Introduction
Every year, fashion trends roll through the runway and into our wardrobes, and if you sew, it can feel both inspiring and a little overwhelming.
Do you follow the trends? Ignore them? Or try to reinterpret them in a way that still feels like him?
Late last year, I was reviewing the 2026 men’s fashion forecasts and one thing stood out to me — so many of the trends weren’t about replacing everything in his wardrobe. Instead, they were about updating key pieces, adding personality through accessories, colour and fabric choice, and creating outfits that feel modern and wearable.
And that’s where sewing shines.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through five of the biggest men’s fashion trends for 2026 that you can incorporate thoughtfully into your sewing. Whether you sew for a partner, son, grandson, friend, or yourself, you’ll discover ways to:
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choose fabrics and patterns that interpret these trends in a meaningful way
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add personality through colour, texture and accessories (even a cameo broach)
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update existing outfits without starting from scratch
The goal isn’t to chase fashion.
It’s to use trends as inspiration, while still sewing garments and gifts that feel on-trend yet timeless.
We Cover These Top 5 Men’s Fashion Trends of 2026
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Which Accessories Are Making a Comeback in 2026 (Ties + Scarves)
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How Bold Fabrics Are Being Used to Make the Shirt the Hero
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How Stripes Are Being Re-Imagined on Relaxed, Flowing Pants
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How Layering and Soft Silhouettes Are Shaping Modern Men’s Style
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How to Use Colour Trends in a Way That Still Feels Timeless
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FAQs
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Final Thoughts and What Next
D&G, Zegna, Zegna
1. Which Accessories Are Making a Comeback in 2026
In 2026, men’s fashion is seeing a strong return of ties, scarves and pocket squares — but not in the traditional, formal, corporate way many of us associate with them. Instead, they’re being worn as versatile style elements that bridge casual and refined dressing.
Think:
- a soft tie worn with relaxed trousers
- a lightweight scarf layered over a camp collar shirt
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a pocket square styled with a chore jacket
These pieces add personality and texture without overpowering the outfit — and they allow men to express style in a subtle, confident way.
Source: Uomo Pitti
Why it’s valuable for sewing
Accessories are one of the easiest ways to bring a new trend into his wardrobe without replacing anything he already owns.
For sewists, they’re ideal because:
- they are small, achievable projects
- they make thoughtful handmade gifts
- they use small amounts of fabric
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they are a safe way to explore colour and pattern
They also create that beautiful mix of:
- casual (relaxed silhouettes, soft layers)
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refined (finishing details, fabric choice, proportion)
which is at the heart of 2026 menswear.
A practical way to incorporate this trend
If you want to try this trend through sewing, start with:
- a pocket square for a subtle style lift
- a tie in a modern print or soft stripe
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a scarf in a lightweight cotton lawn or voile
Mini-tip: Choose fabrics that complement garments he already owns, that way the accessory feels intentional, not costume-like.
Bluemarble
2. How Bold Fabrics Are Being Used to Make the Shirt the Hero
In 2026, the shirt is stepping forward as the hero garment — especially when made in bold, expressive fabrics. This includes statement prints, collegiate-inspired checks, retro motifs, and modern graphic designs.
What makes this trend interesting is that it isn’t about loudness it’s about intentional fabric choice and placement. Designers are playing with:
- Directional prints
- Thoughtful cutting layouts
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Scale and proportion of motifs
so the shirt feels creative, modern, and well-considered.
Why it’s valuable for sewing
Sewists are uniquely positioned to interpret this trend beautifully.
Sewing allows you to:
- choose a fabric design that genuinely suits the wearer
- position motifs carefully during cutting
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control how much impact the print has in the final garment
Amiri, Dior, Zegna
A bold fabric doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. It can feel personal and balanced.
It’s also a wonderful opportunity to:
- Showcase fabric selection skills
- Express creativity through placement
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Turn a simple shirt pattern into a statement piece
A practical way to incorporate this trend
Start with a clean, modern shirt silhouette (such as my Camp Collar Shirt) then let the fabric do the storytelling.
Ways to approach it:
- Use a bold print on the body, with quieter details on collar or pocket
- Cut checks or stripes with intention
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Choose fabrics that align with his Colour Type
Mini-tip: Before cutting, place your pattern pieces over key areas of the design — so the fabric’s most interesting elements sit where the eye naturally falls.
Louis Vuitton, D&G, Todd Snyder
3. How Stripes Are Being Re-Imagined on Relaxed, Flowing Pants
In 2026, stripes are moving away from their classic two-tone “candy stripe” and sharp pinstripe origins. Instead of the traditional Oxford business shirt stripe, we’re seeing more creative and unexpected colour pairings, and they’re appearing on relaxed, flowing pants rather than strictly tailored garments.
Designers are experimenting with:
- softened or blended stripe edges
- tonal and contrasting colour combinations
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stripes that feel expressive rather than formal
These striped trousers are often styled with:
- silk or camp-collar style shirts
- lightweight outer layers
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relaxed footwear
The effect is modern and artistic — confident but not corporate.
