SS26 Trend For Boys

HE IT-BOY HANDBOOK: SS26 Trend Report

The term  “swag gap” was just introduced to me the other day as I scrolled through Instagram reels.

It basically refers to the difference in style or aura between two people in a relationship. Apparently, people think this is a pretty big deal when looking for a partner. As soon as I read that, one photo immediately came to mind…

 

©telegraph.co.uk

 

Hailey Bieber in a full night-out look, followed by Justin Bieber in a sweat tracksuit looking like her son who doesn't want to be there. This photo is currently circulating the internet as the textbook definition of a 100% Swag Gap.

There are couples with a 0% swag gap too, of course. Think Bella Hadid and Marc Kalman. They had a couple look so perfect, it’s still talked about as the standard for matching energy. Just try searching couple look on Pinterest. (We did the search in Korean, so “커플룩” might give you better results.)

 

©vogue.co.uk ©pinterest.com

 

Another couple that comes to mind is Timothée Chalamet back when he was dating Lily-Rose Depp. Even though both couples have gone their separate ways, they were fun to watch because their fits usually just clicked.

In my opinion, not having a swag gap is actually pretty important. Being able to share a wardrobe with your partner is one of the best parts of dating. (Though, dressing up a partner who has no clue is fun in its own way.) With that in mind, below are some of the SS26 trends I personally hope my future boyfriend takes note of.

 

Details Matter

Art of the layer

Good dressers know that details show your sense. The best-dressed boys don't wear anything by accident. SS26 was full of looks that used material, color, and texture to really make the person stand out. Designers were clearly having fun mixing patterns and fabrics this season.

 

JIL SANDER SS26 VALENTINO SS26 ©vogue.com

Red was everywhere. It’s a hot color for a hot summer that catches the eye immediately. Wearing red head-to-toe is a lot, so designers mostly used it as a layering piece to add depth to looks.

 

Willy Chavarria SS26 ©vogue.com

There is no end to the layering universe. While writing this, I got completely caught up in ECKHAUS LATTA’s SS26 collection. If anyone asks me what my type is now, I will probably just say it’s anyone who can pull off their pieces. A blue shirt layered with a white mesh top, a single silver earring, slicked-back hair, and a bag in one hand. This is the perfect example of subtle but sexy. 

ECKHAUS LATTA SS26 ©vogue.com

AV VATTEV SS26 ©vogue.com

 

Even sagging is a way to mix up your look. AV VATTEV showed us pants with multiple belts, in a way that kept it trendy while still staying true to their brand. Once you really get into layering, putting on clothes becomes even more fun than before.

Don’t Forget The Neck

I’ve looked at almost every SS26 menswear collection by now, and one this is clear: designers could not leave necks alone. Ties, scarves, necklaces and deep V-necks, styling based around the neckline was literally everywhere.

HERMES was especially serious about this. If you are worried about how to style above the chest this spring, just look to them. They actively use scarves and necklaces in a variety of different ways. It’s the textbook example of the the current trend of men wanting to look like 19th century poets (known here in Korea as “poet-core”).

HERMES SS26 ©vogue.com

 

“[He’s] just a nice, cool guy in the city.” Is how artistic director Véronique Nichanian described the styling here. Take notes, “cool guys”.

The half-wrapped scarf styling here is surprisingly charming. Adding a round necklace to a V-neck is also a nice finishing touch, an example of how adding one accessory changes the look’s whole atmosphere.

 

ZEGNA SS26, ANN DEMEULMEESTER SS26 ©vogue.com

 

PRADA showed us fresh lemon-colored turtlenecks with a logo on the side. (If did have a boyfriend, I’d buy this for him.)

PRADA SS26, SAINT LAURENT SS26 ©vogue.com

Recently named Dior ambassador Josh O’Connor, who is a longtime favorite of Jonathan Anderson, looks even better in a shirt and tie thanks to his smiling face and fit body. 

 

Dior Men SS26 ©voguescandinavia.com

 

This season, Dior Men styled shirts with one collar point intentionally unfolded. If you want to give your look an unexpected point, try stealing a tip from Dior.

 

Return of the Silhouette

One Coat, Make it Oversized

Spring nights are still chilly. If you are wondering what outerwear to wear, the oversized shoulder is definitely a good choice. It instantly makes you look reliable, the angular shoulder line frames the upper body and makes the wearer look solid.

