Translated by Bethszabee Garner
With the latest shows now over, bringing Paris Fashion Week to a close, it's time to decipher the trends for spring-summer 2026. For the coming season, men are rolling up their sleeves, experimenting, reinterpreting classics and reviving forgotten elements (some of which we would have preferred to keep dormant). Between historical references and stylistic innovations, OniriQ has sifted through this week's collections and picked out ten major trends to follow. Gentlemen, get your notebooks ready!
1. Flip-flops
We thought they were outdated, replaced by clogs and mules. And yet, flip-flops are making a comeback... Yes, you heard right. We're not talking about women's platform models, which can have a certain charm. We're talking about flip-flops, flat and childishly simple. For the spring-summer 2026 season, many designers seem to love them more than is reasonable, pairing them with most of their designs.
The timeless beach shoes appear on the catwalks of Officine Générale as part of a casual look, at Louis Vuitton in a more elegant version, and at Auralee with an outfit that combines everyday urban wear with swimwear (the perfect alternative, right?).
2. Embroideriy
Delicate, elegant and a powerful symbol of craftsmanship, embroidery proves once again that it can stand the test of time without losing any of its splendor. So rejoice, because it will soon be everywhere once again.
The origins of embroidery are difficult to pinpoint, as it has been widespread throughout the world since the dawn of time. Ancient Egypt, imperial China, or the descendants of 17th-century French aristocracy? It doesn't matter! What really matters is that Jonathan Anderson introduced it into his first Dior Men collection on a jacket, Japanese brand TAAKK on raw denim, and Mike Amiri on many suits in his Chateau Amiri collection.
3. The sweater as an accessory
We wear it in winter to keep warm. Why not recycle it in spring? Of course, just before it gets too hot, the sweater will probably become one of the trendiest accessories next spring. At least, that's what the creative directors at Auralee, Études Studio, and KidSuper think.
The first two brands are going even further. While KidSuper plays it cool by draping it over the shoulders, Auralee and Études are wearing it crossbody to add strength and structure to the silhouette. Even sensuality, if you follow the styling of the second look in question.
4. The return of preppy
The preppy aesthetic is back on the school benches this spring! You know, that famous trend from the 1950s that comes and goes in both men's and women's wardrobes? At the time, it appeared in the biggest universities in the United States (Harvard, Princeton, Yale, etc.).. Much more than just a student uniform, it was the look of the bourgeoisie, with their impeccable shirts, horribly expensive suits, and pastel colors.
This season, many fashion houses have fallen for it again. Jonathan Anderson for Dior Men imagines it almost sloppy, with a polo shirt in hand and tousled hair. Sean Suen turns the academic into a fashionista by making his pieces, such as his shirt, oversized. Finally, IM Men, although at the opposite end of the trend spectrum, seems to be playing along by offering the perfect sky blue suit for prom.
5. Stripes
Like the preppy aesthetic, stripes have a fundamental place in men's fashion. Once perceived as marginal, or even diabolical by some in the Middle Ages, they were given a new lease of life when they became part of the French navy uniform. Since then, and thanks in particular to British tailoring, stripes have become a timeless staple of any wardrobe. For spring-summer 2026, they will be applied liberally to our pieces.
To help you out, Japanese designer Mihara Yasuhiro mixes them with denim (on the back, playing on contrasting materials), Louis Vuitton covers a mid-season trench coat with them, and Kolor uses them on a black and white overshirt.
6. Denim from head to toe, again
Denim has been a top trend for several months now, for both men and women. Having become ubiquitous since Beyoncé's album Cowboy Carter and the revival of the western look, the total denim look is set for a glorious future in spring-summer 2026.
In the latest collections, it's everywhere at Acne Studios with light stripes, at Lemaire in a black utility-style suit, and at Egonlab in a more classic version.
7. Lace for men
A story of power, or rather of regaining power... Lace is still frowned upon in men's wardrobes. Yet during the Renaissance, it was commonplace at court as a sign of wealth. It then became strictly feminine, and it took a very long time before it reappeared in men's fashion. It was in 2015 that Alessandro Michele reintroduced it at Gucci.
Although still criticized, especially by the more conservative, lace will be among next spring's trends. This is thanks to Takuya Morikawa, founder of the TAAKK label, and the design studio of the IM Men brand (by Issey Miyake).
8. Shorts revisited
Summer collections inevitably mean lighter clothing to survive until the next season. Every time, artistic directors shorten our clothes, and this time shorts have been targeted. At Dior, under the guidance of Jonathan Anderson, they are practical at the front with huge cargo pockets and majestic at the back with ruffles reminiscent of Christian Dior's Cyclone dress for fall 1948.
For Hed Mayner and his eponymous label, shorts become as light as a scarf... In fact, they literally become one. Look 12 from his Spring/Summer 2026 ready-to-wear collection takes on the air of a men's sarong, the first we've seen, and that we love. One thing is certain, this piece will find many buyers!
As a last resort, the most effective solution would be to shorten the shorts as much as possible. At least that's what Julian Klausner thinks. For Dries Van Noten, where he is artistic director, he cuts them off at the top of the thigh, making them “mini” like in a women's wardrobe. What more could you ask for?
9. The belt, on top
The belt, functional par excellence, took an unprecedented turn in fashion in the 1970s. At the time, it shed its simple leather covering to become studded, wide or even made of Plexiglas. Most of the time, it was worn over pants or jeans to hold them up.
But in the wardrobes of certain fashion brands, the belt takes center stage, cinching the waist and becoming a key piece of the look. This was particularly true at Dries Van Noten, Jil Sander, and Fendi. Next spring/summer, it will be Amiri, Kolor, and Egonlab that will be making it a statement piece.
10. Utilitywear
Speaking of functionality, how can we not mention the utilitywear featured in the latest collections at Paris Men's Fashion Week? Utilitywear is a staple in the history of clothing. Straddling the line between military and construction or factory uniforms, it has its roots in the 1750s. During the first Industrial Revolution, clothing was no longer about style but functionality.
Today, nothing is the same. People wear it for its relaxed, almost casual look. And fashion brands have understood this well. While System imagines it immaculate for spring-summer 2026, Ziggy Chen takes on the appearance of a vintage railway worker and Tatras adopts the neutral jumpsuit for a successful one-piece look...
