How GQ Readers Shopped In February 2026

Why You Bought It: There’s a time and a place for some snug elastic at the hem of a pair of sweats, but for anyone who hasn’t experienced the joy of a fully unfettered ankle while loafing—or hasn’t experienced it recently—do understand you’re missing out.

What You Should Buy Next: For a minute we thought people were starting to wear real pants again, but hey, we’re not judging the return to sweats. Our favorite pair overall is from Reigning Champ. The Canadian company has been a leader in the genre for decades (even if they’re not exactly a household name like Champion or Hanes), and it’s the attention to detail at every step of the process that sets them apart from the rest.

The Sexier Sequel: Creed Absolu Aventus

The Story: The Best Fragrance Flankers Prove That Instant Classics Can Use an Upgrade

Why You Bought It: Where the original Aventus leans fruit-and-woods-forward, Absolu opens with subtle sweet nods to that familiar DNA but dries down into a spicier, woodier blend of patchouli, vetiver, labdanum, and cinnamon for warmth and complexity without sacrificing the opulent wearability that made Aventus iconic. The all-black matte bottle completes the vibe, reinforcing its richer tone with an evening-leaning elegance and a commanding presence to match. Once a limited release and now a permanent fixture, it’s not exactly wallet-friendly, but as a reinvented modern classic in its own right, it’s worth every (s)cent.

What You Should Buy Next: Fragrance flankers are essentially remixes of popular scents to appeal to a wider range of people. If you have a favorite scent, it’s possible there’s an adjacent fragrance for you out there.

The Jacob Elordi Cosplay: Arc’teryx Beta Jacket

The Story: Jacob Elordi, in an Arc’teryx Jacket, Winks at the Menswear Bros