The ever-accelerating pace of fashion trends can be daunting. As a new season approaches, it's customary to clear out the old and welcome the new, setting aside outdated styles to make way for the exciting sartorial shifts on the horizon. This year, forget the fleeting fads of flip-flops and butter-yellow hues.

Anticipating the Menswear Landscape of Summer 2026

To pinpoint the essential men's fashion trends for Summer 2026, we delved into runway presentations, captured street style moments, and consulted our personal style inspirations, seeking to understand the direction of our highly particular fashion world. Our goal was to identify trends beyond the obvious: while we anticipate the continued relevance of preppy aesthetics and bomber jackets, this report ventures into bolder, more adventurous predictions.

Below, you'll discover a thoughtfully curated selection of the most intriguing and unexpected menswear movements we foresee gaining traction throughout the year, complete with recommendations for brands excelling in these areas, all hand-picked by the dedicated GQ Recommends team.

The Unexpected Rise of Sports Fan Attire

It's remarkable to witness the sudden surge in popularity of fiercely loyal Knicks and Arsenal supporters. However, one might observe that some of these team jerseys appear a bit too pristine and vibrant to be genuinely worn by avid fans. With the upcoming World Cup, this season is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for those keen on joining popular trends. The forecast for Summer 2026 clearly points to a trend of enthusiastically adopting the prevailing fashion wave.

Streamlined Technical Backpacks: A Style Evolution

Backpacks traditionally haven't been considered a fashion statement, to put it mildly. Yet, we've observed a subtle shift: discerning gentlemen are increasingly opting for sleek, high-tech packs over conventional tote bags. Crafted from lightweight nylons and featuring an array of zippers, mesh, and straps, this new generation of rucksacks is being seamlessly integrated into diverse wardrobes. They're paired with jeans and crisp white t-shirts, blazers and ties (evoking a certain JFK Jr. elegance), and virtually any ensemble not originally intended for rugged outdoor excursions.

The Enduring Appeal of Chore Coats

Whispers of the chore coat's decline have, it seems, been greatly exaggerated. As one of our keen observers, Tyler Wingco, noted just last month, it appears that nearly every prominent figure, from Styles to Elordi to Butler to JAW, has recently been seen sporting a well-worn blue chore coat. This phenomenon suggests that some things, despite the passage of time, remain consistently in vogue.

The 'No-Shoe' Shoe Movement

Footwear has been undergoing a remarkable transformation. In our health-conscious era, it was perhaps inevitable that the orthopedic influence would permeate mainstream fashion trends. This brings us to the advent of the minimalist, 'no-shoe' shoe. Whether embraced for grounding the body, promoting foot health, or simply adding a distinctive edge to an outfit, the directive is unambiguous: bulky shoes are a thing of the past.

The Sophisticated Short Sleeve

Are we weary of the ubiquitous plain white tee, or simply yearning for a more refined layering option in the warmer months than a camp shirt over a tank top? This summer, leading menswear brands are embracing a concept long understood by tour guides worldwide: nothing offers better breathability and a sharper aesthetic than a crisp, comfortably fitting short-sleeved shirt. A valuable tip: wear a t-shirt underneath to extend its wear between washes.

The Enduring Charm of Fuller Chinos

Chinos, while not new or inherently trendsetting, are experiencing a renaissance. There's a palpable resonance within the broader menswear community for a fuller, more relaxed chino silhouette. Is it a sign of economic caution? Perhaps. Is it a refreshing departure from denim? Absolutely. Whatever the underlying reason—be it their classic mid-century proportions, their versatile formal-casual appeal, or their resilient twill fabric—a wardrobe lacking a well-fitting, spacious pair of chinos feels incomplete.

Additional Style Forecasts for the Remainder of 2026

Our highly accurate trend predictions were initially released at the beginning of the year. While we hold immense confidence in the wisdom of our menswear Nostradamuses, some of these prophecies may only fully materialize as the year progresses. Nevertheless, rest assured, these are the remaining trends poised to dominate the fashion landscape.

Subtle Lace-Up Sneakers

Indeed, we previously highlighted the trend of approach shoes earlier in the year, a topic we will revisit shortly. However, a more recent sneaker trend has emerged, adopting a key characteristic of the approach shoe—a lower, more secure lacing system—but eschewing bright logos and highly technical materials in favor of soft suedes and understated color palettes. This new direction offers a sense of calm and refined simplicity.

