'A relaxed refinement': On the ground at the Spring/Summer 2026 menswear shows


By AGENCY
Tiny tassels approximate laces on snakeskin-soled sandals during men’s fashion week in Milan. Photo: The New York Times

There were very few low points during the recent menswear shows in Milan and Paris.

From Hermes’ sleek take on business casual, to Craig Green’s playful bright layers, to Junya Watanabe’s chintz blazers, the collections were full of easily wearable clothes that possessed an easy sophistication.

Perhaps no garments typified this better than the many luxurious pajama sets sent down the runways.

Read more: Fashion bros: Male celebrities flaunt their style at the latest menswear weeks

A relaxed refinement also characterised the fashion in the crowds, where suits were neither too baggy nor too form-fitting, pants were wider at the foot, shorts were shorter and black socks were worn instead of white ones, with boots, monk-strap shoes and Crocs.

As for faces in the crowds, in addition to rappers and K-pop stars, there were also NBA players like Anthony Edwards, Jerami Grant and James Harden, whose collective cool underscored that of the designers’ collections. – ©2025 The New York Times Company

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.


Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Style

Men’s trouser lengths are all over the place – what does fashion say?
How the Adidas fashion boycott is spilling over into Blackpink Jennie’s tie-up
All eyes on New York Fashion Week as its first full fur ban takes effect
Ukrainian amputee soldiers take to the runway, redefining fashion during war
Not just skin deep? What happens when beauty moves into the health aisle
Plush and sumptuous, suede is a fashion favourite that never goes out of style
A blow-by-blow account of how the John Galliano fashion exhibition unravelled
The life and style of Gloria Steinem, who used fashion to challenge norms
Poetry in form: How Cartier balances aesthetics and technical ingenuity
Richard Mille’s new jewel-studded watch unites aesthetics and mechanics

Others Also Read