THE DENIM GUIDE: THE STYLES TO SNAP UP THIS SEASON
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- PHOTOGRAPHY:JEREMY FRENCH
Denim’s doing what it does best – evolving without ever really going anywhere. Silhouettes have relaxed, proportions feel a little more confident, and there’s less talk of what’s “in” or “out” and more focus on what actually works for you. Straight-legs, wide cuts and lower rises are firmly in rotation, sitting comfortably alongside sharper, slimmer fits.
The skinny jeans debate? Old news. Now it’s all about balance, clean washes, premium rigid fabrics and denim-on-denim that feels intentional rather than try-hard. In this guide, we’re breaking down the key cuts, rises and styling tricks shaping 2026, so you can find a pair that feels effortless, flattering and genuinely wearable.
FINDING THE PERFECT FIT
Finding the perfect pair of jeans can feel like a never-ending mission. Too tight here, too loose there, gaping on the waist or hitting too high on the leg. We’ve all experienced the fitting room struggle; hopping around to get them on and praying they’ll look right once they’re up. But when you do find that magic pair? Game-changer. Here’s how to find the one:
Body Shape: If you have an hourglass or curvy figure, choose something with a bit of stretch to enhance your shape. Straight-leg and looser styles work beautifully for balancing proportions. And for petite frames, cropped or slim cuts help elongate the legs.
Rise Types: High-waisted jeans cinch the waist, making them ideal for creating shape and structure. Mid-rise is that easy, go-with-anything option that works on just about everyone. And yes, low-rise is officially back - blame (or thank?) the Y2K revival. If you're finding the proportions tricky, try balancing things out with a fitted top.
Stretch vs. Structure: The way your denim moves with you - or holds its shape - can make all the difference. Stretch jeans offer all-day comfort and flexibility, while rigid denim gives a vintage, structured look that molds to your body over time.
ESSENTIAL CUTS
So, what jean shapes should you be looking for in 2026? Baggy, slouchy, loose-fitting, oversized, boyfriend, low-slung; whatever you want to call them, jeans are having a laidback moment. Fueled by our never-ending ‘90s infatuation, the iconic silhouette has secured its spot back in our denim rotation. Our jeans are all about ease these days - working with our bodies and wardrobes, not against them.
STRAIGHT LEG
A forever favourite, straight-leg jeans have stood the test of time. They first gained traction in the ‘80s and cemented their cool-girl status in the ‘90s thanks to devoted fans like Princess Diana. With a clean line from hip to hem, this cut flatters nearly every body type. Whether high-waisted or mid-rise, they strike that perfect balance between polished and effortless.
HOW TO STYLE
Pair Levi’s straight-leg jeans with an oversized blazer and sleek loafers, very off-duty royal energy. Or, take a cue from Bella Hadid with vintage-wash straight-legs, a cropped tee and chunky trainers. When autumn hits, cuff the hems and add pointed ankle boots and a long wool coat.
2. SKINNY
Skinny jeans ruled the 2010s. Hugging every curve from hip to ankle, they were the silhouette of the era. Originally popularised in the rock scene (think The Strokes, Kate Moss, Alexa Chung and early Noughties London), they became a wardrobe staple thanks to their leg-lengthening shape and styling versatility. In recent years, the internet declared them "dead," replaced by baggier, more relaxed cuts. But fashion doesn’t follow a straight line; skinny jeans are making a quiet return.
HOW TO STYLE
Instead of the old jegging-and-boot combo, style them with oversized tailoring and easy basics. Black skinnies from Saint Laurent paired with a leather blazer and pointed boots nod to their rock ‘n’ roll roots without feeling dated. Want something more refined? Try a dark-wash, high-rise pair with a button-down and ballet flats. They’re also the perfect base for layering. Tuck them into tall boots with a structured coat and you’re set for colder weather.
3. WIDE LEG / BAGGY
Once synonymous with skaters and ‘00s American mall culture (yes, that scene in Clueless still lives rent-free), wide-leg and baggy jeans are now firmly back in fashion’s good books. With roots in ‘90s hip-hop and workwear, today’s versions feel intentional rather than oversized-for-the-sake-of-it. Runways from Balenciaga, to The Row have doubled down on volume, and we’re not mad about it.
HOW TO STYLE
Play with contrast: balance volume with fitted or cropped tops. Try high-waisted baggy jeans with a baby tee and chunky sneakers for an easy, everyday win. Want to dress them up? Go for a dark-wash pair with a tucked-in knit, statement belt, and pointed flats. When the weather cools, add a long wool coat and ankle boots to keep the silhouette sharp and winter-ready.
4. FLARED
From disco floors in the ‘70s to indie sleaze bars in the ‘00s, flares have never really disappeared, they just resurface when we’re ready for a little drama. With a fitted thigh and a kick from the knee, flared jeans deliver instant impact, whether you lean boho or tailored.
