Offering a balance of ferocity and elegance, animal print has always had a place in fashion and pop culture. But these prints and textiles that capture the look of animal fur, skin, and other patterns go in and out of fashion from time to time. This begs the question: Are animal prints on trend right now?
Below, we’ll walk through whether, why, and how animal prints are trending in 2025. We’ll start with a primer on the debate and why certain fashion-minded thinkers are in or out on animal prints. Then, we’ll take a look at the history behind this style, as well as some recent examples we love. Finally, we’ll provide some tips on how to style animal prints in 2025—and beyond.
Is Animal Print in Style for 2025?
While many stylish people have never stopped wearing animal prints, there is some disagreement among fashion experts and commentators about whether these prints are truly on-trend for 2025.
In fact, according to Cosmopolitan, animal prints are the “most divisive” trend of 2025.
On the one hand, Cosmo’s pro-animal print fashionista notes that animal prints were featured on the Spring and Summer 2025 runways, highlighting their staying power in high fashion. The expert also highlights the prints’ surprising functionality as a neutral wardrobe staple.
On the other hand, Cosmo’s anti-animal-print commentator said that these patterns can often come across as “cheap” or “cheugy.” There’s a baggage of “mob-wife” or “Tiger King” aesthetics in poorly executed animal print looks, even if she concedes that it’s fashionable when done right.
Where both editors (and we) agree is that animal prints are especially welcome in a fashion ecosystem that otherwise features many more muted tones. It just needs to be done right.
So, to put it simply, yes—animal print is absolutely in style in 2025. Even better? We’re here to help you understand how exactly to style it to ensure a truly timeless look.
Shop Marshmallow Leopard Crew Neck Lounge Set
The Timelessness of Animal Prints
Animal prints have been around for as long as people have been wearing clothes—in fact, some of the earliest garments known to man were literal animal skins. That tradition is still alive and well, although animal prints today come from hide as well as patterns on natural or synthetic fabrics.
Rouge Magazine traces the wild history of animal prints back to the practical and religious customs of ancient civilizations. Dating back to prehistory, people across Africa, Europe, and elsewhere wore leopard skins—often associated with power and divinity, as rulers wore animal prints on the throne and gods and demigods were depicted wearing them. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, animal prints remained symbols of status, but they wouldn’t hit the mainstream until around the middle of the 20th century, when they were popularized in the ‘50s and ‘60s.
However, the popularity of animal patterns didn’t just happen overnight.
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) builds on the history above, charting how animal prints “took over” the public imagination. Importantly, they were seen as exotic and wild in the 1940s. That association gradually morphed into sophistication and sensuality through iconic appearances in film and TV—notably Mrs. Robinson in The Graduate.
But even alongside this transformation, animal prints retained a bit of their original wildness, and they still carry it to this day.
Recent Animal Print Trends We’ve Loved
Just as it’s been around forever, animal print has always been evolving, taking new shapes and directions with each passing season. That dynamism is a major reason it’s always been in style.
Glamour recently highlighted some major updates to leopard print in particular:
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Wearing leopard print with masculine or androgynous accessories (“anti-mob wife”)
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Styling leopard print with minimal, toned-down “corpcore” (business-friendly) basics
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Dialing up the animal prints with real or faux fur over (or alongside) leopard prints
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Pairing two or more leopard print articles for a maximalist, fashion-forward look
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Complimenting leopard’s earthy tones with a pop of vibrant color (e.g., blue)
While these interpretations are all unique, what they share is a bold insistence on wearing leopard in new contexts—a cue that can apply to any animal print. But leopard in particular is undeniably having a moment in 2025, looking stunning on celebrities, influencers, and many others.
Us Weekly also recently profiled several high-profile fashionistas wearing leopard, cheetah, and other animal prints on blazers, bodysuits, dresses, tops, skirts, and more. Models, executives, actresses, musicians, and other celebrities all dazzled in their wild, animal-inspired looks. And it’s not just women—Robbie Williams’ January ‘25 look points to animal print’s unisex appeal.
Animal Print Styles to Try Out Today
Animal prints are on trend right now, and they’ll probably never go fully out of style. If you’re looking to cash in on this cycle and try out an animal-inspired pattern, you can’t go wrong with any of the celebrity-endorsed styles touched on above. But if something like a full contoured dress seems a bit adventurous, it can help to start out with smaller steps, like an accessory.
For example, you could start with a bag, coat, or shoes featuring tiger, cheetah, or leopard print—all over or as a small detail—and work your way up to a full top, bottom, or dress.
You could also start with a more muted pattern, like polka dots or stripes (channeling zebras), before going full animal print.
Keep in mind that animal prints can act like neutrals or accents—try mixing and matching multiple animal prints together, or pairing them with bold colors and textures to double down on expressiveness.
Another way to dip your toes into the world of animal prints is to start with animal print sleep and loungewear, like Softies’ leopard lounge set. These high-quality comfort clothes will keep you warm and cozy all day and night, whether you’re lounging around the house, running errands, or grabbing a coffee with the girls.
Animal Print Loungewear That’ll Last
Animal print is literally as old as clothes are, and it’s more popular today than it’s ever been. So, even if some fashion-minded people aren’t fully bought in, we’re here to make it clear: Animal print is most definitely on trend. It just takes confidence and creativity to mold animal-inspired pieces into the perfect look for you.
The good news is that Softies specializes in soft, comfortable, high-quality loungewear that’s perfect for showing off your wild side, both in the comfort of your home and out in the urban jungle.
Explore our animal print options today to start adding plush, stylish, and bold comfort to your wardrobe.
