THE SUMMER 2026 TREND REPORT

For 2026, function is the main event in fashion. But this isn’t gorpcore as you know it. The mood in menswear is all about utility dressing that feels refined. Think lightweight technical jackets thrown over clean-cut trousers, or high-performance fabrics reworked into everyday silhouettes. Built to withstand the elements – whether you’re strolling the city or scaling a mountain – this summer is for investing in clothes that work hard and feel easy.

GET THE LOOK: 

01: Liquor N Poker buckle detail harrington jacket in khaki, £55
02: AIRE x Von Dutch Outlawed wrap around sunglasses in matte black, £50
03: Weekday oversized parachute trousers in washed light beige, £55
04: ASOS DESIGN backpack with drawstring detail in black, £26
05: ASOS DESIGN oversized track jacket in light brown, £55

Sport has never really left mainstream fashion since its explosion in the 80s and 90s. And right now we’re looking backwards at those golden years of athleisure. Shell jackets, zip-through track tops and short shorts return with a renewed confidence. Your favourite sweatpants are suddenly cropping up everywhere but the gym. And the key to all this retro sportswear? Clever contrast: whether you offset performance activewear with smarter trousers and cotton shirts, or layer colours and textures for a more directional feel.

GET THE LOOK: 

01: adidas Originals Archive blocked track top in red and white, £65
02: adidas Originals Rekord trainers in white and blue, £90
03: Bershka Retro sport t-shirt in white, £25.99
04: Nike Waffle Racer trainers in blue and white, £79.99
05: Alma De Ace panelled pexa shorts co-ord in white and blue, £70

Short shorts have been working their way around the room for a few summers now, but 2026 takes things in a more grown-up direction. That’s not to say your cut-offs are getting longer, necessarily, but tailored silhouettes are all the rage. Whether it’s sharp Bermudas or sleek cotton crops, baring your legs has never felt more formal. To really stretch your elevated instincts, pair with socks and loafers – but tailored shorts look just as great with a low-profile trainer.

GET THE LOOK: 

01: ASOS DESIGN smart pleated wide shorts in beige melange, £30
02: Weekday oversized suiting shorts in black, £46
03: ASOS DESIGN chino jort with pleats in long length in grey, £25
04: ASOS DESIGN smart pleated bermuda shorts in brown, £28

If quiet luxury has dominated recent runways, this summer is pushing back. Print, colour and visual texture will be everywhere this season. The bolder the pattern, the better. Anything slightly offbeat, like abstract florals or unexpected animal print, is right on the money. And don’t be afraid to clash colours and textures. It’s all about dressing with a sense of joie de vivre. It is summer, after all.

GET THE LOOK: 

01: Selected X Hotel amour workwear jacket in bright blue, £85
02: ASOS DESIGN oversized seersucker shirt with placement print, £32
03: Nike LD-1000 trainers in orange and green, £89.99
04: ICECREAM parlor double scoop all over printed jeans co-ord in multi, £160
05: ASOS DESIGN boxy oversized t-shirt in blue stripe, £18
06: Puma Speedcat trainers in team light blue-silver sky, £90
07: ASOS DESIGN boxy oversized polo with all over print, £26

Trainers will always have a place in our roster, but warmer weather makes space for experimentation. It’s time to let your dogs out – be it through flip-flops, sandals
or fisherman flats. The weirder the shoe, frankly, the better. Bright colours? Check. Funky textures? Check check. To keep things from feeling too OTT, balance your steppers with relaxed basics like jeans and a classic tee.

GET THE LOOK: 

01: Mango 100% leather flip flops in black, £49.99
02: ASOS DESIGN cross over strap sandals in tumbled black, £30
03: SEQWL flip flops in black/red, £8
04: Keen Uneek sandals in black, £110
05: SEQWL Kidman woven sliders in brown, £22
06: adidas Originals Japan trainers in brown and yellow, £90