The Trends Defining SS26 Menswear

SS26 menswear takes the disciplined uniform styling of AW25 and reshapes it for a summer defined by comfort and colour. Heritage pieces are made lighter and more breathable for the countryside, nautical uniforms are softened for coastal escapes, and pyjamacore brings refined comfort dressing into everyday wear. Bright, colourful layering disrupts muted palettes, adding optimism and personality to create summer pieces for play, ease, and self-expression.

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Preppy Style

Building on the AW25 uniform and work-wear inspired outerwear, SS26 has evolved these trends into lighter and more seasonally appropriate silhouettes. The traditional preppy aesthetic has been reimagined for a modern, unpredictable summer. Lightweight knits (+14.6%), and checkered prints (+2.2%), contrast collar jackets (+12.8%), and even padded gilets and jackets, which are usually reserved for the colder months, are appearing in breathable fabrics, making them a perfect layering piece for a temperamental summer’s day.

The transition to softer uniform dressing appeared on the runway with Kolor and Dior presenting thin, shower-proof jackets (+16.4%) and rainwear (+2.0%) in their summer collections. At the same time, Alexander Wang, Katric Research and Rag & Bone carried forward the work-wear influence with contrast-collar coats and jackets (+12.8%). Louis Vuitton is utilising traditional argyle (+2.2%) on their pieces to reinforce tradition into their preppy looks.

Mainstream brands like M&S and Ralph Lauren are already translating these themes into heritage staples, with contrasting collared jackets and cable knit sweaters (+10.4%). Whilst Abercrombie & Fitch modernises argyle through the silhouette for a more summery piece. Finally, Goose & Gander’s new collection fully takes inspiration from traditional preppy style with striped rugby tops (+23.2%) acting as layering pieces, which can be used depending on the weather.

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Coastal Sailor

Nautical themes are another key influence on men’s 2026 summer attire, pushing the uniform dressing narrative from the countryside to the oceanfront. Stripes (+21.6%), sailor hats (+11.2%), rope detailing (+43.1%), and relaxed shorts (+196.6%) define the look that is both functional and resort-ready, taking heavy inspiration from traditional sailor uniforms softened through looser fits, breathable cotton and unstructured shirts perfect for summer.

Runway interpretations range from the literal to more subtle inspiration. Outsider’s Division, Anrealage, and Thom Browne utilise very traditional pieces like sailor hats, knot closures, and a nautical colour palette (+4.3%). Lemachet and Lagos Space Programme focused on other elements, such as necktie (+9.0%) details, as a nod to the stereotypical uniform. MSGM and Canali took a lighter approach with classic stripes (+21.6%) and cable knits (+19.4%).

Mainstream adoption is already evident, from sailor hats by Charles Jeffery Loverboy and Hansel from Basel to navy and white sailor striped (+21.6%) co-ords from Sister Jane and M&S, creating a more functional option to partake this summer.

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Pyjamacore

Evolving from the loungewear and athleisure wave, pyjamacore takes comfort dressing into the realm of men’s ready-to-wear. Oversized two-piece sets (+33.3%), silky co-ords (+37.2%) and relaxed shirting (+25.9%) are styled as daywear but rooted in the comfort and convenience of sleepwear.

Closely tied to the Symbol Seeker movement, Pyjamacore prioritises garments that blur the line between bedroom and outside. Designers like Mancandy, Kris Goyri, Avenir and Emmy Kasbit are fully embracing matching pyjama sets (+10.4%) as versatile everyday staples. Anrealage and Carlota Barrera lean into the extreme oversized pieces (+11.3%) for a relaxed and undone feel, but Sulvam takes this even further with torn-up pieces that feel truly lived in.

In the mainstream, similar themes are appearing with oversized linen and striped co-ords, and Tom’s Trunks continues to be a summer go-to for pyjama-style separates that work for both home and street.

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Bright Coloured Layering

While much of SS26 menswear leans on trends prevalent in AW25 with heritage neutrals and functional uniform dressing, there’s a rising trend of vibrant layering pieces that is shaking up the neutral palette. From deep jewel tones (+9.5%), neon (+15.7%) and muted pastels (+40.2%), designers are using these pieces to clash with muted tailored and summer wear, creating a stark contrast to AW25’s authoritative style and colour palette.

Taking a strong stance on SS26 styling by using colours that feel expressive, optimistic and tied to emotional dressing principles seen in the Symbol Seekers movement, Saint Laurent, Lemachet, Carlota Barrera, and Officine Générale combined traditional monochrome co-ords with bursts of bright orange and blue. William Fan and Just Cavalli styled bright layers in a more casual way with oversized trousers (+12.8%) and jumpers (+29.2%). Ungaro pushes these ideas even further, layering multiple bright pieces to create an overall bold statement look.

Retailers are following this trend with brightly coloured layering pieces. ASOS and GAP embrace the bright and bold side of the spectrum, while H&M and John Lewis opt for the muted and calming colour palette.

The Collective Shift

Whilst SS26 men’s trends do somewhat build on from AW25, they also reveal a significant departure from strict, authoritative styling. Uniform dressing remains a clear influence, but it’s softened into something more playful – from the nostalgia of countryside dressing to the whimsy and looseness of sailor-inspired looks. This shift to fun and comfort is seen in the rise of pyjamacore, and the push of bright colours injects fun and optimism into the season.

Perhaps this signals the early stages of a collective mindset shift: after seasons of structure, control, and neutrals, we are ready for something lighter and more joyful. SS26 menswear still relies on functionality, but now makes more space for individuality, comfort, and pleasure to exist alongside heritage and tradition.