By Rifan Muazin 
This month’s bestseller list is not merely a collection of items; it is a snapshot of the current male psyche. It suggests a desire for versatility, as seen in the rise of the "go-anywhere" suit, and an appreciation for the "remix" culture of modern perfumery. By analyzing these ten specific items, we can gain a deeper understanding of where menswear is headed in 2026. From the unstructured comfort of Buck Mason to the avant-garde proportions of Thom Browne, here is a deep dive into the products that defined the month.
The first standout on the list is the Buck Mason Cloudloom Cotton Wool Carry-On Suit. For years, the concept of a "travel suit" was synonymous with compromise. To achieve wrinkle resistance and lightweight packability, manufacturers often turned to high-percentage synthetic blends that felt more like plastic than wool. Buck Mason has effectively disrupted this category by utilizing an "ethereal" cotton-wool fabric that maintains the breathability of natural fibers while providing enough structure to look "turned-out." The design features a 3-roll-2 jacket—a hallmark of classic Ivy style where the top button is hidden by the lapel roll—and single-pleat trousers equipped with a hidden elastic waistband. This "secret comfort" is indicative of a broader trend in tailoring: the "hard pants" of the past are being replaced by garments that look professional but feel like pajamas. Readers are clearly prioritizing this hybridity as they return to business travel and social calendars that demand elegance without the rigidity of traditional canvassed suits.
Equally significant in the realm of comfort is the success of the Uniqlo : C Wide Sweat Pants. This item marks the continued triumph of Clare Waight Keller, the acclaimed designer who has brought a sense of high-fashion rigor to Uniqlo’s accessible price points. Since taking the helm of the "C" line, Keller has consistently proven that "basic" doesn’t have to mean "boring." These wide-leg sweatpants represent a definitive departure from the "athleisure" of the 2010s, which favored slim, tapered joggers. The modern silhouette is unfettered and expansive, offering a joy in "loafing" that a snug hem simply cannot provide. The adoption of wide-leg loungewear by the GQ readership signals a maturation of the casual wardrobe; it is no longer enough for sweatpants to be functional—they must also possess a distinct, fashion-forward shape.
In the world of grooming, the Creed Absolu Aventus emerged as the "sexier sequel" that readers couldn’t resist. The fragrance industry has long relied on "flankers"—variations of a core scent—to maintain market dominance, but Absolu Aventus is a rare example of a flanker that threatens to eclipse the original. While the classic Aventus is celebrated for its bright, pineapple-and-birch DNA, Absolu leans into the shadows. It incorporates patchouli, vetiver, labdanum, and cinnamon to create a spicier, woodier profile that feels inherently more nocturnal. At a price point of $640, its presence on the bestseller list is a testament to the "premiumization" of the men’s grooming market. Men are increasingly willing to invest in "beast mode" fragrances that offer long-lasting sillage and a sense of olfactory luxury that off-the-shelf designer scents cannot match.
The "Jacob Elordi effect" was also in full swing this February, as evidenced by the surge in sales for the Arc’teryx Beta Jacket. Elordi, the reigning king of "paparazzi style," has become a primary driver of the Gorpcore movement—a trend where technical outdoor gear is worn in urban environments. The Beta jacket is the quintessential Arc’teryx piece: a Gore-Tex powerhouse designed to withstand alpine conditions, yet streamlined enough to look at home on the streets of Soho. Its popularity among GQ readers suggests that "utility" is now a primary aesthetic category. Whether or not the wearer ever intends to scale a mountain is irrelevant; the jacket provides a sense of preparedness and technical sophistication that resonates with the modern urbanite. For those who found the $400 entry price steep, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L remained a popular, more affordable alternative, highlighting a consumer base that values outdoor bonafides at every price tier.
Footwear trends this month were split between high-performance utility and timeless heritage. On the performance side, the Hoka Speedgoat 7 dominated. Hoka, once an outsider in the running world known for its "ugly" maximalist soles, is now a market leader. The Speedgoat line, named after legendary ultrarunner Karl Meltzer, is designed for the rigors of trail running. The seventh iteration of the shoe offers enhanced energy return and a more durable exterior, making it a "Jack of all trades" for those who split their miles between pavement and dirt. The fact that a technical trail shoe is a top seller for a general interest men’s magazine indicates how much the "running lifestyle" has permeated mainstream culture.
Conversely, the Clarks Desert Boot remains the "better boot" for those seeking a timeless silhouette. Originally modeled after boots found in the bazaars of Cairo during WWII, the Clarks Desert Boot has survived every fashion cycle of the last 70 years. Its success in February reminds us that despite the churn of new drops, there is an unshakable foundation in menswear built on simple, high-quality designs. Whether paired with raw denim or the aforementioned Buck Mason suit, the desert boot provides a level of versatility that sneakers cannot match. Its cousin, the Clarks Wallabee, also saw significant interest, further cementing the brand’s status as a staple of the "slow fashion" movement.
Tailoring saw another high-water mark with the inclusion of the Thom Browne Classic Fit Wool Suit. Thom Browne is a designer who famously changed the proportions of the male suit 25 years ago with his shrunken, "too small" aesthetic. Today, his gray wool suits are a uniform for the fashion elite. The "Classic Fit" variant offers a slightly more generous cut than his original radical silhouettes, making it more accessible to a broader range of body types while retaining the brand’s signature subversive edge. At over $3,600, this is a "holy grail" purchase, indicating that a segment of the GQ audience is looking to make significant, long-term investments in their personal style.
Pattern and texture were also key drivers this month. The Buck Mason Wornwell One Pocket Shirt in a Bengal stripe proved that the simplest patterns are often the most effective. The Bengal stripe—defined by its evenly spaced, high-contrast lines—has the "uncanny ability" to make any outfit feel intentional. Buck Mason’s "Wornwell" process gives the shirt a broken-in feel from day one, bypassing the stiff, uncomfortable phase of new cotton oxfords. This focus on "haptic" quality—how a garment feels against the skin—is becoming a major factor in purchasing decisions.
In the niche fragrance sector, Le Labo Violette 30 made a significant splash. As the newest addition to Le Labo’s core collection, it challenges the traditional perception of violet scents. While many floral fragrances can feel overly powdery or "vintage," Violette 30 is bright and vibrant, offering a verdant freshness that serves as a sensory bridge between winter and spring. Le Labo’s cult-like following is built on this ability to reinvent familiar notes in unexpected ways, and readers clearly responded to this new floral direction.
Finally, the OrSlow Super Dads Drizzler Jacket represents the pinnacle of "Japanese Americana." Founded by Ichiro Nakatsu, OrSlow is a brand obsessed with the minutiae of vintage garments. They don’t just reproduce old styles; they develop their own fabrics on vintage looms to match the exact specifications of mid-century originals. The Drizzler jacket, a classic Harrington-style silhouette, is the embodiment of this philosophy. It feels like a thrift-store find from the 1950s, but with the structural integrity of a brand-new garment. Its popularity suggests that the "workwear" trend has evolved into a deeper appreciation for craft and longevity.
In summary, the items that GQ readers bought in February 2026 reveal a sophisticated consumer who is balancing the need for technical performance with a deep respect for tailoring and heritage. Whether it is a $50 pair of Uniqlo sweats or a $3,600 Thom Browne suit, the common thread is a desire for items that offer a clear point of view and a high level of utility. As we move into the warmer months, these purchases suggest a spring season defined by relaxed silhouettes, spicy-woody scents, and a continued obsession with the intersection of the great outdoors and the city street.