THE BIGGEST MENSWEAR TRENDS FROM THE FW26 RUNWAYS & HOW TO WEAR THEM

Here are the defining menswear trends of FW26 and how to integrate them into a real, everyday wardrobe.

Fall/Winter 2026 didn’t scream for attention. Instead, it refined. Across Paris and Milan, designers focused less on shock value and more on how clothes are actually worn: sleeves pushed up, collars layered by accident rather than intention, garments that look better after some life has happened to them. FW26 is about familiarity with a twist and that makes it one of the most wearable seasons in recent years.

Cuffed shirts worn in a casual way

Seen at: Saint Laurent, Wooyoungmi, Prada, Sacai

The shirt cuff became a statement by not trying to be one. Oversized cuffs were folded back, crushed, slightly stained or casually uneven, as if the wearer had better things to do than adjust them. It`s not about tailoring precision, but about attitude. The gesture felt lived-in, practical, almost careless and therefore modern.

How to wear it:
Start with a classic poplin or oxford shirt with generous sleeves. Roll or fold the cuffs once, loosely, without aiming for symmetry. Pair with tailored trousers or straight-leg denim to keep the look grounded. The key is contrast: refined pieces worn imperfectly.

Coming-of-age knitwear

Seen at: Études, Giorgio Armani, Dries Van Noten, Etro

FW26 leaned into a nostalgic, almost adolescent softness. Knitwear felt playful, emotional, sometimes intentionally awkward: Cropped cardigans, naive patterns, bright stripes, fuzzy textures. This “coming of age” aesthetic wasn’t childish for the sake of it, it’s about rediscovering the warmth and character that we felt in the teenage bedrooms at our parents.

How to wear it:
Introduce one expressive knit into an otherwise calm outfit. A patterned sweater over a white shirt, worn with wool trousers or dark denim, keeps the look grown-up. Let the knit do the talking. Everything else should stay quiet.

Statement shearling jackets

Seen at: Dolce & Gabbana, Zegna, KidSuper, Hermès

Shearling returned with purpose. Not as bulky aviators, but as refined, sculptural outerwear. Sometimes technical, sometimes artisanal, always intentional. It’s not about rugged masculinity. It’s about comfort, tactility and longevity.

How to wear it:
Think of shearling as your winter coat upgrade. Keep the rest of the outfit simple: fine knit, straight trousers, leather shoes or minimal sneakers. Let texture replace loud styling.

Did someone say red?

Seen at: Ami Paris, Amiri, Ralph Lauren, Dior

Red was everywhere, but rarely aggressive. Designers explored deep crimsons, bordeaux, spice reds and muted cherry tones, often against neutral backdrops. Rather than dominating the look, red acted as a visual anchor: confident, emotional, deliberate.

How to wear it:
You don’t need a full red look. A red knit, scarf or jacket is enough. Pair it with greys, browns or navy to keep it sophisticated. Avoid novelty! This is about presence, not performance.

Collar Layering as a natural result

Seen at: Zegna, Pronounce, S.S.Stein, Egonlab

double or triple collars appeared everywhere, but not styled theatrically. Shirt collars peeked out under knits or blazers, they sat over zip-ups and coats to frame a layered neckline. The effect felt accidental, almost like someone just kept their clothes on.

How to wear it:
Layer a shirt under a knit, then add a tailored jacket or coat. Let collars clash slightly in height or shape. Don’t over-adjust, the charm is in the imperfection.

The worn-In aesthetic

Seen at: Prada, Amiri, Songzio, Feng Chen Wang

FW26 embraced clothes that look like they’ve been lived in. Faded fabrics, distressed surfaces, softened tailoring, marks of wear that tell a story. This wasn’t about looking sloppy, it was about rejecting artificial newness.

How to wear it:
Choose garments with texture and character: washed denim, brushed wool, softened leather. Balance them with clean silhouettes. One worn-in piece per outfit is enough.

Heavy checks make a comeback

Seen at: Zegna, Hed Mayner, Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana

Checks returned! Bold, oversized, unapologetic. Less countryside nostalgia, more urban confidence. Coats, suits and layering pieces carried graphic, weighty patterns.

How to wear it:
Let checks replace color, not compete with it. Wear them with monochrome basics. A checked coat over a black or grey outfit is the easiest entry point.

When Functionality Meets Tailoring

Seen at: Louis Vuitton, Prada, Lemaire, Hermès

One of the most important shifts of FW26: tailoring evolved to include technical fabrics, utility details and functional construction, all without losing elegance. This is menswear responding to real life again.

How to wear it:
Look for tailored jackets with stretch, weather-resistant coats, trousers with subtle technical finishes. These pieces work best when styled simply, because the innovation is already built in.