If there’s one thing about modern fashion trends, comfort will always win.
Gen Z said no skinny jeans and brought back the 90s relaxed clothes trend, and it is here to stay.
This year, another big trend is set to emerge, and it’s the fisherman aesthetic.
Think oversized cable knits, bright yellow rain jackets and balloon jeans, the fisherman aesthetic is casting its net far and wide — and we’re all getting caught up in it.
Accessories and styling expert Blake Asaad of Goodstone says this trend is expected to blow up this year, with many people embracing sustainability and simplicity.
“The fisherman aesthetic is hitting all the right notes for 2025 because it’s a combination of timeless classics and functional fashion.
“Fast fashion is quickly losing its appeal as consumers become more aware of its environmental cost, so people are gravitating towards looks that feel intentional, cosy, and a little nostalgic,” said Asaad.
“The beauty of this trend is its accessibility — you don’t need to spend a fortune to nail it. Most people already have striped shirts, chunky knits, or a good raincoat in their wardrobe. Plus, it carries a certain rugged charm that feels effortlessly cool.”
Below are the top five tips on how you can slay the fisherman aesthetic:
The chunky cable knit sweater
The cable knit sweater emerged in October last year, while fashion capitals like Moscow have long embraced it.
This sweater works for all seasons and can work as a single top or cover-up, depending on your look for the day.
Fisherman sandals
Whether it’s leather or rope, fisherman sandals will always be stylish. Asaad suggests wearing them with cropped pants or rolled-up jeans to show them off properly.
The trusty rain jacket
Toddlers were ahead of the game because they’ve always embraced a rain jacket by wearing it even when it’s 30 degrees Celsius outside.
A shoutout to them for being the trendsetters. And yes, you can wear the rain jacket anytime because it’s lightweight and usually adds that flair to a smart, cool look.
Net bags
If you shop at Checker’s you would know they have a range of net shopping bags, and now it’s time to turn them into fashion statements - talk about sustainability.
The best colours are red or mustard yellow. They can be styled for those casual day looks.
For example, the red one can be styled with a monochrome look, while the mustard one can be best paired with the rain jacket we mentioned earlier.
Chunky boots
We are about to witness the return of Dr Martens because those chunky boots are back with a bang. These versatile boots can be styled with almost anything, including skirts or cropped pants.
Don’t forget to accessorise with some dope jewellery, especially rings and earrings.