4 of the coolest men's shirt trends to shop right now, according to stylists

Written by Krystin Arneson
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4 of the coolest men's shirt trends to shop right now, according to stylists

There’s been a few major style shifts in the works over the past couple of seasons: Fits are getting looser and baggier from top to toe, ‘90s and Y2K styles are infiltrating our closets again, and brown and cream are taking the place of go-to blacks and whites. 

If you’re in need of a few new pieces to get you through the rest of the winter and into the spring, consider this your guide to the best men’s shirt trends to get in on right now — plus the coolest picks for each.  

“For winter, the best men’s shirts are the ones that balance comfort with structure,” says Anna Lavo, celebrity fashion stylist. “I love a well-cut button-up in heavier fabrics like brushed cotton, twill, cashmere or flannel: They feel warm but still look polished, especially layered under a coat or blazer.” 

But if you’re someone who likes to stick with the basics, that’s cool too. Just pay attention to fit and fabric quality for a look that’s always elevated.

“Fit matters more than trend here: A clean shoulder line and the right length instantly elevate even the simplest shirt,” says Lavo. 

Ready for an update? We spoke with stylists to get their top picks from the biggest men’s shirt trends in 2026. Read on to discover and shop their favorites.

Stylists’ top picks for men’s shirts this year

Rugby shirts: KOTN Rugby Shirt, $148. This boldly striped rugby shirt is a modern take on a vintage great.

$148 KOTN

Textured button-downs: Mr. P Organic Cotton-Corduroy Western Shirt, $266. Rich chocolate tones elevate a rugged staple for layering or wearing alone.

$266 Mr. Porter

Quarter- and half-zips: BURBERRY Checked Wool Half-Zip Sweater, $1,150. Make zip sweaters cool again with this investment piece that’ll last season after season.

$1,150 Mr. Porter

Cashmere polos: THE ELDER STATESMAN Dume Rugby Cashmere Polo Sweater, $1,490. The definition of quiet luxury in a wear-forever shirt in a modern cut.

$1,490 Mr. Porter

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Rugby shirts KOTN Rugby Shirt

“Rugby shirts are definitely trending right now — so sporty yet casual,” says Sahra Brandt, an LA- and Bay Area-based personal stylist at Shop the City. 

You might have last worn them in middle school, but they’re back for grownups in a big way: “Rugby shirts absolutely work for grownups when they’re styled right,” says Lavo. 

How to find a cool rugby shirt this year? Easy. “I look for solid colors or subtle stripes, heavier cotton, and a tailored fit: something that feels refined rather than nostalgic,” says Lavo. 

She suggests pairing them with tailored trousers or dark denim, so they “look intentional and modern.” 

$148 at KOTN

“Stripes are making their comeback in rugby styled shirts for men,” says Vancouver-based fashion stylist Heather Jude, founder at Jude Canada. 

Look for ones with a ‘70s flair via a distinct collar and button-up neckline. “I love this Kotn rugby shirt since its unisex and offers a different pattern of striped from everyone else,” says Jude. “It says you see the trend and raise it a fresh new perspective.”

Pros

  • ✓ Retro stylings and oversized fit look cool, not juvenile
  • ✓ Unisex
  • ✓ Lots of colors available

Cons

  • ✕ Oversized fit in heavy fabric might work better for some body types

Textured button-downs Mr. P Organic Cotton-Corduroy Western Shirt

Latte tones are back in a big way this year, and this shirt leans into the trend in a richly decadent way. “Brown is an underrated neutral for men: It’s rich, versatile, and instantly makes an outfit feel more considered,” says Lavo. 

This might look like a simple shirt, but there’s some extra consideration that’s gone into it, which ups the ante on your look, too.

“I love this button-down because it elevates a classic silhouette through fabric and color,” says Lavo. “The dark brown corduroy adds texture and warmth, which makes it feel perfect for winter without looking heavy or stiff.”

Plus, you can dress it up or down — and wear it as an overshirt layer when the weather starts to warm up. 

“It pairs beautifully with wool trousers and leather boots for a polished look, but it’s just as easy to dress down with jeans and sneakers or loafers,” says Lavo.

