Every 20-30 years, fashion cycles back, but with modern upgrades.
The next wave of retro revivals is coming—and being first gives you the edge.
So what's next? Based on cultural shifts, celebrity adoption patterns, and the 20-year rule, here are 5 retro styles primed to explode in 2025-2026:
1. The Executive Slick-Back (1980s Wall Street Revival)
The Prediction: Christian Bale's power-slicked hair is making a comeback, but with modern texture and movement.
Why It's Coming: Gen-Z is obsessing over 80s power aesthetics. Think less hair gel helmet, more controlled sophistication. The key difference? Today's version uses lightweight styling products that give hold without the crunch.
The Modern Upgrade: Instead of hard, shiny gel, you'll want a medium-hold product that maintains structure while allowing natural movement. A Medium hold pomade without the greasy shine creates that executive presence without looking dated.
Who's Already Testing It: Watch for this on red carpets in 2025. The first A-lister to nail this look will set the trend.
2. Subtle Sideburns (1960s Mod Culture Returns)
The Prediction: Not full Elvis burns—we're talking refined, geometric sideburns that frame the face.
Why It's Coming: As the mustache normalizes facial hair experimentation, guys will push boundaries with strategic hair placement. The 60s mod aesthetic is already influencing fashion, and grooming follows fashion.
The Modern Upgrade: Precise, maintained lines that complement your haircut rather than dominate it. Think architectural, not wild.
The Maintenance Reality: This requires weekly touch-ups and a skilled barber. It's high-maintenance, which makes it exclusive—exactly what drives trends.
3. The Textured Pompadour (1950s Rebel Refined)
The Prediction: James Dean's rebellious volume returns, but with lived-in texture instead of perfect structure.
Why It's Coming: We're seeing the pendulum swing from ultra-precise fades to more natural, effortless looks. The pompadour offers volume and presence while feeling authentic.
The Modern Upgrade: Less product, more natural texture. The goal is "effortlessly styled" rather than "perfectly sculpted." This is where a lightweight texture clay becomes essential—it gives you the hold to create height while maintaining that natural, touchable feel.
Style Note: Works best on guys with naturally thicker hair
4. The Statement Collar (1970s Spread Collar Renaissance)
The Prediction: Wide, dramatic shirt collars that make your neck look powerful and frame your face.
Why It's Coming: As men embrace more expressive fashion choices (crop tops, bold patterns, statement accessories), the collar becomes another canvas for personality.
The Modern Upgrade: Proportioned to modern fits. Not the extreme width of the 70s, but significantly wider than today's narrow collars. Quality fabrics that drape properly are non-negotiable. A bold collar demands confidence. You can't wear it tentatively—which is exactly why it'll separate the style leaders from the followers.
5.The Thin Mustache (1970s Playboy Revival)
The Prediction: The minimalist upper-lip style that dominated red carpets in 2024 isn’t fading—it’s about to solidify as a signature look for confident, detail-oriented men. Think Burt Reynolds’ charm with a modern, clean finish.
Why It’s Coming: The thin mustache works because it’s intentional. You can’t grow one by accident, and that level of precision resonates in a culture where deliberate style choices stand out. Plus, celebrity adoption—from Miles Teller to Charles Melton—has already normalized it for a new generation.
The Modern Upgrade: Keep it sharp and balanced. Pair it with well-groomed stubble or a clean shave on the rest of your face to avoid the “retro costume” vibe. Regular trims and a detail trimmer are non-negotiable. A clear grooming gel helps keep the surrounding skin smooth and hydrated, giving the mustache maximum impact without overpowering the rest of your look.
Your Move
The guys who adopt these looks early—before they explode mainstream—gain the biggest advantage. You become the trendsetter, not the follower.
Start experimenting now. Pick one element that resonates with your natural style and begin the transition. By the time these trends hit mainstream, you'll already have perfected your version.
-Forte Team