modern London workplace has evolved, and so has the suit. The rigid, heavily padded shoulders of the past are being replaced by "unstructured" tailoring. These jackets have minimal canvas and shoulder padding, allowing the fabric to drape naturally over the body. It provides the sharpness of a suit with the comfort of a cardigan, making it perfect for long days at the office followed by after-work drinks in Soho. Explore our range of men's blazers for the best unstructured options across every color.
4. Highly Textured Fabrics
Flat, shiny fabrics are out; heavy texture is in. Depending on the season, we are seeing a huge surge in tactile materials. In the colder months, heavy wool flannels and modern tweeds are everywhere. As the weather warms up, linen blends and seersucker take over. Texture adds visual depth to your outfit, making even a standard grey suit look incredibly bespoke and premium.
5. The Roll-Neck Replacement
While a silk tie is still required for strict corporate environments, the "no-tie" formal look is dominating the London smart-casual and creative scenes. The ultimate replacement? A premium, fine-gauge merino wool or cashmere roll-neck (turtleneck) sweater. Worn under a tailored suit jacket, it creates a sleek, minimalist, and highly sophisticated European look that keeps the British chill at bay. For occasions where a shirt is preferred, browse our men's dress shirts for the sharpest formal options.
How to Incorporate These Trends
You do not need to overhaul your entire wardrobe to stay current. Start by adding a textured blazer or swapping your standard white shirt for a fine knit roll-neck. The key to London style is looking effortless — incorporate these trends subtly to enhance your existing formal wear rotation.
Ready to upgrade your tailoring game? Explore our latest collection of premium men's suits and tailoring to find the sharpest London-inspired looks for this season.