 Brands like BOTTEGA VENETA, DIESEL, and Todd Snyder leaned into this for a reason. These coats don't rely on a trend, and only require a single piece to complete the mood of the look. An oversized shoulder jacket is the most efficient choice to make you look like a good dresser without having to spend too much time styling.

 

BOTTEGA VENETA SS26, DIESEL SS26, Todd Snyder SS26 ©vogue.com

Napoleon is Back

The golden age of the Napoleon jacket has returned. Hedi Slimane boys, it’s time to assemble. The early 2000s styling he made famous is definitely coming back in men's fashion. Even in 2026, his influence is still strong.

If you are wondering which brand to reference, I highly recommend ANN DEMEULMEESTER. Romantic yet chic, Creative Director Stefano Gallici mixed his specific sense of style with a rock-punk vibe to create the perfect Napoleon jacket.

 

And Dior Men... Jonathan Anderson really did that. Pairing a Napoleon jacket with high-tops was incredible.

 

Time to Pull Out the Skinny Jeans

Another item that dominated the early 2000s: the skinny jean. I didn't think they would really come back, but it looks like they really are here.

 

So, trend-sensitive boys need to start thinking about skinny jean styling. Acne Studios showed skinny silhouettes in everything from denim to leather this season. If you look at the styling, they kept it tight on both top and bottom, for consistency.

 

Cooler and More Comfortable

This is How We Do Summer

The clearest trend in SS26 menswear is short shorts. We already recommended that men wear short shorts once before on our Korean site, all the way back in 2024.

This item shows both comfort and confidence. Whether styled simply with neutral tones and an oversized shirt, or matched with lively prints, it’s a versatile item that fits casual and unexpectedly formal looks. Considering every year breaks the record for highest temperature, this might be a survival essential this summer. ☀️

PRADA SS26, SAINT LAURENT SS26, Acne Studios SS26 ©vogue.comom

 

Pharrell Williams at LOUIS VUITTON showed us utility shorts in formal materials. His choice of pairing them with white socks and brown loafers caught my eye. DRIES VAN NOTEN is just hot. They matched difficult legging-style pants with loud patterned jackets... If you consider yourself a Hedi Boy, please try these, I think it’s going to work.

 

LOUIS VUITTON SS26, DRIES VAN NOTEN SS26 ©vogue.com

You can't talk about a cool summer without Flip-Flops. PRADA and Todd Snyder showed us the classic resort look, while LOUIS VUITTON and Yohji Yamamoto proved that this shoe works with chic looks too.

I know. I know why you hesitated on wearing flip-flops until now. You thought it looked too casual, you were shy about showing your bare feet. But the runways this season showed that flip-flops, especially with refined designs and materials, are no longer just for vacation. They are a core summer item now. 

 

PRADA SS26, Todd Snyder SS26, LOUIS VUITTON SS26, Yohji Yamamoto SS26 ©vogue.com

 

Above all, your feet need freedom in the summer. As the temperature rises, closed shoes often feel gross, and shoes that don't breathe can make the whole look feel heavy. Flip-flops are cool because they expose the foot and naturally give off the energy of the season. Giving the impression of looking cool is already half the success of summer styling. 🆒

 

If you are still hesitating, remember this. The most important thing in fashion is attitude. A well-chosen flip-flop completes loose pants, slacks, and even suit-style looks in a chic way. Creating ease at the toes while keeping the rest of the silhouette tidy. Wearing flip-flops like the ones we see from these brands could help you achieve that clean-cut look this summer.

 

Comfort Comes First

We definitely reach for clothes more often if they are comfortable and practical. Dolce & Gabbana actively introduced pajama-style looks this season with their appropriately-named menswear show: “Pyjama Boys”. If a full set is too much, you can do what Todd Snyder did and wear the pants with a formal top and match the color tones for a more wearable fit.

 

Dolce&Gabbana SS26, Todd Snyder SS26, Amiri SS26, Dior Men SS26 ©vogue.com

 

The pants with emphasized pocket details proposed by Dior Men follow the same context. The relaxed pockets and silhouette are devices for storage but also act as elements that create rhythm in the overall look.

The core of these pants is looking comfortable, but not lazy. If you balance it by matching a relatively formal top like a shirt or knit sweater, you complete a style that fits anywhere between daily life and going out.

So, that’s the fashion trend report for the SS26 It-Boy. Try using the runway looks introduced above to add some fun to your daily dressing. Who knows, a more exciting and fun spring and summer might be waiting for you.