12 Trending Men’s Fashion Pieces For Winter 2026

Dressing to weather the storm of trend-led fashion is our modus operandi here at Ape. Classic style is the way to go if you want to keep retrospective cringing to a minimum, but ignoring trends entirely would be doing yourself and your wardrobe a disservice.

Trends are what keep menswear ticking. Without them, there would be no ‘classic style’. Even seemingly timeless pieces like Derby shoes, Oxford shirts and straight-leg jeans were trends at some point; it’s just that they had the power to stick around.

Given this, we think it’s vital to keep an eye on what’s trending to keep your style from becoming stale. We’re not saying you should dress head-to-toe in the latest must-have pieces, but adding one or two to an otherwise conservative rotation will help keep your outfits fresh and relevant.

Here’s how to subtly update your wardrobe for the current season and as we transition into spring.

Colour-Pop Beanies

Bold-coloured beanies are popping up in all the coolest lookbooks from all the hottest brands, and it’s a look anyone can get involved in.

The beauty is its simplicity—you don’t have to be a daring dresser to wear it, but it can instantly update an otherwise unadventurous outfit while giving it a jolt of character.

We like royal blue, safety orange and primary red. For maximum contrast, wear them with neutral, beige-toned outfits.

Embroidered Outerwear

Intricate, cutesy embroidery is becoming increasingly common, thanks in no small part to brands like Bode and Story MFG. It’s not for everyone, but it can be a cool way to bring colour and playfulness to your winter outfits without relying too heavily on garish colours or overly trendy silhouettes.

We think it looks best applied to workwear-inspired pieces like overshirts and chore jackets – the juxtaposition between rugged and delicate works really well.

Relaxed-Fit Denim

If you haven’t already, please, please—for the love of God—ditch the skinny jeans. They’re beyond out of fashion at this point, and the best antidote is some relaxed-fit denim.

If you need to wean yourself off thigh-crushing legwear more gently, you could choose a nice straight-leg option instead. Not only are they more comfortable, but they’re also easier to balance, less likely to date embarrassingly, and completely age-appropriate, whether you’re 18 or 80.

Military Glam

Ex-military clothing has been a major part of civilian menswear for the last 100 years, but it’s rarely been as luxe as it is now. The clash of old formal and casual styles has seen weird alliances emerge, like camo-print trousers worn with black loafers and jungle jackets replacing traditional blazers.

We’ve also seen ultra-luxury flight jackets make a comeback, with oversized sheepskin coats that are so nice you’d wear them with literally anything.

Angular Tailoring

The dominant trend in tailoring for the past few years has been looser fits and looser rules. They’re not going anywhere yet, but one addendum is that the lines are getting sharper.

So, instead of wide trousers pooling at the ankle, we’re seeing more trouser breaks again. Those voluminous double-breasted jackets are still around, but again, the construction is a little more precise, and the drapes are straight and true.

Revisit man of the moment Paul Mescal’s red carpet fits for inspo.

Ties, weirdly

Just when you think something – anything – is dead in menswear, somebody is plotting its resurrection. And so, here we are, reminding ourselves how to tie a tie.

Of course, when the trend wheel moves like this, it never lands exactly where you think it will. Ties are back, but not necessarily with smart tailoring, which still feels plush and experimental.

Instead, ties are being used in smart-casual looks – throwback 80s outfits with striped ties worn under denim or leather jackets, not blazers. Raid your dad’s collection and style one with a striped shirt and pleated trousers.

Furry Knits

Knitwear is always tactile but right now, menswear knits are especially cuddly. Shagpile fleece is a great place to start, especially if you’re into outdoor gear. But even if you’re not, you can pick up minimalist fleece tops that are almost smart-casual in nature and wear them with jeans, chinos or cords.

There are also alpaca wool sweaters – big, colourful, and cosier than a blanket. Or, if you want something a little retro, look for a plus-size cable-knit and go full Billy Crystal.

Bob Dylan Cosplay

With eternal it-boy Timothee Chalamet playing Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown, menswear is reappraising the legendary singer’s folksy workwear style.

Suddenly, everyone is dressing like it’s Greenwich Village in 1961. Think boot-cut jeans, leather and suede jackets, checked or denim shirts, corduroy and dark sunglasses, even when it’s cloudy.

The combo feels at home amongst today’s considered casualwear. The guitar case is strictly optional, though.

Wide Legs + Zipped-Up Jackets

This combination has become something of a Gen-Z calling card, especially in the trendier corners of trendier cities. It’s a simple game of contrasts. You take a wide pair of jeans, parachute pants or another pair of baggy trousers and pair them with something much more fitted on the top, usually a cropped jacket.

Bombers, track tops and truckers are the most popular, giving the style a blokecore take on casual streetwear. They’re always zipped or buttoned up to accentuate the difference between the top and bottom.

Ametora

Ametora is the Japanese term for traditional American style, particularly from the mid-century period. Think flannels, denim jackets, jeans, blanket coats, boots and beyond.

In other words, all stuff that’s trending hard right now. It’s a great trend to jump into because it comprises entirely classic pieces. Just be careful not to wind up looking like a cosplay cowboy.

House Shoes

It’s not exactly breaking news at this point, but house shoes are still very much on trend. Particularly Birkenstock’s Boston clogs.

Given their rampant popularity, you’ll have to act fast if you want a pair, as the key colourways have sold out in winter for the last two years. Wear them with thick socks, sweatpants and a fleece, and enjoy those long, cold nights in style.

Anime Villain Overcoats

Big, flowing, lengthy and dramatic. These are perhaps the best words to describe the anime villain-esque overcoats currently taking the menswear world by storm.

Oversized tailored outerwear is having a real moment, but we feel pretty safe hopping aboard this trend—these coats are nothing new and will still look great 10, 20 or even 30 years down the line.

Plus, they go with everything, so get Googling wool overcoats, belted trenches and macs from the likes of Wax London, AMI, Burberry and COS.