Say hello to menswear’s latest design obsession: the longline cut.
From plain T-shirts to statement jackets, longer length options are now widely available for all tastes and budgets, making their presence felt on the runways and in high street shop windows alike.
To help you nail the trend this season, we’ve rounded up the key longline styles you should be considering and offer some handy hints on how to wear them.
The Longline T-Shirt
A longline tee is the perfect way to introduce a fashion-forward twist to your downtime looks, and is easier to style than you might think.
For the best effect, team with slim- or skinny-fit trousers and jeans, which will provide a nice contrast with your oversized top. Slightly more relaxed legwear can work too, just so long as they taper around the ankle to give definition. Finish with a pair of minimal monochrome trainers for an everyday ensemble that takes its cues from contemporary streetwear.
If the weather is unpredictable, add a lightweight bomber jacket into the mix to nail that whole A$AP Rocky ‘reverse layering’ aesthetic.
Get The Look
Longline Crew Neck T-Shirt, available at Boohoo Man.
The Longline Cardigan
It may not seem like the season for a cardigan, but a longer length knit is a great transitional piece to add to your wardrobe right now. Unlike the square cut of a T-shirt, a longline cardigan should be unstructured and loose for a more relaxed vibe – look out for ‘waterfall’ or ‘cowl’ designs in particular.
To keep your silhouette streamlined, combine with slim-fit pieces in lightweight fabrics, which will help ensure you’re not drowned by the sheer bulk of material.
Wear open over a plain crew neck and team with jeans or denim shorts for those cool summer evenings.
Get The Look
ASOS Longline Cardigan With Extreme Waterfall In Jersey, available at ASOS.
The Longline Shirt
The classic button-down has been extended this season, giving us longer length options for a slightly roomier fit – great news for guys who prefer their shirts a bit more relaxed, but still want to look sharp.
To make the longline shirt work for you, be sure to opt for a straight cut that finishes about a third of a way down your thigh, keeping your silhouette looking slick, not swamped.
This is a style you definitely do not want to tuck in, as you’ll lose the whole effect of your style statement. Layer yours over dark colored trousers for maximum impact.
Get The Look
ASOS Shirt In Super Longline With Contrast Buttons, available at ASOS.
The Longline Bomber Jacket
The bomber jacket is a key trend this season, after dominating the SS15 runways and high street lookbooks. Yet if this popularity puts you off, why not try a longline design? It’s just as easy to wear, and is guaranteed to set you apart from the crowd.
The length of your jacket is the statement here, so there’s no need to go over the top with colour. Pick a deep neutral tone such as navy, grey or olive green that will slot seamlessly into your existing wardrobe and pair with everything you already own.
Then simply use it in the same way you would your traditional bomber: layered over tees, shirts, jumpers, sweatshirts and the like. This piece will take you straight through to autumn, providing a little more coverage than classic waist-length versions and making a nice alternative to your mac or parka.
Get The Look
Aviator Style Long Jacket, available at Zara,
The Longline Vest
The longline vest is all about the drape, with softer, unstructured iterations bringing a truly relaxed feel to the warm-weather staple.
Ideal for summer, a free-flowing design will keep you feeling and looking cool, especially when you’re caught in the midst of a British heat wave.
You don’t want to go tight-fitting with this style, as any hint of cling will throw off the effect. Instead, keep an eye out for relaxed cuts in lighter shades, which will sit perfectly with streetwear-inspired legwear such as tailored joggers, athletic shorts or cropped trousers.
Get The Look
Sleeveless T-shirt, available at Zara.