Paris Fashion Week SS26: How Menswear Is Evolving in Real Time
- Kaeli Renee
- Jun 27
- 3 min read
Paris Fashion Week SS26 wasn’t just a display of aesthetic trends—it was a reflection of how men’s fashion continues to shift toward authenticity, comfort, and expression. The collections didn’t scream for attention, but they demanded a second look. Below, we break down five key movements that stood out this season—and what they mean for the way men are dressing today.
1. Tailoring Now Walks With Ease Once rigid and rule-bound, tailoring is becoming more relaxed and expressive. At Louis Vuitton, Pharrell Williams showed suits that breathed—cut in airy fabrics, styled with ease, and layered over casual basics. It’s a sign that formality is loosening its grip on modern menswear. Rather than eliminating suits from the wardrobe, designers are giving them new life—where structure meets softness. For everyday dressers, this means exploring tailoring in ways that prioritize comfort without compromising sharpness. Think double-breasted blazers left unbuttoned, or suit pants styled with sneakers.
2. The New Language of Accessories Accessories aren’t just embellishments anymore—they’re foundational. This season, we saw accessories take on a narrative role, from performative jewelry to micro crossbodies that challenged proportions. Saint Laurent offered wide belts and minimal leather pouches that created architectural punctuation to otherwise sleek looks. These aren’t statement pieces for the sake of flash; they’re thoughtful tools for self-expression. The modern man can use accessories to personalize otherwise minimal outfits, or to elevate a familiar silhouette into something more directional.
3. Color Confidence Is Gaining Ground The color palette in Paris this season was confident and deliberate. From soft lavenders to rusted orange and petrol blue, color was no longer a bold risk—it was a calculated choice. Instead of being used as a punchline, color was applied with restraint and purpose. Designers leaned into monochromatic stories and gradient layering, proving that expressive tones can still read as mature and modern. For men looking to incorporate color, start small: a cobalt knit under a navy coat, or burnt orange trousers balanced by a neutral top.
4. The Power in Transparency Sheer layers, mesh, and gauzy fabrics made quiet statements across runways, pointing to a broader conversation about vulnerability in menswear. Transparency in fashion often parallels transparency in identity—offering a softer, more nuanced representation of masculinity. Whether it was lace shirts at Dries Van Noten or mesh tanks at Givenchy, the styling showed that sensuality can be subtle. The key is(as always) layering: try pairing a semi-sheer top with a structured piece to ground the look.
5. Texture Tells the Story This season saw a tactile revolution. Designers opted for texture over print, using material as a language of depth and emotion. From raw suede to open-knit crochet and glossy nylon, fabric choices added a physicality to each garment. It’s a way of storytelling that relies less on graphics and more on the feeling of a piece. For everyday wear, integrating texture might look like mixing matte and sheen—pairing a waxy nylon jacket with a ribbed cotton tee—or using layering to contrast lightness and weight. It is a great way to make any outfit become interesting and different.
Style Is Stretching. So Should We. The clearest takeaway from SS26 wasn’t a single look—it was an overall shift. Designers are no longer designing for a static archetype of “the man.” They’re designing for nuance—for emotion, softness, presence. And that shift opens doors. Fashion isn’t just reacting to cultural change—it’s helping lead it. For those navigating their personal style, this is an open invitation: explore, experiment, and dress in ways that feel honest. Because the best-dressed men at Paris Fashion Week weren’t trying to impress—they were dressing like themselves.
At RYN, we believe personal style begins in your closet—not just on the runway. These
insights are more than just runway moments—they’re ideas you can build into your everyday. Use RYN to style them in real life, and shape a wardrobe that grows with and represents you!
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