By Rifan Muazin 
To predict the can’t-miss men’s fashion moves awaiting us in the summer of 2026, we have scoured runway stills from Paris and Milan, analyzed street style shots from the world’s fashion capitals, and curated our own personal mood boards to make sense of where our highly specific union of style might be headed. This year, the challenge was to look beyond the obvious. While we expect the classic button-up shirt to remain relevant, the following list represents a gamble on the weirdest, wildest, and most expressive menswear moves expected to gain traction as the year progresses.
The Return of the Expressive Accessory
For years, the "plain white crew sock" was the undisputed king of the lower leg, a safe haven for men who feared making a statement. However, fashion editors and influencers are finally ditching these reliable basics in favor of colorful socks with genuine personality. This resurgence of "fun socks" is part of a larger movement where men are slowly opening up to vibrant hues, moving away from the dusty, muted tones that have defined the post-pandemic era. If a fire-engine red Harrington jacket feels like too much of a leap, experimenting with hosiery from brands like Todd Snyder or J.Crew offers a low-stakes way to "dip your toes" into the current moment.
Parallel to this is a rise in "beads and bangles"—carefree accessories that inject a sense of play into outfits that might otherwise be dismissed as "normcore." During recent fashion weeks, observers noted a proliferation of bandanas, shell necklaces, and Murano glass beads. Brands like Northworks and Pura Vida are leading this charge, proving that jewelry isn’t just for formal occasions; it’s a tool for personal storytelling and a way to signal a relaxed, sun-drenched disposition.
Footwear: From Barefoot Minimalism to "Final Boss" Derbies
The footwear landscape of 2026 is a study in contradictions. On one hand, we are witnessing the "disappearing shoe." In an age obsessed with biohacking and foot health, the orthopedic side of the algorithm has finally seeped into high fashion. Enter the "no-shoe shoe"—barefoot sandals and minimalist footwear designed to ground the body and improve posture. Brands like Xero and Ohne Project are moving these styles from the fringe of the hiking community into the mainstream, signaling that the era of the oversized, chunky "dad shoe" may finally be over.
Conversely, for those who prefer more structure, the "approach shoe" is gaining serious traction. Originally designed for climbers to scramble over rocks before reaching their vertical ascent, these shoes—exemplified by Keen’s Jasper Zionic—combine the technical "gorpcore" aesthetic with a slim, torpedo-like silhouette. They are the perfect middle ground for the man who wants the durability of a hiker without the bulk of a boot.
For the more artisanal-leaning crowd, the logic of footwear is leading toward the "black derby." With sneakers losing their cultural luster and loafers reaching a saturation point, the resoleable black derby has emerged as the "final boss" of shoes. It anchors everything from thrifted denim to bespoke tailoring, offering a sustainable, long-term investment that defies the disposability of modern trends.
The Evolution of the Summer Uniform
The summer of 2026 marks a "vengeance" for the graphic tee. After a brief hiatus where blank, high-ounce tees were the only acceptable choice, bold graphics are back. When paired with thrashed chinos, fresh Havaianas, and a light tan, the graphic tee becomes the cornerstone of a "Summer 2026" fit. Labels like The Real McCoy’s and RRL are focusing on vintage-inspired prints that feel lived-in rather than loud.
The "Henley" is also staging an unlikely comeback. Once dismissed as the "detritus of the 2010s," the 2026 version of the Henley is more louche and slightly grungey. It serves as a powerful layering piece, providing texture and a hint of ruggedness that a standard t-shirt lacks. Meanwhile, for those seeking a sharper silhouette, the "dressy short sleeve" shirt is becoming the go-to. Roomy, crispy cotton-poplin shirts from Studio Nicholson and Lady White Co. offer superior breathability while maintaining a sense of professional composure—a look often affectionately referred to as "tour guide chic."
Technical Utility and Outerwear
Outerwear in 2026 is defined by the "Field Jacket" and the "Technical Backpack." While field jackets have been simmering for a few seasons, they are expected to reach a boiling point this fall. Whether it’s a vintage military M-65 or a high-end riff from Polo Ralph Lauren, the silhouette is perfectly timed to the industry’s shift toward more relaxed, utilitarian proportions.
In the world of carry-alls, the "rucksack 2.0" is replacing the ubiquitous tote bag. These are not your middle-school backpacks; they are svelte, technical packs made from lightweight nylons, replete with mesh, zips, and straps. Brands like Arc’teryx and Klättermusen are proving that backpacks can be a genuine style additive when paired with blazers and ties—a look that feels distinctly "JFK Jr. coded" for the modern era.
The Sports-Fashion Convergence
We are currently living through a generational season for "Bandwagon Swag." With the World Cup on the horizon and the global popularity of clubs like Arsenal and the New York Knicks reaching fever pitch, sports jerseys have become high-fashion staples. However, there is a catch: the most stylish jerseys in 2026 are looking "too crispy and bright to be believed." The FOMO crowd is leaning into the "newness" of sports gear, treating a home jersey from Nike or Adidas as a luxury garment rather than mere fan merchandise.
Tailoring and Proportions: The Shift Toward Structure
For the last few years, the "menswear golden ratio" has been a subject of intense debate on platforms like TikTok, with users insisting that jackets must be either cropped to the waist or fall well past the knee. In response, early adopters are railing against the algorithm by embracing the "mid-length car coat." Thigh-grazing coats, reminiscent of 1990s cinema, offer a refreshing break from the extremes.
In tailoring, the 3-button suit is finally returning to vogue. For a long time, the 2-button jacket and the 3-roll-2 were considered the only ways to complement the male body. However, designers at The Row and Buck Mason are proving that a high-fastening 3-button blazer can provide a sense of "quiet confidence" and a unique silhouette that has been missing from the broader fashion conversation for over a decade. This is often paired with "fuller chinos"—relaxed, mid-century proportions that provide a refreshing break from denim while offering formal-casual versatility.
Finishing Touches: Eyewear and Leather
Finally, the "reign of acetate frames" is drawing to a close. While thick plastic frames have dominated eyewear for years, 2026 is the year of the "sexy metal frame." These aren’t the dainty frames of the past; they are structured, gold or silver-tone pieces from Bottega Veneta and Ahlem designed to draw attention to the face rather than disappear into it. Often paired with "tinted sunnies" that eschew traditional black or brown lenses for more evocative hues, this move allows men to see the world—and be seen by it—in a whole new light.
Even the humble belt is seeing a transformation. The "Western belt" trend, with its dainty metal tips and cowboy aesthetic, has been oversaturated. The successor is the braided belt, which adds a pop of texture without the dangling "flap of leather" that has become a nuisance for many.
As the gentleman’s handbag finally enters sharp focus—moving from the runway to the streets as a pragmatic, structured carry solution—it is clear that Summer 2026 is about more than just clothes. It is about a sense of play, a commitment to quality, and a willingness to experiment with the "weird and wild" in a way that feels both polished and practical. Whether you are embracing the "grungey louche" of a Henley or the "artisanal finality" of a black leather derby, the message from the GQ squad is clear: have a sense of humor, wear something that makes you smile, and don’t be afraid to take a gamble on the next big thing.
