Tailoring is sticking around for 2026—but women’s tailoring is getting decidedly softer. We’re seeing less intimidating shoulders, stiff waistlines and superstructured suits. Instead, relaxed blazers, flowy trousers, soft fabrics and easy silhouettes are dominating our feeds. It’s tailoring that looks good but doesn’t make you feel like you’re suited up for a boardroom all day.
Indian celebrities are proving tailoring can be feminine, without trying too hard to be formal. Deepika Padukonerocking oversized jackets, Alia Bhatt in relaxed trousers and Sonam Kapoor Ahuja’s modern suit separates are just a few examples.
The key is in how you style it. A blazer worn with a crop top looks worlds apart from the same blazer paired with a button-down shirt. Wide trousers might look corporate with heels but completely lived-in with sneakers. That’s why we love this trend—it’s versatile enough to work for everyday women, not just celebs.
Here’s everything you need to know about soft tailoring, one of this year’s most wearable trends.
WHAT IS IT?
Tailoring done loosely instead of fitted to your body.
Traditional tailoring usually has boxy shoulders, clean cuts and stiff fabrics. In soft tailoring, those same elements are relaxed. An oversized blazer, a pair of wide-leg trousers, a draped waistcoat or even a relaxed coordinating set are all examples of soft tailoring.
Essentially, you still look sharp—but your clothes won’t stay glued to your body.
SOFT TAILORING- WHY IS IT TRENDING?
Hybrid work did a number on what women want from their office wardrobe. A blazer has to work for a Zoom meeting, coffee with colleagues and a night out— not just sitting in a desk nine to five.
Say hello to relaxed tailoring.
The trend for comfortable clothing, oversized clothing and quiet luxury also has something to do with it. These days, many women don’t want one wardrobe for work, and another for weekends. Instead, they’re looking for pieces that can be restyled for multiple occasions.
HOW CAN WE STYLE IT?
Office style: Pair a relaxed blazer with wide-leg trousers and a fitted top. Keep colours neutral for an easy work look.
Casual: Throw on an oversized blazer with your favourite pair of jeans and sneakers. Mixing smart fabrics with casual clothes keeps the outfit from feeling too stiff or formal.
Evening Out: Exchange the button-down shirt for a camisole under your blazer, or swap the flats for heels or statement jewellery.
Indian wear: Pair a relaxed blazer with a kurta, saree, or contemporary ethnic set for an Indo-Western look.
BEST ITEMS TO SHOP
You don’t need an entire suit. A single oversized blazer is an easy place to start—bonus points if it’s black, beige, grey, chocolate brown or navy. You can also invest in a pair of wide-leg trousers to team with your blazer.
FABRIC CHOICES FOR INDIA
Lightweight linen blend trousers, cotton shirts and trousers, and lightweight wool blazers will keep you cool, and look great with all your existing tailoring pieces.
