The pace of fashion trends accelerates relentlessly, making it a challenge to stay current. To navigate this, we reset expectations each season, moving beyond last year’s styles to make room for the evolving landscape of men’s fashion.
To forecast the definitive trends for the upcoming year, we meticulously reviewed runway collections, street style, and our own curated inspiration boards. Our aim is not just to identify the obvious comebacks, like the enduring appeal of prep or bombers, but to highlight more significant directional shifts in menswear.
Below is a curated selection of the most compelling and forward-thinking menswear developments we anticipate, complete with the brands leading the charge.
Embracing Team Spirit
The surge in popularity of sports team apparel, from jerseys to caps, signifies a broader trend. With major sporting events on the horizon, this aesthetic is poised for significant growth, appealing to those who embrace shared enthusiasm and athletic influence.
Arsenal FC
26/27 Home Jersey
Adidas
New York Knicks
NBA Finals Replica Jersey
Fanatics
47 Brand
Milwaukee Brewers ’47 Clean Up
47 Brand
Paris Saint Germain
Dri-FIT Replica Jersey
Nike
Sophisticated Carryalls
While backpacks were previously considered utilitarian rather than stylish, a shift is evident. Sleek, technically designed backpacks are increasingly being adopted by discerning men, integrating seamlessly with both casual and formal ensembles. These refined rucksacks offer a modern alternative to traditional bags, blending functionality with a polished aesthetic.
Klättermusen
Tjalve 2.0 Backpack
Klättermusen
Arc’teryx
Aerios 18 Backpack
Arc’teryx
Sealson
Drop14 Backpack
Sealson
Gregory
Miko 20
Gregory
The Enduring Chore Coat
The chore coat, far from fading, is experiencing a significant resurgence. Spotted on numerous style icons, this utilitarian staple offers a robust yet refined layer. Its timeless design provides enduring appeal, proving that practical garments can also be fashion-forward.
Huckberry
French Work Chore Jacket
Huckberry
Alex Mill
Garment Dyed Work Jacket In Recycled Denim
Nordstrom
Gap
Canvas Chore Coat
GAP
Hartford
Perry Linen and Cotton-Blend Woven Jacket
Mr Porter
Minimalist Footwear
In an era prioritizing wellness and barefoot comfort, footwear is evolving towards understated designs. The emergence of minimalist, barely-there shoes reflects a growing interest in foot health and a departure from overly chunky styles. This trend embraces a natural, grounded aesthetic.
Xero x J.Crew
Genesis Sandal
Xero
Gnuhr
Footprint Camp Sandal
Gnuhr
Ohne Project
Padded Barefoot Sandal
Ohne Project
Asics
Hypersync
Asics
Refined Short-Sleeve Shirts
Moving away from casual polos, this season sees a rise in sophisticated short-sleeve shirts. These pieces offer superior breathability and a sharp appearance, ideal for warmer weather. Consider layering a crisp tee underneath for added versatility.
Studio Nicholson
Sanko Striped Cotton-Poplin Shirt
Mr Porter
ATON
Cotton-Poplin Shirt
Mr Porter
Lady White Co.
Lynn Poplin S/S Shirt
Lady White Co.
Ralph Lauren
Classic Fit Oxford Shirt
Ralph Lauren
Layered Knitwear
The classic white tee is being updated with innovative layering techniques. This trend involves layering jersey tees in varied color combinations, offering a subtle yet impactful way to add depth and visual interest to an outfit, especially during transitional weather.
At Is At
Triple Layer Shirt
Forecast
Camiel Fortgens
Research Cotton Wrinkle Tee
Departamento
Emily Dawn Long
“Take Off Your Clothes” T-Shirt
Emily Dawn Long
Auralee
Organic Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt
Mr Porter
Relaxed Fit Chinos
Chinos are a perennial wardrobe staple, but this year sees a renewed focus on relaxed and fuller cuts. These offer a comfortable, stylish alternative to denim, blending mid-century proportions with modern versatility and durable twill construction.
J.Crew
Giant-fit Chino Pant
J.Crew
Knickerbocker
Canal TwillForm Pant
Knickerbocker
Additional Style Directions for 2026
Building upon our initial trend forecasts, we present further stylistic evolutions to anticipate throughout the year.
Lace-Up Sneakers
A refined take on athletic footwear is emerging, characterized by lower, tighter lacing systems inspired by approach shoes. These sneakers prioritize premium suedes and subtle color palettes, offering a sophisticated yet casual option.
SCARPA
Mojito
Amazon
Village PM
130PM Black Canvas
Village PM
Field Jackets
The field jacket continues its ascent, perfectly timed with evolving silhouettes. This versatile piece, whether vintage-inspired or contemporary, offers a functional and stylish outerwear option that complements both rugged and refined looks.
Alpha Industries
M-65 Field Jacket
Alpha Industries
Polo Ralph Lauren
The Crestwood Utility Jacket
Ralph Lauren
Brown Suede Footwear
The current footwear trends lean towards softer, more casual shapes, and brown suede shoes perfectly embody this. The material’s natural texture and ability to age gracefully make it a sophisticated and practical choice, offering comfort and a refined aesthetic.
