Prints, colors and fabrics with special treatments: these are the key upcoming trends in menswear which will be unveiled Wednesday at the Pitti Uomo show in Florence held by WGSN (Worth Global Style Network), a UK company providing creative and business intelligence for the apparel, style, design and retail industries.

For spring-summer 2013, the masculine look will be highly pigmented and high-contrast. "[It is] a very postmodern narrative inspired by pop art with a retro-futuristic look", described Luisa Foglia of WGSN Italy. The jackets are collarless, bright colors and inserts are part of the overall detail of the season. The sportswear is influenced by the world of climbing and outdoor sports, with ropes, technical details and a worn look.

"As we see it, the trend of color that appeared in menswear in past seasons with some vigour will persist, following the trend seen recently of very strong color in womenswear. But with combinations that are new and more sophisticated," explains a WGSN expert. Neutral colors are illuminated by intense shades of yellow, blue and coral. Note, also, the considerable proliferation of patterns and prints which have become indispensable to any collection; in particular, botanical prints on dark background with exaggerated proportions.

As for materials, notable ones were "paper effect" fabrics and chunky knits, as well as transparent pieces that are superimposed on other clothing, that create a color filter. The traditional elements of the male wardrobe change slowly. For summer, the safari jacket remains one of the stronger pieces. Shorts show more volume and length. The sporty look continues to dominate with a plethora of zippers and even the appearance of a double central zip. There is the trend of panels and inserts in different colors or materials, which help bring some basic pieces to the next level. In this same vein, we are seeing more and more of the patched elbow.

The man of fall-winter 2013/2014 will rediscover his romantic side through clothing that is unstructured and of a hybrid design. WGSN has identified three basic trends. The first was called "hack-tivate". It corresponds to an idea of deconstruction, tailoring and a look composed sometimes unexpectedly, which gives it a touch of personality. In formal clothing, this trend is reflected in the use of different fabric blocks, while in the informal segment there is a strong military theme influence, very retro graphics and the enduring trend of camouflage.

The second trend reflects "the century’s new romanticism." Draped silhouettes reminiscent of clerical dress, ornamentation everywhere, and the neck emphasized, the shirt showing a double cuff. The print is a strong focal point, for winter, with the influence of tapestry and embroidery, especially in the shirt. The silhouette is enveloping, like a shaman's. Finally the third trend for next winter was named "Living Design" by WGSN. It is a mix of elements from nature and the theme of the animal through technology, which relies on coated fabrics, synthetic furs, soft-touch materials. The silhouette is oversized and of a hybrid design designed to impart a sense of comfort and protection.