$266 at Mr. Porter

Button-downs are always a go-to, but swap out cotton ones for some great textures: Think brushed fabrics,

Pros

  • ✓ Subtle Western details at pockets don’t scream cowboy
  • ✓ Plush texture makes this look less “back at the ranch”
  • ✓ Cool fastenings give it extra detail

Cons

  • ✕ It’s gonna show the doghair.

Quarter- and half-zips BURBERRY Checked Wool Half-Zip Sweater

“This wool half-zip sweater is a great example of how small details can completely elevate a classic piece,” says Lavo. “The grey color keeps it timeless and versatile, while the beautifully detailed zipper adds a subtle, chic accent that makes it feel intentional rather than basic.”

How to pair it so it looks more modern than dadcore? 

“It layers perfectly over a T-shirt or button-down and works just as well with tailored trousers as it does with denim,” says Lavo. “It’s the kind of sweater that feels polished without trying too hard — ideal for everyday wear that still looks refined.”

$1,150 at Mr. Porter

“Quarter zips are back, but the key is restraint,” says Lavo. “The best versions are minimal, fine-gauge knits in neutral or rich tones, worn as a layering piece rather than a statement.” 

Don’t be scared: You might associate them with your square manager at work, but the new generation is making them cool again. “When the fabric and fit are right, they feel classic and effortless – not corporate or dated,” says Lavo.

Pros

  • ✓ Slightest hint of Burberry tartan is a quiet-luxury kinda vibe
  • ✓ Looks great no matter the occasion
  • ✓ Goes with browns and blacks

Cons

  • ✕ Above-average price tag, but the quality is there

Cashmere polos THE ELDER STATESMAN Dume Rugby Cashmere Polo Sweater

Perfectly modern but undoubtedly timeless, this sweater is one of those investment pieces you’ll be glad to have in your closet for seasons to come. 

“This cashmere rugby polo is one of those pieces that instantly elevates a man’s wardrobe,” says Lavo. “The oversized fit feels modern and relaxed, while the grey color keeps it timeless and easy to style with everything from tailored trousers to denim.” 

Plus, cashmere makes for a great three-season kind of material — or even four, if you live somewhere with cool, breezy summer nights.

$1,490 at Mr. Porter

Polos are back in a big way, but add in cashmere and you get an upmarket, quiet-luxury vibe to a timeless look.

“Cashmere adds softness and warmth without bulk, which makes it perfect for layering through the colder months,” says Lavo. “It’s on the pricier side, but it’s a true investment: the kind of piece you’ll reach for year after year because it always works.”

Pros

  • ✓ Cashmere is always a good idea
  • ✓ Modern, slouchy shape ups the cool factor on this sweater

Cons

  • ✕ Price tag makes this an investment piece (though one you’ll actually wear forever)

Expert Spotlight

Anna Lavo is an NYC-based celebrity fashion stylist who has run her own company for more than 11 years. She’s worked with more than 500 clients, including not just individual clients but celebrities, fashion campaigns, social media content, photoshoots, and model styling.

Sahra Brandt is the LA lead stylist at Shop the City. She’s spent the last 18 years in the fashion industry, from model to buyer, and has been a personal stylist for the past eight years. She received her degree from New York City’s LIM College with a degree in fashion merchandising. Brandt’s also written for New York Magazine and been featured in Real Simple, People, Bustle, and more.

Vancouver-based Heather Jude is the founder and designer behind bespoke fashion label Jude Canada, which specializes in elevated, romantic women’s eventwear. She debuted her first runway collection in May 2025; prior to launching, she was a former senior designer at Tonic Active and a freelance stylist.

FAQ

  • We only spoke to qualified dermatologist to recommend products for this article. 
  • All recommendations from the featured dermatologist and skincare professionals are independently chosen. They don’t have any brand affiliation with featured brands or products.
  • We never pay experts for their recommendations.

If These Walls Could Talk” operates independently and exercises sole editorial discretion in all content decisions. While certain brands, products, or services referenced may have current or prior relationships with our affiliated marketing agency, such relationships do not influence our editorial content. We disclaim any liability for conflicts of interest, omissions, or outcomes arising from reliance on our content. All information is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as professional or individualized advice.

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