GQ’s Forecast: The Definitive Style Mandates for 2026

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.

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Arsenal FC

26/27 Home Jersey

$100

Adidas

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New York Knicks

NBA Finals Replica Jersey

$90

Fanatics

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47 Brand

Milwaukee Brewers ’47 Clean Up

$35

47 Brand

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Paris Saint Germain

Dri-FIT Replica Jersey

$100

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.

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Klättermusen

Tjalve 2.0 Backpack

$140

Klättermusen

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Arc’teryx

Aerios 18 Backpack

$180

Arc’teryx

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Sealson

Drop14 Backpack

$200

Sealson

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Gregory

Miko 20

$160

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.

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Huckberry

French Work Chore Jacket

$295

Huckberry

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Alex Mill

Garment Dyed Work Jacket In Recycled Denim

$225

Nordstrom

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Gap

Canvas Chore Coat

$118 $59 (50% off)

GAP

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Hartford

Perry Linen and Cotton-Blend Woven Jacket

$305

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.

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Xero x J.Crew

Genesis Sandal

$60

Xero

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Gnuhr

Footprint Camp Sandal

$69

Gnuhr

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Ohne Project

Padded Barefoot Sandal

$145

Ohne Project

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Asics

Hypersync

$110

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.

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Studio Nicholson

Sanko Striped Cotton-Poplin Shirt

$560

Mr Porter

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ATON

Cotton-Poplin Shirt

$365

Mr Porter

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Lady White Co.

Lynn Poplin S/S Shirt

$380

Lady White Co.

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Ralph Lauren

Classic Fit Oxford Shirt

$120

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.

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At Is At

Triple Layer Shirt

$150

Forecast

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Camiel Fortgens

Research Cotton Wrinkle Tee

$560

Departamento

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Emily Dawn Long

“Take Off Your Clothes” T-Shirt

$250

Emily Dawn Long

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Auralee

Organic Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt

$270

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.

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J.Crew

Giant-fit Chino Pant

$118

J.Crew

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Knickerbocker

Canal TwillForm Pant

$265

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.

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SCARPA

Mojito

$199

Amazon

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Village PM

130PM Black Canvas

$99

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.

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Alpha Industries

M-65 Field Jacket

$225

Alpha Industries

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Polo Ralph Lauren

The Crestwood Utility Jacket

$498

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.

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Vinny’s

Boatman

$350

Huckberry

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Drake’s

Crosby Suede Chukka Boots

$455

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.

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Banana Republic

Slub Double-Knit Henley T-Shirt

$80 $65 (19% off)

Banana Republic

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Reigning Champ

Lightweight Waffle Standard Henley

$88

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.

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Veilance

Mionn Insulated Jacket

$500

Arc’teryx

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Patagonia

Light and Variable Jacket

$125

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.

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Moscot

Dahven Black

$370

Moscot

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Akila

Logos

$160

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.

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Eckhaus Latta

Bucket Bag

$775

Eckhaus Latta

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Balenciaga

Le City Uptown Bag

$3,550

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.

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Bleue Burnham

The Mini Rose Garden Signet

$3,039

Bleue Burnham

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Emily Dawn Long

“Take Off Your Clothes” T-Shirt

$200

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.

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The Row

Rod Cashmere Sweater

$1,450

Mytheresa

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&Daughter

Balla V-Neck Sweater

$615

&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.

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Keen

Jasper Zionic Sneakers

$150

Huckberry

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La Sportiva

TX4 EVO Shoes

$189

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.

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Beams

Aged Faux Leather Car Coat

$583

Nordstrom

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Banana Republic

Nubuck Leather Car Coat

$1,200

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.

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Red Wing

Engineer Boots

$550

Red Wing

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Prada

Leather Mid-Calf Boots

$1,990

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.

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The Row

Sabriel Grain de Poudre Blazer

$3,600

Mr Porter

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Buck Mason

Felted Chore Coat

$268

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.

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Anderson’s

2.5cm Woven Leather Belt

$145

Mr Porter

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RRL

Leather Braided OO Ring Belt

$295 $221 (25% off)

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.

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Our Legacy

Sonar Distressed Argyle Sweater

$360

Mr Porter

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&Daughter

Ava Argyle Crewneck Sweater

$425

&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.

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Prada

Brushed Leather Lace-Up Shoes

$1,150

Prada

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Our Legacy

Uniform Parade Derby

$500

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.

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Bottega Veneta

Square-Frame Gold-Tone Sunglasses

$600

Mr Porter

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Ahlem

Clovis Aviator-Style Silver-Tone Sunglasses

$590

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.

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