Checks and stripes have been prints that have existed in men's fashion for an eternity now. Plains and solids with minimal patterns have adorned a man's wardrobe from time and gain. But the year 2014 has a lot to look forward to as long as prints are concerned. The modern day stylish male is about to get transformed with a range full of bold prints which until now were flaunted only by the fairer sex.

The spring/summer and autumn/winter trends for menswear are riding high on prints like dark florals, polka dots, psychedelic, geometric and art prints. The spring/summer collections of designers have always featured florals pre-dominantly. Big bold flower are this seasons powerful prints for men. The trend is being embraced positively not just on runways but in store too with the sale of floral menswear up by 130 percent. The flower print trend is beyond the classical Hawaiian shirt. According to Editd.com, Asos is already sold out all of their floral suits.

The men's spring summer collections of 2014 showcased florals by high end brands like Christopher Kane, Prada, Saint Laurent, and Raf Simons. The current season trends are available in shirts, pants, board shorts, t-shirts, full suits, bomber jackets, and in sporty styles. However, the top selling products are short sleeved shirts with Hawaiian prints and t-shirts for the mass market, and the Givenchy styled patch-work flower print in the luxury market. Flower printed shoes, scarves, and even embroidered pattern on pants and jackets have become very popular owing to this trend.

Apart from the flower power, the geometric prints seem to be picking up extremely well in menswear. The autumn winter styles on the runway for men were flooded with coats in geometric shapes of all kinds. Solid colors and plains are out for the fall of 2014 and colors are in. Hence unique mixtures of shapes with a pop of bright colors were the prints seen in collections of designer labels like Alexander McQueen, Burberry, Salvatore Ferragamo, Vivienne Westwood, and Valentino. A quirky combination of squares, rectangles, and triangles along with a sophisticated patterned coat will be the perfect way to keep warm and stylish this winter. Besides coats, geometric prints are also widely prevalent in t-shirts, sporty jackets, and high street fashion.

An eye-catching trend from the runways making a fabulous return to the winter wears for men in 2014 is portrait prints. A classic and timeless print trend, the portraits are just apt for the men's semi-casual look. Celebrity portraits or of people who have had a big influence with their actions or words are the ones printed on t-shirts, sweaters, and sweatshirts. Wearing the portrait trend is an indication of an individual identifying, relating, or believing in certain values, which is why these prints never go out of style and revive themselves from time to time.

A new print affair that has managed to last from fall/winter of 2013 is of camouflage designs. The military-inspired camouflage print has been a fashion favorite since ages but in 2014, there are a variety of color combinations in which it can be availed in. Re-working on the print designers have infused more futuristic and utilitarian designs making it more wearable for stylish men. The spring summer 2014 collection of Balmain, Valentino, Olive Spencer, and Givenchy have featured this trend. Bomber jackets, t-shirts, jackets, pants, and shorts along with shoes, scarves, sunglasses, and bags also sport the camouflage prints.

Another key print for spring summer 2014 for men is of the polka dots. The best part of spotted dots is a lot of experimental prints can be developed from filled large dots to tiny pin motifs. For formal wear the trend is of micro-dots and for casual or street wear the big bold dots are preferred. White backgrounds with really tiny polka dots neutralize the effect and are just right for nine to five office wear shirts. For the playful style, polka dots on sweaters, cardigans, t-shirts, and casual shirts are a good way to wear the look.

However, with patterned dotted bottoms, it is best to stick with shorts and chinos. For men who wish to play safe, they can endorse a trend by wearing a polka dotted tie, bow, scarf, or funky socks. Dots were seen at all major global fashion weeks and were endorsed by the likes of Burberry Prorsum, Canali, Marni, Acne, and Kris Van Assche.

The menswear has evolved to become more dandy and light-hearted with prints especially like florals becoming a staple in wardrobes from runways to the stores. Prints with a strong personality have become the new concept of the menswear. Apart from garments, another category positively affected by this trend is the men's socks. Kitsch and out of the box fun prints are enjoyed by male shoppers, along with apparels.

References:

1.      Editd.com

2.      Fashionbeans.com

3.      Dailymail.co.uk

4.      Thetrendspotter.net