As with most of today’s heavy topics, one can probably blame the liberation of menswear on social media, diversified cultural values, and the general disintegration of our society’s moral fiber. Either way, male clothing has not been this playful and adventurous since noblemen strutted about the royal courts of France in heels, wigs, and pleasantly toxic lead face paint centuries ago… and we love it.

No longer a market dominated solely by suits, cotton Bermuda shorts, and brightly-coloured polos, we now live in a menswear world of increasingly tight silhouettes, bold patterns, and an ever-blurrier line between mainstream fashion and street style (read: black leather, black mesh, black everything). To this we say, “Vive la révolution!” and to the guillotine with whomever supports that old, passé sartorial regime. In celebration of men’s mainstream fashion freedom, we’ve rounded up 2014’s most exciting menswear trends that we can’t wait to see people rocking.

Polka Dots
For spring/summer 2014, all men should be obligated to own and love polka dots. Quite frankly, the bigger the dots the better (we like them of the variety that can be seen from space). So far as patterns go, polka dots are actually incredibly flexible while always adding a punch of playful. For the colour-phobic fashionistas out there, more demure monochrome black and white options could not be hotter this year. For the adventurous soul, check out the Burberry Porsum S/S 2014 look for inspiration.

Loosen Up
While we are forever partial to a more fitted suit, apparently the rest of the world is into the looser look these days. The beige example from Italian fashion house Ermenegildo Zegna features the trend’s hallmarks of softer fabrics, less fitted pants, and longer coats for a look that overall emphasizes fluid lines.

Escape to Tropical Floral
The other power pattern of 2014, floral continues to be present in a very big, tropical way. Given that the goal these days is to be as bold and clashy as is (remotely and tastefully) possible, we recommend stocking up on a few essential floral items and mixing ‘n matching them with your other patterns (hint: your polka dots). That said, we are also loving the #AllFloralEverything Givenchy look paired with a black leather jacket around the waist plus wet-look leather leggings.

Cut It Out
Given sportswear’s heavy influence over fashion in recent years (still squealing over Givenchy X Nike), it should be no surprise that mainstream fashion is readily adopting more ostentatious street style looks. From Rick Owens to Phillip Lim, it’s looking like cut-out could be 2014’s mesh as the ventilated fabric alludes to athletics while clearly being totally impractical for any sport.

Exotic Materials
All you need to know is that from accessories to clothing, leather’s days are numbered. Think snake, alligator, and other unusual materials like beetle wings, as seen being used in accessories by fabulous Toronto talent Myles Sexton. Photograph by JMH Photography.

Ain’t That Just Dandy
The Dandy Man most certainly can in 2014! Harkening back to fashionistas of old, the modern dandy is not afraid to rock a scarf or even full suit (below: Dolce & Gabbana dark copper three-piece) made entirely from tie silk.

Honourable Mentions
Black leather, mesh, the colour blue, and slouchy clutch bags.

Philip Mak

A recent import to Toronto from Montreal, Philip Mak is V.v Magazine's fashion editor while also an unabashed pop culture and social media junkie. Follow his (sometimes wildly inappropriate) twitter at @PhilipMMak.