From Nicholas Hoult sporting a sleek nappa leather tie at the Met Gala to Elle Fanning and Sarah Pidgeon styling the accessory like a scarf, the leather necktie is fast becoming fashion's boldest power accessory in 2026. Once a staple on Bottega Veneta runways and a favourite of Jacob Elordi, the leather tie is shifting towards sharper tailoring and softer, gender-fluid styling. Experts say its popularity reflects the growing "quiet luxury meets statement detail" trend, where subtle dressing is elevated through texture and unexpected styling.
Leather Ties Becoming Gender-Fluid
"Accessories are no longer limited by gender norms, and leather ties are a case in point," says Ravi Gupta, a creative designer at a fashion brand. He explains, "The way Sarah Pidgeon and Elle Fanning wore leather ties in a scarf-like style proves how seamlessly the accessory can transition between menswear and womenswear. Today, there is no strict divide between menswear and womenswear; instead, there is a shared 'fashion language', and these ties are becoming a natural part of it."
Leather Tie as a Power Accessory
According to fashion experts, the leather tie is the ultimate 'visual disruptor'. In 2026, power is not about fitting in; it is about breaking the frame. Ajay Jay, costume designer and stylist, says, "In Elle Fanning's recent Givenchy look, she took sharp corporate pinstripes and 'reclaimed' them with leather. It creates a 'fashion whiplash' effect, signalling a high-stakes confidence that does not need to shout to be the loudest thing in the room."
How to Style Leather Ties
Experts say moderation is key when styling leather ties. "To keep it from looking like a costume, balance the 'hard' leather with 'fluid' tailoring, such as oversized blazers or wide-leg trousers," says Ajay. He adds, "For a sophisticated look, I suggest dark-on-dark tonal layering: a black nappa leather tie against a charcoal shirt. It lets the texture do the talking while keeping the silhouette clean and cinematic."
Ravi adds that leather ties work best with understated styling. "Because leather inherently exudes a strong sense of weight, I would suggest going for lighter materials, such as fine wools or silk suiting," he says.
On the Runway
- Ferragamo included leather ties in its Spring/Summer 2026 collection.
- On Givenchy's Fall 2026 runway, designed by Sarah Burton, leather ties were styled like scarves and chokers, signalling an experimental take.
- Earlier, Bottega Veneta showcased leather ties in glossy hues on its Spring 2025 runway.
With designers like Sarah Burton proving its versatility on the global stage, the leather tie is transitioning from a niche runway piece to a permanent fixture of the 'neo-noir' lifestyle. "It is not just a trend; it is a statement of intent," concludes Ajay Jay.
