How Stylish Men Wear Their Suits to Work in 2026

“There is one item that was everywhere this season,” proclaims our guide to this season’s menswear trends. “The tie.” Once thought extinct, this simple accessory is the key to tailoring’s new mood: cool and classically refined. When it comes to workwear, it is clear why ties were mandatory for so long. A tie is still a signal of professionalism and confidence in menswear. The only thing to get right is the colour: white shirts go with everything; light blue shirts look best with navy, greys and burgundies; and pink shirts pair well with navy and deep reds.  

One step down on the formal ladder, you have your two-piece suit worn with knitwear. Think sleek rollnecks, quarter-zips and cardigans made from the finest wool and cashmere. This season, you’ll find these from Loro Piana (in-store only), Prada, Ralph Lauren and – a brand that should be on every man’s radar – Colombo. This family-run business specialises in only the finest, rarest fabrics in the world, including kid wool, vicuña and its ‘Cashmere 4.0’, the latter made from hollow yarns for extraordinary lightness and comfort.  

“I’ve been in the finance world for over three decades,” a Visa senior account executive told us last year, “and I’ve seen it evolve from banker’s suits into jeans and a smart top with trainers.” That shift to more casual workwear is evident across most industries. To integrate jeans into your tailoring, simply retain the blazer and lose the tie – a more casual top like a knit, polo or T-shirt also work well here. Then, instead of smart lace-ups, choose a classic Chelsea boot, loafer or an elevated trainer – leather options like Zegna’s TripleStitch or Brunello Cucinelli’s suede low-tops are what we have in mind. The result is modern and relaxed but still work-appropriate.  

When this writer watched the men’s shows in Paris and Milan, one styling choice particularly caught his attention: a leather jacket worn like a blazer, paired with suit trousers, a shirt and a tie. For leather jackets, look to specialists like Valstar – a Milanese brand founded in 1911 – and Loewe, rooted in its heritage as an artisanal leather workshop. Other fine options this season come via Our Legacy, Canali and Wax London. Like a blazer, though, the jacket should be neat and free from embellishments – no studs, zips and flashy appliqués here.