In a bold departure from tradition, PEOPLE magazine has crowned global superstar Harry Styles as its 2025 “Sexiest Unemployed Man,” propelling the former One Direction heartthrob from pop royalty to an unlikely emblem of post-hiatus allure. The announcement, revealed exclusively in the publication’s annual Sexiest Man Alive issue, has ignited a digital storm, shattering records for social media engagement and trending across platforms worldwide.
The tongue-in-cheek title acknowledges Styles’ self-imposed sabbatical from the spotlight following his record-breaking Love on Tour, which concluded in 2023 after 173 shows and grossed over $617 million. While the 31-year-old British singer, actor, and fashion icon has stepped back from major releases and film roles, PEOPLE editors praised his effortless charisma, boundary-pushing style, and unwavering appeal during what the magazine dubbed a “deliberate pause for reinvention.”
“Harry embodies the ultimate fantasy: a man who could conquer the world but chooses mystery instead,” said PEOPLE’s editor-in-chief, Wendy Naugle, in the cover story. “He’s not just sexy—he’s the blueprint for cool in an era of constant hustle.”
The reveal broke the internet within hours, amassing over 50 million impressions on X (formerly Twitter) alone. Fans flooded timelines with memes, throwback performance clips, and heartfelt tributes under hashtags like #SexiestUnemployed and #HarryStylesSMA. Celebrity reactions poured in, from longtime collaborator Stevie Nicks calling it “brilliantly cheeky” to Taylor Swift liking fan posts in subtle support.
Styles, known for his Grammy-winning albums Fine Line and Harry’s House, as well as roles in films like Don’t Worry Darling and My Policeman, graced the cover in a bespoke Gucci ensemble, lounging poolside with a wry smile. Inside, the feature explores his low-key life in the English countryside, passion for vintage fashion, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights through his Treat People With Kindness initiative.
This marks the first time PEOPLE has introduced an “unemployed” subcategory to its coveted list, previously dominated by working actors and athletes. Past honorees include Chris Hemsworth (2024), Patrick Dempsey (2023), and Styles’ predecessor in pop dominance, John Legend (2019).
As speculation swirls about his next move—whispers of a fourth album or Broadway debut persist—Styles’ crowning affirms his enduring cultural grip. In his own words from the interview: “Unemployment never looked so good, did it?”