Dolce & Gabbana
Why it’s valuable for sewing
This trend allows sewists to:
- Explore more interesting stripe colour combinations
- Use stripe placement as part of the design
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Work with silhouettes that are comfortable and wearable
Relaxed trousers are also:
- forgiving in fit
- practical for everyday wear
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suitable for confident beginners
A practical way to incorporate this trend
To interpret this trend through sewing:
- choose a relaxed or lounge-style pant pattern
- look for stripes with colour variation rather than strict two-tone contrast
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pair the pants with a simple shirt so the stripes remain the feature
Mini-tip: Lay your pattern pieces on the fabric before cutting — intentional stripe placement turns “pattern” into “design”.
Les Deux, Les Deux, Dior
4. How Layering and Soft Silhouettes Are Shaping Modern Men’s Style
One of the strongest themes in 2026 menswear is the shift toward soft, layered silhouettes. Rather than sharp tailoring or rigid structure, outfits are being built through:
- relaxed jackets
- lightweight outer layers
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pleated or softly draped trousers
Common combinations include:
- a casual or chore-style jacket layered over a hoodie or vest
- pleated trousers paired with soft shirting
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outfits built through texture and proportion, not stiffness
The overall look is loose and comfortable — but not oversized or unflattering. It has ease, without losing shape.
Why it’s valuable for sewing
This trend encourages:
- thoughtful wardrobe building
- pairing handmade garments together
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choosing fabrics for drape and movement
It also supports slower, more intentional making:
- one garment at a time
- layers that work across seasons
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pieces that can be worn in multiple ways
A practical way to incorporate this trend
To explore this trend through sewing:
- start with a lounge or chore-style jacket as a layering piece
- pair it with garments he already owns
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add pleated trousers or relaxed-fit pants for balance
Mini-tip: Choose one garment to lead the outfit — the other layers should support it, not compete.
Amiri SS2026
5. How to Use Colour Trends in a Way That Still Feels Timeless
Contrast of colour continues to be a defining feature of 2026 menswear. We’re seeing soft shades paired with vibrant accents used to add personality to otherwise simple outfits.
But these colours don't work the same for everyone.
Colour forecasting companies such as WGSN/Coloro have highlighted key colours for 2026 — including Transformative Teal, Electric Fuchsia, Blue Aura, Amber Haze, and Jelly Mint — a palette that blends calming tones with confident, expressive accents.
Source: WGSN Coloro
These colours can look striking but they work best when chosen with intention. I have allocated the Colour Type that each belong to so you can see they don't all suit the same person.
| WGSN / Color Colour for SS 2026 | Colour Type it Suits |
| Transformative Teal | Autumn |
| Electric Fuchsia | Bright |
| Blue Aura | Muted |
| Amber Haze | Spring |
| Jelly Mint | Light |
If you want to know your colour type so you can take advantage of all the trends in a way that suits you, buy the Fabric Formula - click learn more below...
Why it’s valuable for sewing
Sewing gives you control over:
- which bold colours you choose
- where colour appears in the outfit
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whether it acts as a feature or accent
Tools like The Fabric Formula help you:
- choose colours that complement his natural colouring
- avoid harsh or overpowering tones
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build outfits that remain wearable across seasons
A practical way to incorporate this trend
Rather than sewing a full garment in a bold colour, try:
- a shirt in a richer version of a trend shade
- a pocket square or tie as a small accent
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selecting fabrics that align with his Colour Type palette
Mini-tip: If you’re unsure about a colour, introduce it in a smaller proportion first — accents are often the most successful starting point. If applying the 60-30-10 rule use 10%.
FAQs
Do I need to follow every trend to keep his wardrobe current?
No — trends are inspiration, not rules. Choose the ones that suit his lifestyle and personality, and interpret them through sewing in a thoughtful, wearable way.
What’s the easiest way to try a trend if I’m unsure he’ll wear it?
Start small. Accessories like a pocket square, tie, or scarf add personality without feeling like a major wardrobe change.
How do I choose bold fabrics or colours without them feeling too strong?
Focus on the right version of the trend. Use colour tools like The Fabric Formula to select shades that harmonise with his natural colouring.
Can I incorporate these trends using fabric I already own?
Yes — many trends work beautifully with stash fabrics, especially for shirts, relaxed pants, and accessories.
Are these trends suitable for handmade gifts?
Absolutely — they can be interpreted in a way that feels personal, meaningful, and immediately wearable.
Final Thoughts
Fashion trends can sometimes feel fast, fleeting, and difficult to keep up with. But when you sew, you have the ability to interpret them in a slower, more meaningful way. Instead of replacing his wardrobe, you can update it thoughtfully one accessory, one layering piece, or one hero garment at a time.
The real power of sewing trends lies in choosing the ones that feel modern and wearable for him — and then bringing them to life through fabric, colour, proportion, and care. I have chosen five of the numerous fashion trends for 2026 that can be adapted to sewing easily.
What Next
If you’d like support choosing fabrics, colours, or patterns that align with these trends, a great next step is to become part of the Pocket Square Club community.
It is a great way to experience creativity while making something on trend yet timeless.
