The 'Boring' Black Suit Is Back!
Male actors are back to showing up in staid, stiff upper lip suits
2026 marks a significant shift in the red carpet space for menswear, transitioning from fun and adventurous to bordering on safe and predictable. The last few seasons saw shirtless tailoring, cummerbunds and unexpected colours on male celebrities. The likes of Harry Styles, Jared Leto, Timothee Chalamet and Jeremy Allen White completely transformed the menswear scene with boundary-pushing ensembles, edgy tailoring from designers like Haider Ackermann and Alessandro Michele during their photo-ops. There was a consistent push towards gender-neutral styles, fluid tailoring and plenty of skin show. However, of late, the menswear's collective focus seems to be on the black evening suit synonymous with the minimal nineties' red carpet when it was hard to picture a man in anything else at Cannes or on the Golden Globes red carpet but a staid black tuxedo.
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Let's talk about Timothée Chalamet who's always been a veritable risk-taker when it comes to red carpet dressing. At the Golden Globes red carpet, the Marty Supreme star showed up in a black T-shirt; vest, jacket and Timberland boots with silver buttons by Chrome Hearts, offset with a Cartier necklace. Even Jacob Elordi, Colman Domingo and Jeremy Allen White showed up in tuxedos by Bottega Veneta, Valentino and Louis Vuitton respectively. Even at other global events, film premieres and magazine dinners, Hollywood actors have been partial to the tried-and-tested funeral suit. A case in point being Paul Mescal who's worn Gucci black evening suits for almost every red carpet appearance of late. Back home, actors like Shahid Kapoor and Varun Dhawan swear by their black suits too. Though this shift in preferences also shows that menswear styling is increasingly getting fine-tuned, precise and exacting. The drama synonymous with theatrical ensembles maybe missing but one can’t overlook the wave of laidback elegance.
A return to precise tailoring!
Designer Rahul Khanna of the label Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna known for embellished evening suits, sees a return to true tailoring synonymous with finish, fabric, and a non-fussy, elegant approach. "The black suit allows attitude and presence to lead. It’s no longer about excess; it’s about refinement. Black today represents confidence, control, and modern power dressing," says Rahul. He points out that adventure hasn’t disappeared, it’s become more considered. "The return of the brooch, the thin tie, even the sash, is a statement in itself. These details signal a shift toward intelligent styling rather than loud experimentation!" While the off-kilter menswear ensembles always broke the internet (who can forget Ludovic de Saint Sernin’s leather gear on Alexander Skarsgård?), now the fashion clock is pointing towards being fuss-free and understated. A case in point being Ishaan Khatter's stark tux he wore with an open collar shirt for Homebound promotions.
Reclaiming Power
Experts observe that the return of the black suit isn’t about playing it safe but about reclaiming power. After years of exaggerated silhouettes, loud colours and novelty dressing, there’s a renewed appetite for clarity and confidence. Designer Saggar Mehra points out that his menswear clients are gravitating towards black because it instantly communicates authority, maturity and restraint. "On a red carpet that’s visually crowded, black tailoring stands out precisely because it’s quiet, intentional and timeless. It allows the wearer, not the outfit, to take centre stage," says Sagar. "The experimentation today lies in cut, construction and attitude rather than obvious drama".
90s Introspective Reinterpretation
What we’re seeing is a shift from surface-level flamboyance to understated sophistication. The 90s influence is strong, but it’s being reinterpreted for a modern man who values sharp tailoring, precision and confidence over excess. Think Tom Cruise in Eyes Wide Shut (1999) or Christian Bale in American Psycho (2000). Designer Sahil Kochhar points out that the 90's association with black tuxedos and evening jackets is inevitable, but today’s interpretation feels more introspective. "We are seeing a shift from ‘look at me’ dressing to ‘look closer’ dressing. Stark minimalism isn’t replacing adventurous menswear, and it is refining it. The adventure now lies in the precision of the shoulder, the softness of the lapel, the tension between structure and fluidity," he says.
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In many ways, black tailoring on the red carpet today mirrors where men are culturally seeking clarity, permanence, and quiet authority. When done well, a black suit doesn’t disappear; it distills. It becomes a canvas where the man, not the outfit, takes centre stage. In fact, minimalism right now feels aspirational; it signals self-assurance and a refined sense of style rather than a need to impress.
Black Evening Suit Picks
Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna
Own the night in this densely embroidered tuxedo look from Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna. Offset it with a classic Cartier tank watch and a pair of metallic loafers.
Falguni Shane Peacock
Shahid Kapoor sure knows the power of a statement-making noir suit. This zipper accented look works well with a pair of leather pants and even trainers.
Sahil Kochhar
This gleaming evening dinner jacket with metallic accent doesn't need much styling. Perhaps add some cocktail rings and fold up the sleeves till the elbow to add a bit of nonchalance.
Saggar Mehra
This embroidered cocktail jacket looks best without a shirt, or you could add a sheer vest or a tank inside. Complete the look with Chelsea boots.
