For a few years, it seemed as though the world had collectively decided that elastic waistbands were suitable for the workplace. Not just waistbands, but elastic ankle cuffs even, with names like harem pants and carrot pants.
We traded structure for slouch, and that was okay during the pandemic where working from home was a mandate, not a bargaining tool. But with all things fashion, there’s a bounceback, and 2026 is a time where some people will be looking for ways to bring back some formalwear into their lives. But, how do we do this in a time of casualwear?
The modern silhouette
The greatest casualty of the “casual Friday” culture wasn’t so much the tie – it was the fit. When standards slipped, we became more accustomed to clothing that just covered the body rather than complementing it. As we return to formalwear, the distinction between a garment that fits okay and one that fits perfectly has never been more obvious – and it’s the nut we must first attempt to crack.
True elegance is deeply personal. The worst outcome here is that while everyone is wearing t-shirts and chinos, you look like you’re in a borrowed tux or your dad’s suit. It’s about knowing your own proportions, and off-the-rack options can fail you here. So perversely, with the reintroduction of formalwear, you need to double down on it and own your suit – not just wear one.
Many are turning to custom suits to achieve this. It’s an approach that allows for the adjustment of shoulder slope, sleeve pitch, jacket length – standard sizing simply ignores these. It’s the fit that oozes sophistication – it will make sense.
The art of structure
Once the fit is dialed in okay, the next step is then about variety. The male wardrobe was previously dominated by the safety of the single-breasted, two-button jacket in navy or charcoal. Sure, it’s still a staple, but the return of elegance requires a better vocabulary this time around.
To add weight to your presence (not literally), it’s time to reintroduce styles that offer more architectural interest. A double breasted suit creates a more commanding silhouette that is difficult to replicate with other cuts. It broadens the shoulders and nips in the waist so the overlapping fabric creates a flattering V-shape – people will be thinking you’ve been looking after yourself as your New Year’s resolution. Modern interpretations have rid themselves of the boxy, oversized look of the 1980s in favor of softer tailoring and slimmer profiles.
Every layer is intentional
All in all, this renaissance of style has to be about the details – we can’t get away with a retail look this time around. It’s the understanding that a suit is more of a composition, like the choice of a textured tie against a crisp shirt, or to wear a linen blend in the summer rather than sweating through heavy wool.
So, there is no one-size-fits-all approach – you must find your own way. But, it’s your own way that will make more sense. You wouldn’t lift your best man speech entirely from the internet, and nor should you do that with what you’re wearing when delivering it.
