In 2026, menswear goes vogue instead of rogue

Have you ever asked yourself why male designers refuse to wear their own designs? Instead, they wear jeans and t-shirts at the finale of a runway show. Is it possible they don’t want to wear their own over-the-top fashions?

Perhaps you’ve looked at men’s fashion like I have and asked, ‘Who wears these clothes?’

When a man can turn heads with a great suit, jacket, trench coat, watch or leather attaché why would anyone chose to dress like a clown?

For the professional man, harem pants, ill-fitting suits or the latest grunge aren’t even a possibility. Instead, he prefers tailored Giorgio Armani, Brunello Cucinelli, Zegna, Loro Piana and Bottega Veneta in virgin wool, calfskin, nubuck or suede.

Let’s retire acid brights (yes, those ultra-bright ties have to go) for elegant monochromatic dressing that emphasizes texture, fit, fabric and silhouette. Say goodbye to oversized trousers, mismatched clothing and over-the-top accessories.

Instead, a stylish man chooses the refined yet quiet luxury of a collared cardigan, trench coat or wool overcoat in herringbone, chevron, houndstooth or tweed. A crisp white shirt, tasteful silk or wool tie and a buttery leather belt are always in style.

As women’s wear becomes more structured, form-fitting and too revealing in 2026, look for the trend of shapeless menswear to exit this year. Ill-fitting trousers that pool at the hemline and drag on the floor are about to disappear to be replaced once again by expertly-tailored, fitted trousers.

Women will borrow from menswear this year in oversized trenches, trouser suits and overly

structured silhouettes. In 2026, women are told primary colors are in. Do designers care if women look like they are dressed for the circus?

Men will be stylish in neutrals and blues. Armani’s universal dress code for the well-appointed male holds universal appeal. A crewneck T-shirt paired with a vest and loosely-structured jacket—all in luxe fabrics—in a palette of greys, pale yellows, taupes and blues is signature Armani. Finish the look with a double pleated pant and soft shoes for classic yet modern styling.

Look for the return of the gold-buttoned blazer for men. And cuffs on trousers are making a comeback as are field jackets and utilitarian dressing. The outer jacket is having its day in soft leather, suede or wool in assorted styles: the bomber, the biker or moto and the peacoat to name a few.

Armani’s guru collar, single breasted jacket, sometimes shown with virgin wool Bermuda shorts, pushes the envelope of good taste.

For the slightly adventurous male, waistcoats (a longer form-fitted vest) are back; some with asymmetrical buttons and satin backs.

Single-breasted worsted virgin wool gilets and goatskin blousons are part of Armani’s 2025-2026 menswear collection. Also featured is Armani’s collection of stunning grey and silver clothing for the mature male.

Dressing for success in 2026 never looked so good.

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