Floral Prints

Flowers have always made consistent cameos on everything from neckwear to swimsuits. But these days, they're blooming on bigger things, like blazers, trousers and button-down shirts. Smaller-scale patterns tend to read more like a tried-and-true paisley or camo, while larger ones require real confidence to pull off. Whichever path you pick, make sure to keep your floral find in close company with solids. Lots of them.

f you’re not feeling up to splashing colourful blooms across your chest, you can always opt to give your lower half the botanical treatment.
Transfer print and intricately embroidered trousers and shorts featuring flora and foliage are stand out features of many summer collections, with international labels such as Marc Jacobs, DrieFrom the oversized bloom prints of 1990s surf wear, to today’s bold and bright micro-shorts, swimwear has always been an area where men have experimented with print and pattern.

Thanks to the extensive range of floral designs in modern swimwear, it’s never been easier to spruce-up your poolside regimen.

Premium brands such as French label Vilbrequin and Tommy Hilfiger offer a range of quality swimwear, whilst high street stalwarts River Island and ASOS stock an extensive edit at great price pointss Van Noten and Lanvin offering ornate and striking styles.



How To Wear Florals: Tips
Can’t tell your hibiscus blooms from your carnations? Alarmed at the prospect of looking like a florist’s shop front? Our quick how to wear guide will ensure you don’t stray off the garden path and into the jungle…

1. One Print Per Look
As a general rule of thumb, print overkill is best avoided. If one component of your outfit features a vibrant print, it’s best to keep the rest of your look a plain and simple affair, so opt for clean-lined separates.

One strong pattern is enough of a statement by itself. For those of a more daring disposition, clashing prints can work; just make sure the prints contrast but complement each other by pairing motifs that differ either in tone or pattern, but not both.

2. Layer For Subtlety
If you’re after a more understated approach to the look, layering is key.

Try wearing a micro-floral print shirt beneath a clean-lined navy cotton knit so just the shirt’s cuffs and collar are showing. A dark tailored jacket will also sit well layered over a painterly bloom print shirt – the jacket will break-up the arresting impact of a full torso floral hit.

This witty contrast of floral detailing against solid hues is a considered way to interpret the look.


Final Word
Whilst some of these looks may be a little too out there for the average Joe, it’s easy for the individual to interpret the trend in a way that will adhere to his own sartorial principles, whether that involves going the whole hog with a hibiscus print bomber, or taking a softer approach and donning a micro-print floral tie.

Ultimately, fashion is about expression and experimentation, it’s about raising the bar and pushing boundaries, and the rise of menswear florals illustrates this point seamlessly.

With such a great variety of bloom print apparel and accessories on offer, it’s never been easier for the modern man to incorporate a bit of floral inspiration into his wardrobe.