We may still be wearing this season’s knitwear, but as is the nature of the fashion industry, we’re already looking to the year ahead. Up first: the menswear Autumn/Winter 2026 runways across Milan and Paris, where Jonathan Anderson spotlighted sequin vest tops at Dior, Pharrell Williams honed in on the Louis Vuitton monogram, and Issey Miyake played with sculptural ponchos — each offering a distinctly different take on what menswear could look like next season. But despite this variety, there were some clear common threads.

As expected for a winter fashion season, almost every house touched on knitwear, whether through dip-dyed wools or fine V-neck cashmere. And while the classics — a navy crewneck, a full-zip jumper or a preppy polo knit — can be gently brushed over for now, safe in the knowledge they’ll always be in favour, it’s the more statement-making styles that deserve closer attention. And chances are, you’ve worn at least one before.

3 Menswear Knitwear Trends

Classic Cable Knits

Ah, the cable knit, a long-loved staple that clothed cool kids from the 60s through to the 80s, and was later cemented by Ralph Lauren as a preppy go-to. Its origins, however, are said to lie with fishermen of the Aran Islands off Ireland’s west coast, lending the style its alternative name: the Aran sweater. For Autumn/Winter 2026, designers appear to be moving away from classic cream, cricket-jumper shades and towards richer reds and deep navies, as seen at Louis Vuitton and Hermès. Style simply with jeans, chinos or wide-leg trousers, and let the knit take centre stage.

Intricately Detailed Cardigans

If you were to look to just one menswear show this season, Amiri would be a strong contender. Where camp meets cool meets cowboy, the collection featured embroidered ties styled with pink tailoring, red leather waistcoats and cardigans so intricately detailed they demanded a second glance. Yet, Amiri wasn’t alone. At Wooyoungmi, references to winter-heavy cultures and heritage craft came through in striking yet familiar designs, including Scandinavian-inspired yoke cardigans that felt both comforting and directional.

Retro-Print Jumpers

Once dismissed as ‘ugly’, statement jumpers appear to be having another moment. Hermès, Louis Vuitton and Acne Studios were among the labels pushing bold checks, Fair Isle patterns and retro stripes back into the spotlight, proving that, yes, they were acceptable in the 80s but they're back again today. These are knits that benefit from simple styling — classic corduroys, dark-wash denim or sharply tailored trousers will all balance out the boldness — proving that personality still has a place in modern menswear.