2026 Trend Predictions From the AW26 Men’s Fashion Week

As the first fashion week of the year, the Men’s Autumn/Winter runways set a tone for what’s in and what’s out for the year to come. We observed the latest collections debuting in Milan and Paris to spot this year’s upcoming trends and statements.

Trends evolve and can be reinterpreted by generations and aesthetics, but the core structure is the same. As we learned from The Devil Wears Prada’s cerulean monologue, what starts in designer shows trickles its way into mainstream fashion.

Think of the jort as an example; before this decade, the jort was largely associated with 90’s skater culture, the dad aesthetic, or John Cena. Previous years’ men’s Spring/Summer capsules for Amiri, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, and Givenchy showcased a refined version of the denim classic. Following this, we saw celebrities such as Justin Bieber, wearing Bottega Veneta jorts, A$AP Rocky, and Jaden Smith “mainstreamising” the trend. Not long after, fast fashion hopped on the bandwagon, and jorts filled the streets, worn by both men and women.

For 2026, here’s our trend predictions:

HATS, HATS, HATS! 

The hat is back and better than ever. The catwalks of Milan and Paris were filled with designer interpretations of bucket, rain, and fedora-style hats, including pieces by Prada, Zegna, Giorgio Armani, and Yuhji Yamamoto. At the same time, Dries Van Noten opted to highlight a knit-patterned hat.

ALL THE SHADE

From aviators to reading glasses, opticals left their mark on this year’s collections. Acne Studios and Ralph Lauren decorated their garments with bright and bold sunglasses. Prada, Thom Browne, and Amiri fashioned the classic reading glass from necessity to accessory.

over and overcoat

Jackets are a winter staple that is always the star of the show in Autumn/Winter collections. This year, we noticed the addition of the overcoat dotted throughout the Milan and Parisian runways, often redesigning and shifting the very form of the coat. Prada went functional with brightly coloured utilitarian capes layered over trenchcoats, while Dries Van Noten layered theirs over crewnecks. Sacai and Dior’s bomber jackets featured luxury capes that were textured and dramatic. In classic Rick Owens fashion, his garments act as artpieces, and his overcoats were no different. Long sleeveless jackets were spotlighted with oversized overcoats.

Pinned in Time

The best way to detail a suit or formal outfit is with a brooch or pocket watch, something the very best tailoring houses sprinkled throughout their latest collections. Ralph Lauren featured both pocket watches and small brooches that added an element of sophistication to their western-inspired collection. Dries Van Noten also went for smaller brooches that complemented their pattern-centric looks. Dolce&Gabbana and Hermès always highlight their impeccable tailoring, and this year was no different. Formal, monochrome suits were accessorized by statement brooches. D&G’s brooches had clocks, making them pocket watches at the same time, while Hermès showed off intricately crafted metal brooches. The devil is in the details.

PERFECTLY IMPERFECT

In a world of filters and filler, perfection has become the goal to live by. It seems that this Autumn/Winter fashion week challenged this truth by purposefully creating imperfection in their collections. These clothes were not destroyed, but rather garments that are well-loved, such as Louis Vuittons wrinkled shirts, Ralph Lauren and Acne Studios ripped and repatched jeans, Yohji Yamamoto’s paint splattered outfits and trashcan hat, and Prada’s coffee-stained French cuffs. These imperfections showed history within the clothing, giving purpose to these collections. We are often forced to consume to keep up with the latest trends that change month by month and chase perfection, but these designer labels encourage us to love our clothes because of the tears and spills that hold our memories.

SNATCHED AT THE WAIST

For the past few seasons, it seems that the belt has been forgotten, either uninvited to the scene or seen in the shadows. This year, however, belts have boldly been brought to the front stage, not as a hidden accessory but rather a statement piece. Ralph Lauren featured loud belts that were impossible to miss. Dries Van Noten’s belts were not just an accessory but a garment in themselves that acted as a corset. While Dolce&Gabbana, Dior, and Kid Super showed off crafted buckles that were made to be seen. Nahmias and Amiri showed the impact of a pattern with snake skin and floral belts, while Prada included side-tied belts that prove simple is not subtle.

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