The 2026 Oscars: A Masterclass in Modern Tailoring
Posted: Mar 17 2026
The 2026 Oscars: A Masterclass in Modern Tailoring
The Oscars have always been a showcase for exceptional tailoring, and this year's ceremony certainly didn't disappoint. While Hollywood's leading ladies traditionally attract most of the fashion headlines, the gentlemen of the 2026 Academy Awards gave us plenty to talk about.
From beautifully cut traditional tuxedos to oversized silhouettes, unconventional collars and a surprising amount of jewellery, the red carpet demonstrated just how much room there is for individuality within formal menswear.
At Tailor On Ten, we're always interested in what makes a great suit. Beyond the designer labels and celebrity names, it's the proportions, fabrics and finishing details that really catch our attention. Here are some of our favourite looks from the evening, and what we can learn from them.
Leonardo DiCaprio – You Can't Beat a Classic
Leonardo DiCaprio proved once again that you don't need to reinvent the tuxedo to look fantastic.
His black Dior dinner suit featured a classic shawl collar, worn with a crisp white dress shirt, black bow tie and patent leather shoes. The proportions were spot on, with a comfortably tailored jacket and trousers that fell neatly without looking restrictive.
The shawl collar is particularly worth mentioning. Unlike a peaked lapel, which creates a sharper, more angular silhouette, the continuous curve of a shawl collar gives a dinner jacket a softer, more understated elegance. It's a style that has been around for generations, and for good reason.
The finishing touch was a vintage Boucheron bee brooch, adding just enough personality without distracting from the suit itself.
Our verdict: A perfect example of why a well-fitted black tuxedo never goes out of fashion. If you're investing in your first dinner suit, this is an excellent place to start.
Timothée Chalamet – Breaking the Black-Tie Rules
Timothée Chalamet has never been one to play it safe on the red carpet, and this year was no exception.
His custom Givenchy ensemble, designed by Sarah Burton, featured an off-white double-breasted jacket with peaked lapels, generously cut double-pleated trousers, a white shirt and matching silk tie.
There are several interesting tailoring choices here.
First, the double-breasted construction naturally creates a broader chest and a more defined waist. Combined with peaked lapels, it gives the jacket a distinctly formal appearance, even in an unconventional colour.
The trousers, meanwhile, were deliberately voluminous. Pleats provide additional room through the hips and thighs, allowing the fabric to fall more freely. It's a noticeable departure from the slim, close-fitting trousers that dominated menswear for much of the last decade.
The off-white wool also deserves attention. Wool is an excellent choice for formal tailoring because it holds its shape, drapes beautifully and recovers well from creasing. In lighter colours, the quality of the fabric and the precision of the cut become particularly important.
We're not entirely convinced by the oversized boots, but we certainly appreciate the willingness to experiment.
Our verdict: Not a look for everyone, but a great demonstration of how double-breasted tailoring and pleated trousers can create a modern silhouette without abandoning traditional construction.
Jacob Elordi – The Return of Relaxed Tailoring
If there was one clear direction in men's tailoring this year, it was a move towards more generous proportions.
Jacob Elordi's Bottega Veneta tuxedo captured this beautifully.
His outfit featured an elongated jacket with wide lapels, double-pleated trousers and a double-breasted waistcoat. The result was a relaxed three-piece ensemble with a distinctly vintage feel.
What makes this interesting is the balance between the different elements. The wider lapels complement the generous shoulders, while the fuller trousers prevent the upper half from looking disproportionately large.
This is an important distinction. Relaxed tailoring isn't simply a matter of ordering a suit two sizes too big. The shoulders, armholes, jacket length and trouser rise still need to be carefully considered.
The double-breasted waistcoat was another excellent choice, adding structure and visual interest beneath the jacket.
Our verdict: One of our favourite silhouettes of the evening. A reminder that a beautifully tailored suit doesn't need to be tight to look sharp.
Michael B. Jordan – A Different Kind of Formalwear
Michael B. Jordan took home the Best Actor award, but his outfit deserves some recognition of its own.
Rather than wearing a traditional tuxedo, Jordan opted for a custom black Louis Vuitton ensemble featuring a Nehru-style stand-up collar.
The absence of conventional lapels created a wonderfully clean silhouette. With no contrasting satin facings or traditional shirt-and-bow-tie combination, the focus shifted almost entirely to the shape and construction of the jacket.
This kind of minimalist tailoring is deceptively difficult to get right. When there are fewer decorative details, every element of the fit becomes more noticeable.
A subtle pocket chain added a touch of personality, breaking up the otherwise uninterrupted black fabric.
Our verdict: Proof that formalwear can be distinctive without being extravagant. We wouldn't necessarily recommend a Nehru collar for someone's only formal suit, but it's an interesting option for those looking to expand their wardrobe.
Kieran Culkin – A Welcome Splash of Colour
Black may dominate the Oscars, but Kieran Culkin demonstrated that colour can work beautifully in formal tailoring.
His rust-brown Paul Smith dinner jacket featured contrasting satin peaked lapels, paired with black trousers and a black shirt.
The warm brown tone was a refreshing change from the usual sea of black and navy.
What we particularly like is the contrast between the jacket's textured appearance and the smoother, more reflective lapels. Combining different finishes creates depth, even when the overall colour palette remains relatively restrained.
For anyone considering a dinner jacket in something other than black, deep burgundy, forest green and chocolate brown are all excellent alternatives.
A sculptural Sauvereign brooch completed the outfit.
Our verdict: A great example of using colour and texture to make a statement while retaining the elegance of traditional eveningwear.
The Details That Made the Difference
Beyond the individual outfits, several interesting trends emerged from this year's red carpet.
Wider lapels are back. After years of extremely narrow lapels, we're seeing a return to more traditional widths, particularly on double-breasted jackets. A wider peaked lapel creates a stronger chest and can help balance broader shoulders.
Trousers are getting roomier. Pleats, higher rises and fuller legs appeared throughout the evening. We're pleased to see a return to trousers that prioritise elegant drape and comfortable movement rather than simply being as slim as possible.
Texture matters. Velvet, wool and satin all made appearances. The contrast between a matte jacket fabric and glossy silk lapels is one of the defining features of traditional eveningwear. A velvet dinner jacket offers another way to introduce depth without relying on bright colours or patterns.
Brooches are having a moment. From DiCaprio's tiny bee to the more elaborate jewelry worn by other attendees, lapel accessories were everywhere. We're all for a little individuality, although a simple pocket square or discreet boutonniere remains an excellent alternative.
What Can We Take Away From the 2026 Oscars?
The biggest lesson from this year's red carpet is that great tailoring isn't about following one particular trend.
Some of the best-dressed men wore traditional black tuxedos. Others experimented with oversized jackets, unconventional collars or unusual colours. What made the successful looks work was a clear understanding of proportion, fabric and personal style.
And that's something we firmly believe in at Tailor On Ten.
A suit should complement the person wearing it, not the other way around. Whether you prefer a classic single-breasted tuxedo with silk shawl lapels, a structured double-breasted jacket or something a little more adventurous, the right fabric and a carefully considered fit make all the difference.
You may not have an Oscars invitation waiting in your mailbox, but there's no reason you can't borrow a little Hollywood inspiration for your next suit.
After all, you don't need a red carpet to dress well.
