Comme des Garçons: an essential guide (latest collections

Few fashion houses feel as simultaneously unfathomable and indispensable as Comme des Garçons. Founded by Rei Kawakubo in Tokyo in 1969 and established in Paris as a force of avant-garde thought and sculptural tailoring, CDG has spent decades asking — not answering — what clothing can be. If you love clothes that are more ideal than ornamental, this brand is your playground.

Below is a long-form, practical guide that covers the latest collections (2024–2025 runway & drops), the trendy pieces to seek out (hoodies, shirts, shorts, pants, jackets, sweaters), how to style them for real life, and a helpful FAQ so you can shop Comme like a pro.

Why Comme des Garçons still matters

Rei Kawakubo’s work has never been about seasonal prettiness. CDG has always been about concept — volume, proportion, negative space, intentional “imperfection,” and sometimes an anti-fashion posture that questions fashion’s role in society. Because of that, buying CDG is often buying into an attitude: clothes as statements, art objects, and conversation starters. Recent runway seasons (Spring/Summer 2025 and Fall/Winter 2025) reinforced that stance — sculptural silhouettes, deconstructed tailoring, and collaborations that bridge the gap between high-concept and streetwear.

What’s new: the latest collections (what to know, briefly)

Spring/Summer 2025 (Ready-to-Wear) — Presented at Paris Fashion Week, the collection continued CDG’s sculptural explorations: rigid shapes, architectural seaming that looks like clothing-as-sculpture, then softened with quilted and shirred pieces. The season played with structure vs. fluidity and kept Rei’s signature refusal to make easy, wearable answers the focal point.

Fall/Winter 2025 (Ready-to-Wear & Homme Plus) — The FW25 shows continued to toy with militaristic motifs reimagined as art (helmets, altered army jackets) and sculptural ensembles that turn outerwear into performance. Homme Plus in particular leaned into a deconstructed “military turned pacifist” theme and experimental headwear. These collections were widely covered and interpreted as statements about fragility and resilience.

Collaborations & Special Projects (2024–2025) — CDG’s collaborations keep the brand in conversation with streetwear and performance footwear culture. Recent and previewed projects include renewed partnerships with Nike, ASICS, New Balance, and a reworked Nike Air Max Dolce previewed for Spring/Summer 2026; plus ongoing Play x retail drops and a high-profile relationship with The North Face on select outerwear/hoodie pieces. These collabs help translate CDG’s ideas into more wearable, hyped pieces like heart-logo hoodies and camo zip-ups.

Key trendy pieces to look for — and why they’re worth it

Below I take each item you mentioned (hoodie, shirt, shorts, pants, jacket, sweater) and explain what makes CDG’s versions special, plus how to wear them.

Hoodies — the gateway CDG piece

CDG Play hoodies (the heart logo) and collaboration hoodies (North Face, Nike) are often the most accessible way to own something from the house. They distill the brand into wearable iconography: a simple silhouette with a disruptive logo. Because they’re produced in larger runs and stocked by major retailers (Nordstrom, SSENSE) and CDG’s web stores, hoodies are both obtainable and a statement. Price range varies widely depending on collab, material, and rarity.

Styling tip: Pair a slim, logo hoodie under an oversized blazer or sculptural jacket for balanced proportions — streetwear interior, tailoring shell. For footwear, chunky sneakers or Chelsea boots both work.

Shirts — where CDG’s tailoring shows

Shirts from Comme des Garçons can be deceptively simple or radically altered: asymmetric seams, extended cuffs, printed motifs, or fabric manipulations that turn a shirt into a topological study. CDG’s shirting is excellent when you want a statement that still reads as “dressy casual.”

Styling tip: Let the shirt be the focal point—tuck a sculptural button-up into high-rise trousers or wear it long over slim denim. If the shirt has prominent detailing (pleats, pinches), keep the rest of the outfit minimal.

Shorts — subtle rebelliousness

Shorts from CDG—whether tailored, cargo, or relaxed Play styles—often remix proportions or surfaces (textured cottons, printed canvases). Expect clever details rather than loud logoing (except Play).

Styling tip: Balance longer, structured shorts with high socks and low sneakers for a European street look, or choose relaxed cotton shorts with an oversized hoodie for a modern casual vibe.

Pants — tailoring with a twist

CDG pants range from sharply tailored trousers to baggy, draped forms and experimental patchwork. The brand loves playing with crotch drops, pleating, and asymmetric waist details. A well-chosen pair of CDG trousers can instantly elevate a wardrobe because they tend to be design-forward but wearable.

Styling tip: Let tailored pants meet chunky or minimalist footwear, depending on the look. A fitted turtleneck and a cropped coat will make sculptural trousers read sophisticated rather than costume-y.

Jackets — outerwear as art

Outerwear is where Comme truly excels: jackets and coats that read like miniature installations. Expect exaggerated shoulders, curved seams, or quilting used as sculpture. Collaborative outerwear (The North Face x CDG pieces) merges CDG avant-garde with outdoor technicality — practical heat, surprising silhouettes.

Styling tip: Because jackets are statement pieces, keep layers underneath thin and tonal. Mix textures (wool jacket + cotton tee) to keep the outfit tactile.

Sweaters — cozy but conceptual

CDG’s sweaters can be quiet (exquisite knitwear with subtle tailoring) or loudly conceptual (graphic prints, layered hearts). The Play heart sweater is an easy flex; more avant-garde collections will yield sculptural knits or sweaters with unusual arm construction.

Styling tip: Use a sweater to bridge street and formal — pair a chunky knit with tailored pants and loafers for a modern smart-casual look.

