The Best Menswear Trends We Saw in Paris FW26 This Season
From the rise of Cloud Dancer white to the return of the cravat and the dominance of futuristic monolens eyewear, the men on Paris runways offered subtle clues about the trends set to shape FW26
Paris Fashion Week in March is primarily dedicated to womenswear, but the increasing presence of co-ed shows means the men on the runway often offer an early glimpse into where menswear is headed. This season was no exception.
While the official focus remained on women’s collections, several houses presented looks worn by male models that outlined the aesthetic direction for F/W 2026.
The trends that emerged focused more on styling details. Certain colors appeared repeatedly, accessories took on a more expressive role, and traditional elements of menswear were reinterpreted with a lighter touch.
From a softer shade of white to the revival of the cravat and the rise of futuristic eyewear, these were the menswear trends from Paris Fashion Week that stood out.
READ ALSO: The 6 Menswear Trends That Defined Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks
Cloud Dancer
One of the most noticeable colors across several shows was Cloud Dancer, a soft white tone that Pantone has identified as the color of the year for 2026. Unlike stark white, it has a slightly warmer and more muted quality, making it easier to wear across different pieces.
Designers incorporated the shade in a range of garments. Niccolò Pasqualetti featured sweaters in the tone, while Celine presented trench coats that highlighted the color’s clean appeal. Lacoste experimented with a monochromatic approach, showing a full look composed of a Cloud Dancer raincoat, boots, and a matching bag.
Its appeal lies in its versatility. The color works well as a neutral base and can be easily paired with darker tones or worn head to toe for a minimalist look.
Cravats
Another detail that appeared across several collections was the cravat. Traditionally associated with formal or historical dress, the accessory was reintroduced this season with a more relaxed and modern approach.
At shows including Celine, Ann Demeulemeester, and Off-White, cravats were styled loosely around the neck rather than tightly tied. Designers draped the fabric casually, crossing the ends or tucking them inside shirts and beneath blazers.
The result was a softer alternative to the traditional necktie or bow tie. The styling approach also makes the accessory adaptable, allowing it to work with formal tailoring as well as more relaxed outfits such as an open-collared shirt layered under a blazer.
Monolens eyewear
Accessories also played a significant role in shaping the overall look of the season. Monolens sunglasses, often referred to as shield eyewear, emerged as a standout accessory across several runways.
Characterized by a single continuous lens that stretches across the face, the eyewear creates a bold and futuristic visual effect. Designers used the glasses as a focal point within otherwise streamlined outfits.
Brands such as Enfants Riches Déprimés and Loewe incorporated monolens eyewear into their styling, pairing the glasses with both casual and tailored looks, which emphasized the accessory’s sporty and forward-looking character.
Phthalo green
While the season leaned heavily on neutrals, phthalo green appeared as a strong accent color across multiple shows. The shade, which has also been identified as a “people’s choice” color of the year for 2026, stood out for its intensity.
Off-White, Balenciaga, and Lacoste used the color to punctuate otherwise understated outfits. In many cases it appeared as a single statement piece, such as a jacket or knitwear, set against neutral tones like black, gray, white, or beige.
Together, these elements offered a preview of the styling directions shaping menswear for Fall/Winter 2026. Rather than introducing entirely new silhouettes, designers focused on subtle shifts through color and accessories.