The Comeback of Field Jackets

The resurgence of field jackets has been a subtle undercurrent for several seasons, and their momentum shows no signs of waning. This autumn, they are set to make a definitive statement. Whether it's a cherished vintage military field jacket or a contemporary high-fashion interpretation, this silhouette perfectly aligns with the current menswear aesthetic. Perhaps they simply possess an inherent cool factor.

The Allure of Brown Suede Footwear

If you followed our recent exploration of the most prominent shoe trends, you undoubtedly noticed the prevalence of rounder, more casual, almost slipper-like styles dominating the conversation. And when discussing such relaxed silhouettes, suede inevitably enters the picture. This material is inherently supple, unassuming, and gracefully develops character over time. Furthermore, it offers a practical advantage: less foot perspiration compared to polished leather shoes. Thus, this is not merely a trending aesthetic, but also a remarkably sensible choice.

The Unexpected Return of the Henley

Despite earlier reservations from certain GQ editors (myself, Gerald Ortiz, included), I must concede that I've finally embraced the Henley. No longer confined to the fashion faux pas of the 2010s, Henleys have evolved. They now exude a more relaxed, subtly edgy (in a complimentary way) vibe, and serve as a powerful layering element during warmer months. It seems my sartorial palate has matured.

The Versatility of Nylon Jackets

Lightweight, rain-resistant jackets have always been essential for spring and the subsequent seasons. However, we're observing a shift in the industry, moving away from the conventional grey and navy windbreaker palettes towards options that offer a more impactful visual statement. This includes iridescent green from Alex Mill, a vibrant red from Literary Sport, or a stark white from Patagonia. Even when black is utilized, it's presented in more fashion-forward, tailored silhouettes.

Tinted Sunglasses: A Fresh Perspective

The era of acetate frames is nearing its end. Whether thick and bold or delicate and feminine, popular eyewear in recent years has predominantly been crafted from plastic. However, metal frames are increasingly gaining traction. The key difference this time? These aren't designed to blend into your features, but rather to accentuate them. They offer a new way to experience the world, both visually and stylistically.

The Rise of Men's Handbags

While men have always utilized small bags, 2025 marked a significant turning point where the gentleman's handbag truly came into its own. It was impossible to overlook on the runways, and prominently featured as numerous celebrities embraced compact, structured styles that exuded both polish and practicality. This represents a pragmatic carrying solution that men have, for too long, eschewed due to outdated and conventional norms. As the warmer months of 2026 arrive, I anticipate a greater willingness among men to experiment with and adopt smaller, refined bags.

The High-Rise, Tight V-Neck

There are instances where a trend is so thoroughly out of fashion for so long that its eventual return becomes inevitable. Such is the case with the V-neck, once relegated to the annals of indie sleaze and reruns of 'Jersey Shore'. In 2025, I found myself desiring V-neck knitwear for the first time in nearly a decade, and looking ahead to 2026, I anticipate (against all odds) a V-neck tee in my future. Crucially, however, not all V's are created equal. In 2026, your V-neck should be snug and high, with anything revealing more than a hint of collarbone remaining firmly in the past, for now.

Engineer Boots: A Bold Footwear Statement

Tyler (the other one), I appreciate your perspective on ballet flats, but I'd like to propose a counterpoint: engineer boots. While cowboy boots have recently seen widespread adoption, even among urban dwellers, I anticipate 2026 will usher in a shift towards a more rugged, industrial aesthetic. Chunky, typically black boots are poised to make a definitive statement in the coming year, proving particularly advantageous for shorter individuals (those under 5' 9").

The Three-Button Suit Renaissance

Around 2022, I inquired with a fashion-savvy friend about the potential return of the three-button suit. Being a connoisseur of bespoke tailoring and classic menswear, he elucidated how two-button and '3-roll-2' styles elegantly flatter the male physique, explaining their enduring popularity. Naturally, he remained unconvinced about a swift resurgence for three-button suits. This idea has lingered with me ever since, and I now believe the time is ripe. While designers have consistently incorporated them into their collections, I foresee a broader fashion audience embracing them. The three-button suit, in its understated sophistication, is poised for a renewed moment in the spotlight.

Braided Belts: A Textural Upgrade

The menswear scene has been inundated with Western belts in recent years. While men tend to cling steadfastly to accessories once adopted, I implore us to move on. Those delicate metal tips often end up flapping by your side like a forgotten tag. I propose a worthy successor: the unassuming braided belt. It offers a subtle textural accent to any outfit, proving that diamonds, and perhaps certain timeless accessories, truly are forever.