How to style Comme for different occasions

1. Everyday streetwear: Hoodie (Play or collab) + relaxed shorts or slim trousers + sneakers. Add a compact crossbody bag to modernize.

2. Smart casual: Structured shirt + slim CDG trousers + low-profile leather boots. Top with an oversized sculptural coat for drama.

3. Night out / gallery opening: Go full conceptual — asymmetric jacket over a black turtleneck, tailored trousers, and a standout shoe (collab sneaker or polished boot).

4. Work (creative environment): Balance ease and refinement — a minimal sweater under a sharply cut CDG blazer, neat trousers, and understated sneakers.

General rule: mix CDG’s conceptual volume with clean, unobtrusive basics to avoid looking costumey. Let one item be the conversation starter.

Sizing, fit, and authenticity (what to watch for)

• Sizing: Comme des Garçons sizing tends to run true to European/Japanese measurements, but it’s inconsistent across sub-labels (Play vs. Homme Plus vs. mainline). Play pieces usually follow more regular streetwear sizes; runway/mainline pieces may have intentionally oversized or shrunken cuts. Try on or check the exact measurements when buying online. (Retailers often list chest/length/shoulder specs. If in doubt, size up for oversized pieces and size down for Play hoodies if you prefer fitted.)

• Authenticity: Because CDG Play and collab pieces hold resale value, counterfeits exist. Buy from official CDG stores, authorized retailers (Nordstrom, SSENSE, Dover Street Market), or trusted resale platforms (StockX, Grailed) and check tags, stitching, and logo placement. StockX listings can give market context on going prices.

Where to buy (official vs. resale)

Official channels: Comme des Garçons online store and its regional e-commerce sites, Dover Street Market, major department stores (Nordstrom, Farfetch, etc.), and the brand’s boutiques. Collabs and Play drops also appear at partner retailers and select stockists. For sold-out or vintage runway pieces, the secondary market (StockX, Grailed, Vestiaire) is where to look — expect markup.

Care & longevity — how to make CDG last

• Follow garment care labels — some runway and couture-like items require specialist dry cleaning.

• For printed Play hoodies and tees: wash inside out, cold water, gentle cycle or hand wash to protect prints.

• For sculptural pieces with unusual fabrics, consult a specialist cleaner and ask about structure preservation (avoid heavy tumbling).

• Store heavyweight coats on wide, padded hangers to preserve shoulder shape.

The pricing question: is CDG “worth it”?

It depends on what you value. Play hoodies and tees are often priced at premium streetwear levels and provide accessible entry points. Mainline runway pieces are priced as designer art: more expensive, conceptually risky, and sometimes less ‘wearable’ in a conventional sense. Collaborations can be anywhere from collectible-priced to high retail depending on partner and scarcity. If you value design risk, uniqueness, and long-term shelf life in your wardrobe, CDG delivers. If you need purely practical, everyday basics, the price-to-utility ratio may feel steep. Market pricing and resale trends can be checked on StockX and fashion press previews.

FAQs — quick answers shoppers actually need

Q: What’s the difference between COMME des GARÇONS, COMME des GARÇONS PLAY, and COMME des GARÇONS Homme Plus?
A: Mainline (COMME des GARÇONS) is Rei Kawakubo’s primary conceptual output (runway, sculptural pieces). PLAY is the casual, logo-driven diffusion line known for the heart emblem — more approachable and widely stocked. Homme Plus is the menswear sub-line that features experimental tailoring and seasonal statements. Each operates with different pricing, distribution, and typical wearability.

Q: Are CDG hoodies/shirts produced every season or limited?
A: Play basics (heart hoodies/tees) are produced more regularly, sometimes seasonally refreshed. Collaborations and runway pieces are limited and drop in smaller quantities, which raises scarcity and resale value. Always expect collabs to sell out quickly.

Q: Where can I find the latest runway show coverage?
A: Major fashion outlets (Vogue, Hypebeast, AnOther Magazine) cover CDG’s runway shows with photos, reviews, and interviews. For official imagery, check the brand’s press releases and YouTube show videos.

Q: How do I verify authenticity when buying used?
A: Check tags (Care labels with correct formatting), logo placement (Play heart should have consistent stitching and spacing), construction quality, vendor reputation, and photos of retail tags/receipts if available. Platforms like StockX provide authentication for sold items.

Q: Are CDG pieces an investment?
A: Some pieces appreciate (limited collabs, iconic Play items, unique runway pieces), but not everything will gain value. Think of select pieces as collectible and others as wearable art. Research resale trends for specific items before assuming investment returns.

Shopping checklist — before you buy

• Confirm exact measurements for the sizing you need. Don’t rely on EU/US sizes alone.

• Check return policy (important for international orders).

• Inspect the seller and request additional photos for secondary-market buys.

• For collabs, expect quick sellouts — set retailer alerts or follow official Instagram channels for drop announcements.

Final words: how to make Comme des Garçons work in your wardrobe

Comme des Garçons is less about filling gaps in a closet and more about introducing a narrative piece that shifts how you think about dressing. Start with a Play hoodie or a well-cut CDG shirt if you want an approachable entry, then move toward more conceptual pieces as you learn how volume and proportion play with your body and lifestyle. Invest in good basics to pair with CDG’s eccentricities — think fits that anchor the outfit: slim trousers, clean shoes, and a neutral palette with one standout piece.

If you’re drawn to clothing that asks questions rather than simply fitting in, Comme des Garçons will reward you with garments that are as intellectually interesting as they are visually striking. Keep an eye on runway coverage and collab announcements if you want to be on the front line of releases — and enjoy the ride: this is fashion that makes you think while you wear it.