Top 2026 Trends: The waistcoat makes a BIG return
Trends come and go but a classic wardrobe piece like a waistcoat comes back with a bang. Waistcoats have now gone beyond the 3-piece suit and formal wear to become a cool fashion piece for both men and women. They have now found a place in the wardrobes of celebrities, office-goers and fashion lovers on the street.
The popularity of the waistcoat comes down to one key feature – it adds structure, polish, and personality to a look without making it too formal. Pair it with formal trousers, denims, skirts, or ethnic wear for a no-fuss way to look effortlessly elegant. Here is how some of the biggest celebrities and brands are styling waistcoats and why the waistcoat trend is only set to increase in 2026.
The waistcoat trend in Bollywood
Actors have always been the fashion arbiters of the world and celebrity fashion often reflects upcoming trends.
Actor Saif Ali Khan has long been a proponent of classic menswear, from timeless suits and silhouettes, heritage-style details to elegant tailoring. But his recent appearances have also highlighted the increasing buzz around old money fashion, where structured pieces are a new way to express understated luxury.
Actor Ranveer Singh has worn the waistcoat in a more modern and edgy context by styling it with strong colours, statement ensembles, and experimental combinations. From Ranveer’s style, it is clear that waistcoats need not be limited to old-fashioned formalwear only.
Waistcoats have also made a massive splash in women’s celebrity style as a new way to power dress. Stars have been pairing waistcoats as standalone tops with wide-leg trousers, skirts, and even Indian wear as a modern twist on traditional silhouettes.
The most recent star to turn heads with a waistcoat look was Genelia Deshmukh, who stole the show in July 2026 in a Mughal-style anarkali paired with a heavily embroidered velvet waistcoat. The ensemble mixed traditional handwork with polished tailoring, showing how a waistcoat can easily upgrade ethnic fashion just as well as Western wear.
Why the waistcoat trend is catching on
One of the key advantages of a waistcoat is its versatility. In Indian metros like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, where workplace fashion is getting increasingly relaxed, many professionals have moved on to wearing tailored separates rather than full-formal suits and trousers.
For men, a classic waistcoat can easily spruce up a basic shirt-and-trouser outfit. Neutral hues such as black, beige, grey, and navy also make the waistcoat appropriate for office meetings, weddings, and evening parties.
Women have been loving fitted waistcoats because they enhance their silhouette and offer more styling versatility. Pair a linen waistcoat with trousers for an on-point summer look, or go for an embroidered waistcoat over Indian ensembles for a festive feel.
Waistcoats for Gen Z in 2026
The younger generation has also been breaking away from traditional fashion rules and mixing and matching to create unique styles.
Oversized shirt paired with a fitted waistcoat for a smart casual vibe.
• Waistcoat with denims for an easy-breezy yet stylish look
• Monochrome waistcoat sets for minimalist luxury style
• Use watches, chains, or statement jewellery to complete the look in your own way
Why the waistcoat will stay in style
The re-emergence of the waistcoat is also part of a bigger fashion trend that has seen a return to timelessness and an investment in wardrobe pieces with more versatility. Tailored clothing is making a comeback and in 2026, the waistcoat has found favour with different demographics.
Whether you like your waistcoat as part of a celebrity-inspired formal ensemble, office-ready look, or even for casual street style, it is clear that this once-fusty fashion staple has found new fans. In 2026, the waistcoat is the wardrobe staple for those who want to show confidence, individuality, and modern elegance.
