Unveiling the Year's Defining Jackets: Where Style Meets Influence
The Enduring Appeal of the Classic Trench Coat in Modern Fashion
A$AP Rocky, the renowned GQ Style Champion of 2025, made a significant statement early in the year, transforming a legal proceeding into a fashion spectacle. His choice of a personalized tan Burberry trench coat, adorned with his initials, underscored the timeless elegance of this piece. This event, alongside Harry Styles's preference for a similar trench from The Row, propelled the classic trench coat back into the sartorial spotlight, becoming a coveted item among fashion enthusiasts and the GQ editorial team alike.
The Resurgence of the Parka: A Nod to Nostalgia and British Cool
The highly anticipated reunion of Oasis in 2025, a year marked by unexpected events, ignited a renewed passion for the proto-gorpcore parkas and rain jackets famously worn by Liam Gallagher. Their sold-out performances, fueled by a wave of nostalgia, inspired a widespread trend for British-inflected outerwear. This cultural moment made dressing in the style of UK natives a fashionable endeavor once more, demonstrating how music and heritage can powerfully influence contemporary attire.
Embracing Patina: The Charm of the Worn-In Biker Jacket
While discovering the ideal leather jacket can be a challenge, the true reward lies in a piece that visibly bears the marks of time. Austin Butler exemplified this in August with his impeccably aged leather jacket, showcasing a look of near-fossilized patina. Similarly, Louisa Jacobson of The Gilded Age was seen sporting a well-worn leather jacket in September. However, the most memorable cinematic moment for this style belonged to Kid Cudi, who, amidst a rainy May morning, appeared in a crinkled biker jacket for a court appearance, solidifying the beat-up biker jacket as a symbol of lived-in cool.
The Rise of the Elevated Windbreaker: Sporty Sophistication
The affinity for lightweight jackets, particularly those with a sporty edge, was evident in 2025. Jacob Elordi's appearance at a World Series game in a Willy Chavarria track jacket highlighted this trend, marking it as a favorite among prominent figures, including Kendrick Lamar and Colman Domingo. This preference for semi-utilitarian outerwear signals an ongoing evolution in men's fashion, where athletic aesthetics are increasingly integrated with high-end design.
The Unmistakable Statement of the Luxury Overcoat
Few outerwear pieces convey sophistication as powerfully as a meticulously crafted, expensive designer overcoat. Figures like Jacob Elordi and Harry Styles embraced this maxim, opting for lavish options. Styles, in particular, was seen in a striking gray wool-and-cashmere Lemaire overcoat during a stroll with Zoe Kravitz, making a standout impression even among other stylish companions. This trend underscores a desire for bold, high-quality garments that exude opulence.
The Return of Military-Inspired Silhouettes: The Nutcracker Jacket
Known variously as the Napoleon jacket or bandleader jacket, military-style coats, reminiscent of 17th-century aesthetics, experienced a significant comeback in 2025. Runways at Kenzo, McQueen, and Dior showcased these designs. Artists like Yung Lean and Bladee incorporated variations of old Swedish army jackets into their performance wardrobes, highlighting a blend of historical influence and contemporary interpretation. While the resurgence of regimental aesthetics may carry a nuanced nostalgia, it certainly points to a future where more "Nutcracker Prince" inspired looks will be prevalent.
The Authentic Charm of the Distressed Field Jacket
In a year that celebrated robust outerwear, André 3000 emerged as a style icon, setting new benchmarks for unconventional layering. During Paris Fashion Week in March, he attended the Kenzo show in a heavily distressed army field jacket. This choice served as a powerful reminder of a fundamental style principle: the most authentic and impactful clothing pieces are those that are truly lived in and show signs of wear, conveying a unique personal history.
The Timeless Allure of the Dark-Denim Canadian Tuxedo
Deep-blue, substantial indigo denim, especially in the form of trucker jackets and selvedge jeans worn together, was a defining trend of the year. From fashion experts at GQ to celebrities like Yung Lean, Ethan Hawke, and Daniel Day-Lewis, the dark-denim Canadian tuxedo became a collective favorite in menswear. This ensemble celebrated a classic, rugged aesthetic, earning widespread acclaim and solidifying its status as a fashion staple.
The Rustic Elegance of the Barbour Barn Coat
Amidst a year dominated by sturdy outerwear, the corduroy-collared barn coat offered a refined alternative to the more common chore coat. Joseph Quinn, a noted enthusiast for distinctive jackets, perfectly demonstrated its versatility by pairing his classic Barbour version with relaxed light-wash jeans and a vintage-inspired tee at Glastonbury. This combination showcased how a rugged piece can be styled with casual flair, proving its accessibility beyond formal settings.
The Cultural Phenomenon of the Marty Supreme Jacket
No discussion of 2025's most notable jackets would be complete without mentioning the Marty Supreme windbreaker, which became a cultural touchstone. Propelled by Timothée Chalamet's extensive promotional tour, this jacket sparked considerable debate and generated a specific aesthetic in the final quarter of the year. Whether its widespread popularity enhanced or detracted from individual experiences of the film or the jacket itself, it undeniably became a significant, albeit polarizing, item in contemporary fashion, embodying a moment where celebrity influence profoundly shaped sartorial trends.