Fashion can be a tricky thing, especially when guys think they look great but women are secretly cringing. Some trends just miss the mark, making everyone wonder who thought they were a good idea in the first place. While men should wear what makes them happy, it helps to know which styles might not be winning any hearts. Here are ten fashion choices that many women hope will fade away soon.
1. Cargo Shorts with Too Many Pockets
Cargo shorts seemed like a practical invention at first, but somewhere along the way they became a fashion disaster that refuses to quit.
Those bulky pockets hanging off the sides create an unflattering silhouette that adds visual weight where nobody wants it.
Most guys never actually use all those pockets anyway, so what’s the point?
Women often wish men would swap these out for cleaner, simpler shorts that actually fit well.
A nice pair of chino shorts or flat-front options look much sharper and still offer functionality.
Fashion should make you look good, not like you’re ready to carry camping gear everywhere you go.
2. Oversized Graphic Tees from High School
That concert tee from 2008 might hold sentimental value, but it’s probably time to retire it from regular rotation.
Oversized graphic shirts that are faded, stretched, or covered in obscure references rarely look as cool as guys think they do.
The problem isn’t graphic tees themselves—it’s when they’re worn-out, ill-fitting, or feature questionable designs that haven’t aged well.
Women appreciate when men invest in clothes that actually fit their current body and lifestyle.
A well-fitted tee in a solid color or subtle design shows maturity and effort.
Holding onto ratty old shirts suggests someone who hasn’t updated their style since high school, which isn’t the vibe most people want to project.
3. Socks with Sandals Combination
Few fashion crimes spark as much debate as the notorious socks-with-sandals combo.
Sandals exist to let your feet breathe and stay cool, so adding socks defeats the entire purpose.
This look screams tourist or dad who’s given up, neither of which is particularly attractive.
The visual clash between casual footwear and covered feet just doesn’t work, no matter how comfortable it might feel.
If your feet are cold, wear closed shoes instead.
If it’s warm enough for sandals, skip the socks entirely.
Women consistently rank this combination among the least appealing style choices men make, right up there with fashion’s biggest mistakes.
4. Jeans That Sag Below the Waist
What started as a trend decades ago has overstayed its welcome by about twenty years.
Sagging jeans that reveal underwear don’t look rebellious or cool anymore—they just look sloppy and uncomfortable.
Constantly pulling up your pants while walking isn’t a good look for anyone.
Women wonder why anyone would intentionally make themselves look like their clothes don’t fit properly.
Well-fitted jeans that sit at the natural waistline are far more flattering and actually showcase a guy’s physique better.
Plus, you can move freely without worrying about your pants falling down.
This trend needs to disappear so everyone can appreciate jeans that actually fit the way they’re supposed to.
5. Overly Long Board Shorts at the Beach
Board shorts that hang down past the knees make legs look shorter and create an unbalanced, frumpy appearance.
Originally designed for serious surfers who needed protection, they’ve become standard beach wear for guys who never touch a surfboard.
The excessive length and bagginess hide a man’s natural shape rather than complementing it.
Women generally prefer swim trunks that hit somewhere around mid-thigh, which are more proportional and modern-looking.
Shorter styles actually make guys look taller and more confident.
Did you know that European men have been wearing shorter swim trunks for decades, and nobody thinks twice about it?
It’s time American guys caught up with this more flattering trend.
6. Excessive Cologne Application
While technically not clothing, overdoing cologne is a fashion accessory mistake that deserves mention.
Walking into a cloud of overpowering scent isn’t attractive—it’s actually kind of overwhelming and can trigger headaches.
Less is definitely more when it comes to fragrance.
The goal should be for someone to smell your cologne only when they’re close to you, not from across the room.
One or two sprays on pulse points is plenty for most quality fragrances.
Women appreciate subtlety and often find natural scents mixed with just a hint of cologne far more appealing than a fragrance bomb.
Quality matters more than quantity, so invest in a good scent and use it sparingly for the best results.
7. Athletic Wear Everywhere, All the Time
Gym clothes are perfect for working out, but wearing them to dinner, the office, or social events shows a lack of effort.
Constantly sporting basketball shorts, athletic joggers, and running shoes suggests someone who can’t be bothered to dress appropriately for different occasions.
Women notice when men make an effort with their appearance, and athleisure overload doesn’t communicate that.
Having a wardrobe that includes some variety—like jeans, chinos, button-downs, or casual shirts—shows maturity and awareness.
Sure, comfort matters, but plenty of non-athletic clothes are comfortable too.
Saving the gym gear for actual athletic activities makes those times when you do dress up feel more special and shows respect for your surroundings.
8. Novelty Ties with Cartoons or Jokes
A tie covered in cartoon characters, pizza slices, or cheesy jokes might seem fun, but it rarely comes across as charming or professional.
These novelty accessories often make men look like they’re trying too hard to be quirky or memorable.
In professional settings, they undermine credibility rather than showcase personality.
Even at casual events, most women prefer ties with classic patterns, subtle textures, or interesting colors that show good taste.
If you want to express personality through your tie, choose unique patterns or high-quality fabrics instead of literal jokes.
A well-chosen solid or patterned tie demonstrates sophistication, while novelty ties often suggest someone stuck in a particular phase they should have outgrown years ago.
9. Jeans with Pre-Ripped Holes Everywhere
Distressed denim with strategic rips can look edgy and stylish, but jeans with excessive holes everywhere cross into ridiculous territory.
When there’s more hole than jean, you have to wonder if they’ll survive the next washing machine cycle.
These over-ripped styles often cost a fortune despite looking like they’ve been through a shredder.
Women often question why anyone would pay premium prices for pants that look destroyed.
A subtle rip at the knee can add character, but when both legs are shredded from thigh to ankle, it’s overkill.
Clean denim or jeans with minimal distressing look more mature and versatile.
Save your money and invest in quality jeans that will last instead of falling apart by design.
10. Visible Undershirts Under Everything
A white undershirt peeking out from beneath a button-down or polo isn’t the layered look most guys think it is.
This visible undershirt situation often looks unfinished and draws attention to something that should remain hidden.
The contrast between shirt colors creates an unflattering visual break that chops up the torso.
Women prefer when undershirts stay truly under, invisible to the outside world.
V-neck undershirts work better under button-downs since they don’t peek through the collar.
For polos and casual shirts, sometimes skipping the undershirt altogether looks cleaner and more intentional.
This small adjustment makes outfits look more polished and put-together without requiring any extra effort or expense on your part.










