G-STAR AW 26 AND THE RETURN OF THE ARC JEAN
G-STAR knows how to stay true to itself while consistently pushing for creative innovation. Every time a new collection from the Amsterdam-based label rolls out, its commitment to delivering outstanding craft and design is constantly renewed, and its boundaries stretched even further.
The recently presented AW 26 collection does exactly this. While remaining deeply anchored in the brand’s timeless identity and craft, it also takes a bolder approach, especially with the long-awaited comeback of the ARC jean, one of G-STAR’s most distinctive creations.
The new collection’s seasonal offering explores strong silhouettes, structured tailoring and utilitarian influences, balancing contemporary proportions with the functional details that have long defined the brand. Alongside it sits the ARCHETYPES line, where G-STAR looks to its own archive as a blueprint. Inspired by classic denim, military and workwear uniforms, the collection reinterprets familiar silhouettes through more elevated fabrics and thoughtful construction.
What truly defines this new collection is the return of the ARC jean, coming back nearly two decades later as an inspired evolution of the same iconic design. The jean's unmistakable identity lies in its construction, where twisted inseams and outseams spiral around the leg, creating the signature O-shaped silhouette, continuing the anatomical design philosophy first introduced with G-STAR's iconic Elwood jean in 1996.
Now, for this new rendition, G-STAR dared even more, further amplifying the already unique proportions. Women's styles arrive in both Slim and Loose fits, while the men's offering revisits the original Tapered and Loose silhouettes, each retaining the architectural construction that made the ARC instantly recognisable. The overall result is that of a jean that feels aesthetically elevated, cool, and distinctive without sacrificing wearability.
The materials are also equally considered. Exclusive Raw Vintage X3D denim enhances the garment's sculptural form through pronounced whiskering, while Neo Raw offers the appearance of rigid denim with varying levels of stretch. The Passado wash introduces an algae-derived, bio-based coating that deepens indigo tones while reflecting G-STAR's continued commitment to responsible innovation.
As the AW26 collection begins its global rollout, the ARC will start dropping from July 2026 at selected retailers and on the official website with the ARC 3D loose and the tapered. Soon after, in August, new washes will become available, leading to a full release on the Fall launch.