Vinny’s
Boatman
Huckberry
Drake’s
Crosby Suede Chukka Boots
Mr Porter
The Elevated Henley
The Henley is shedding its casual past to become a sophisticated layering piece. Its louche, slightly grunge-inspired aesthetic makes it a versatile addition for warmer months, offering a refined alternative to basic tees.
Banana Republic
Slub Double-Knit Henley T-Shirt
Banana Republic
Reigning Champ
Lightweight Waffle Standard Henley
Reigning Champ
Vibrant Nylon Jackets
Lightweight, weather-resistant jackets are a seasonal essential. This year, expect a move towards bolder colorways and more tailored cuts, adding a contemporary edge to traditional designs.
Veilance
Mionn Insulated Jacket
Arc’teryx
Patagonia
Light and Variable Jacket
Patagonia
Tinted Sunglasses
Move over, classic black and tortoiseshell. This season, eyewear is about making a statement with tinted lenses. These frames add a subtle, colorful filter to your vision and serve as a stylish focal point, enhancing your overall look.
Moscot
Dahven Black
Moscot
Akila
Logos
Akila
The Rise of the Gentleman’s Handbag
The acceptance of smaller, structured bags for men is accelerating. These sophisticated carryalls offer a practical solution to modern needs, moving beyond outdated norms and embracing a polished, efficient aesthetic.
Eckhaus Latta
Bucket Bag
Eckhaus Latta
Balenciaga
Le City Uptown Bag
Balenciaga
Playful Accents
Beyond serious tailoring, a sense of playful expression is emerging in menswear. From quirky jewelry to imaginative prints, these pieces inject personality and demonstrate a confident approach to personal style that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Bleue Burnham
The Mini Rose Garden Signet
Bleue Burnham
Emily Dawn Long
“Take Off Your Clothes” T-Shirt
Emily Dawn Long
High and Tight V-Necks
The V-neck is making a comeback, but with a modern twist. Prioritize high, tight V-necklines that offer a clean, sophisticated silhouette, avoiding deeper cuts that belong to past trends.
The Row
Rod Cashmere Sweater
Mytheresa
&Daughter
Balla V-Neck Sweater
&Daughter
Approach Shoes
The robust design of approach shoes is finding favor beyond climbing routes. Combining the ruggedness of hiking boots with a sleeker profile, they offer a stylish and functional option for everyday wear, bridging the gap between outdoor performance and urban style.
Keen
Jasper Zionic Sneakers
Huckberry
La Sportiva
TX4 EVO Shoes
Backcountry
Mid-Length Car Coats
Challenging conventional outerwear lengths, the mid-length car coat offers a sophisticated alternative to ultra-cropped or floor-sweeping styles. This versatile silhouette provides optimal coverage and a balanced proportion, ideal for transitioning between formal and casual settings.
Beams
Aged Faux Leather Car Coat
Nordstrom
Banana Republic
Nubuck Leather Car Coat
Banana Republic
Engineer Boots
Moving beyond the ubiquitous cowboy boot, engineer boots are poised to be the next footwear statement. Their robust, often black, construction offers a strong silhouette that grounds an outfit, particularly advantageous for shorter individuals.
Red Wing
Engineer Boots
Red Wing
Prada
Leather Mid-Calf Boots
Prada
The Return of the 3-Button Suit
The 3-button suit, once overlooked, is re-emerging as a sophisticated choice. Its classic proportions offer a flattering silhouette that complements both tailored and more relaxed ensembles, signaling a return to refined suiting.
The Row
Sabriel Grain de Poudre Blazer
Mr Porter
Buck Mason
Felted Chore Coat
Buck Mason
Braided Belts
A stylish alternative to traditional western belts, braided belts offer a textured accent to any ensemble. This sophisticated choice provides a refined finish without the visual clutter of excessive hardware.
Anderson’s
2.5cm Woven Leather Belt
Mr Porter
RRL
Leather Braided OO Ring Belt
Huckberry
Argyle Sweaters
Argyle sweaters are reclaiming their status as a stylish wardrobe staple. Redesigned with contemporary cuts and updated patterns, these knits offer a sophisticated touch of retro flair.
Our Legacy
Sonar Distressed Argyle Sweater
Mr Porter
&Daughter
Ava Argyle Crewneck Sweater
&Daughter
The Classic Derby Shoe
As trends cycle, the classic black derby shoe re-emerges as the ultimate footwear choice. Its versatility anchors both formal suits and casual denim, offering a timeless and sustainable option for the discerning individual.
Prada
Brushed Leather Lace-Up Shoes
Prada
Our Legacy
Uniform Parade Derby
Our Legacy
Statement Metal Frames
Eyewear is shifting from acetate to refined metal frames. These designs emphasize the face, drawing attention with their sleek lines and contemporary aesthetic, offering a distinguished alternative to traditional plastic styles.
Bottega Veneta
Square-Frame Gold-Tone Sunglasses
Mr Porter
Ahlem
Clovis Aviator-Style Silver-Tone Sunglasses
Mr Porter
Business Style Takeaway: Integrating these forward-thinking trends into an executive’s wardrobe signifies a keen awareness of contemporary style. Carefully chosen pieces, from refined technical backpacks to sophisticated, minimally branded accessories, project an image of modern competence and attention to detail, essential for commanding presence in professional settings.
Подробиці можна знайти на сайті: www.gq.com
