While I’m in no rush to swap my flip-flops for ankle boots or linen dresses for trench coats, there is one particular Autumn/Winter 2026 trend I’m already eyeing, and luckily it’s one you can start wearing now. Enter: the long-sleeve T-shirt. 

Known for its late-’90s association with athleisure and off-duty dressing, the humble long-sleeve T-shirt is a capsule wardrobe staple that most of us already have in our arsenal. Albeit once reserved for layering beneath jumpers or reaching for on casual days, it’s now shedding its overly laid-back reputation in favour of something more polished, styled alongside satin trousers, midi skirts, and denim.

The shift was first seen on the AW26 runways, where long-sleeve styles appeared in sleek second-skin silhouettes layered under boxy T-shirts and trousers, as well as striped iterations paired with pleated midi skirts, proving its styling potential extends beyond its traditional off-duty association. And we’re definitely catching on, with searches for ‘long sleeve T-shirts’ currently up by 40% on Google Trends, further cementing it as a key trend to look out for. 

The appeal, particularly for this time of year, lies in its versatility. It offers enough coverage for a chilly morning commute without requiring a premature commitment to chunky knitwear, while adding a sleek layer to everything from jeans to tailored shorts. Consider it an easy first step into your autumn wardrobe without giving up on summer just yet.