Like meteorology and sports betting, predicting success in the fashion industry is an imperfect science because there are just too many factors at play.
That said, I’ve worked in and around the industry for 15 years, so I’ve learned a thing or two about spotting sustainable success. There are five relatively low-profile brands that set themselves up in 2025 to do big things in 2026. Of course, they likely won’t all become household names this year, but each one is worth keeping an eye on.
Each brand on this list has a distinct backstory. There’s a Tennessee denim brand that boot-strapped its way to a fleshed-out clothing company, a renowned designer who finally launched his own label, an in-house brand for a massive online retailer that can now stand on its own merits and a white label brand launching its own direct-to-consumer line.
One factor that every brand on this list has in common is a demonstrated profound care for where and how its clothes are made. Transparency about the origins of materials and the locations of factories is a clear indication that a brand prioritizes quality.
Without further ado, and in no particular order, here are the five men’s clothing brands that I’m keeping an eager eye on in 2026.
