Gender fluidity, sportstyle and opiumcore: Chinese streetwear trends for 2025

Staying up-to-date with China’s fast-evolving streetwear scene is an extreme sport. A consistent flow of newly coined aesthetics, from “desert core” to “barnfit,” and a surge of “high-tech sportstyle,” from both local and global brands, characterized 2024. “Quiet luxury” continues to reign supreme, while resale-driven sneaker culture is being overtaken by the rising popularity of high-tech athleisure focused on sporting and wellness communities — head-to-toe “gorpcore” looks have fizzled out. These are Jing Daily’s streetwear trend predictions for 2025 in China. Opiumcore Emerging from the style of rappers like Playboi Carti and Lil Uzi Vert, and luxury brands such as Rick Owens and Balenciaga, “opiumcore” is the gothic punk aesthetic-to-know. The streetwear trend takes its name from Playboi Carti’s Opium record label and is not linked to the narcotic. It has gained traction as a street style subculture over the past two years. Particularly popular in China, on Xiaohongshu #opium has amassed 10.7 million views with outfit posts under the hashtag referencing the style. Think of the look as new era punk: chains, moody dark hues, and leather look pieces. Into 2025, the trend is becoming so mainstream in the mainland that it is fueling the booming popularity of independent designers like Mowalola, and South Korean streetwear brand Thug Club. Quiet luxury goes old money Judging from 2024, the thriving “quiet luxury” movement focused on minimalist investment pieces will continue through 2025, too. It has evolved to become an “old money” aesthetic across Chinese social media channels, encompassing preppy Ralph Lauren, tennis skirts, and relaxed, well-crafted tailoring. Taking inspiration from “Ivy League” and Western countryside-inspired “barnfit” styles, menswear is set to consist of lots of cardigans and refined knit pieces in China. Womenswear will likely continue to take subtle cues from the coquette aesthetic for its take on “quiet luxury,” with little ruffles, high-quality knitwear, tights, and bow accessories completing no-logo looks. The trend is likely to further propel labels like Miu Miu and Loewe. Our prediction? Gen Zers will continue investing in heritage brands that represent durability and tell rich cultural stories this year. Gender fluidity In China, traditional gender norms in fashion will continue dissolving as gender fluidity rises. More and more young male consumers are embracing skirts over trousers, statement jewelry in “opiumcore” styles, and experimenting with makeup, blending feminine elements into streetwear. “Quiet luxury” knitwear wardrobes will continue to be shared across genders, reflecting a broader shift towards gender fluidity. Gen Z terms like the trending effeminate menswear term of “babygirl men” spotlight this transformation. Online searches for men’s handbags are on the rise, boosted by icons like Jacob Elordi. K-pop stars like BTS’ Jimin and Stray Kids’ Felix and Hyunjin are redefining male beauty, inspiring Chinese consumers to explore their identities and aesthetics beyond traditional confines. Sports style overtakes street style In 2025, “sports style” is emerging as a key trend, blending functionality and fashion with an elevated approach to athleisure. As a result, sportswear brands are expanding into polished off-duty looks, fueled by the chic wellness movement and communities like running and cycling clubs across the mainland, and elsewhere. Sportswear is gaining an identity as sleek and refined, moving away from rugged “gorpcore” aesthetics while incorporating elements like hiking boots. These clunky boots, initially designed for outdoor adventures, have become street style staples in China and the West, adding utility to fashionable ensembles. The trend reflects Gen Z consumers’ growing investment in health and athleisure.

Chinese streetwear trend forecast

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Chinese streetwear trend forecast