HOW TO STYLE
Lean into the retro feel with a tank, leather sandals and a basket bag for instant Jane Birkin energy. Pair Gucci flares with a structured blazer and platform heels. Need a dressier option? Opt for dark flare jeans for an evening-ready look
5. BOOTCUT
The bootcut jean is back and not just for cowboy boots. Born in the ‘60s and ‘70s, and famously revived in the early ‘00s, this subtly flared shape is perfect for elongating legs without going full flare. The modern take is cleaner, crisper, and often paired with minimal, tailored pieces.
HOW TO STYLE
Channel your inner Rachel Green with a fitted baby tee, vintage-style bootcuts and white trainers - peak ‘90s nostalgia with a 2025 update. For something a little more refined, pair low-rise bootcuts from Diesel with a white button-down and pointed flats. When the temperature dips, trade your sneakers for ankle boots and layer with a cropped jacket.
6. CROPPED
Cropped jeans may not be the latest trend on the block, but they’ve earned their spot as a transitional wardrobe staple. Popularised in the mid-2010s during the rise of “French girl” styling, cropped cuts are perfect for showing off footwear and playing with proportions, especially as we shift between seasons.
HOW TO STYLE
Pair high-rise crops with a blouse and ballet flats for that effortless, Parisian vibe. For less ‘done’ update, take your cues from Alexa Chung: raw-hem denim, slouchy trench, and chunky loafers. They also make room for ankle boots, Mary Janes, or anything with a standout heel.
7. BARREL
Barrel-leg jeans are having a quiet fashion moment, and the industry is paying attention. With their curved, tapered shape and cropped hem, they offer something sculptural without feeling overly styled. Somewhere between a wide-leg and a carrot fit, barrel jeans bring volume in all the right places. Think of them as the artsy cousin of your straight-leg staples: cool, a little unexpected and surprisingly flattering.
HOW TO STYLE
Balance their sculpted shape with a fitted or tucked-in top, like a ribbed tank or a cropped cardigan. Alternatively, try styling black barrel jeans with a leather jacket and pointed flats for that clean, Scandi feel. If you’re leaning casual, go full Copenhagen street style with a slouchy sweater and sneakers.
BEYOND JEANS
Denim isn’t just about jeans anymore. Maxi skirts, oversized jackets, co-ords, corsets, it’s everywhere. What started as a skirt revival has evolved into a full-scale takeover, with Prada, Acne Studios and Diesel reworking classics in icy whites, washed greys and deep indigo.
From longline jorts at fashion week to boxy denim jackets thrown over sheer dresses, the message is clear: denim’s no longer background noise, it’s the main event. Whether you’re committing to a full Canadian tuxedo or layering in one standout piece, there’s room to play.
1. DENIM DRESSES
The denim dress has always walked the line between practical and a little bit flirty. From the swinging ‘60s to the boho ‘70s and minimalist ‘90s, it reinvents itself without losing its edge. Brigitte Bardot wore hers carefree in Saint-Tropez, while ‘90s dressers toughened theirs up with combat boots and undone hair.
HOW TO STYLE
For everyday ease, try a belted denim midi dress with knee-high boots and a long trench. Or take it up a notch with a structured, exaggerated-shoulder version from Alexander McQueen, paired with heels and statement jewellery. When summer hits, keep it simple: mini length, ballet flats, headband. Very French, very effortless.
2. DENIM SKIRTS
From ‘70s A-lines to ‘00s micro minis, the denim skirt has shape-shifted through every era. It’s been worn by everyone from Farrah Fawcett to Britney Spears, and now it’s settled into something more considered. Long-line maxis, sleek pencil cuts and raw hems feel less nostalgic, more intentional.
HOW TO STYLE
Recreate a modern long-denim-skirt moment with a crop top and knee-high boots. If you’re feeling brave, go denim-on-denim but keep the fits tailored. Or channel clean ‘90s minimalism with a jean skirt from Prada, a white tank and gold jewellery.
3. DENIM TOPS
Denim tops have come a long way from their rodeo roots. From ‘80s oversized shirts to the unforgettable Britney-and-Justin double denim moment of the early ‘00s, they’ve always made a statement. In 2025, designers are refining the denim top. Think structured bustiers, cropped shackets and oversized silhouettes that feel directional, not dated.
HOW TO STYLE
For casual luxe, wear an oversized denim shirt with thigh-high boots, à la Beyoncé. Lean into ‘90s grunge with a cropped denim bustier from Valentino and cargo pants. Dressing up? Try a corset-style piece with wide-leg trousers or a floor-length satin skirt.
3. DENIM TOPS
Denim tops have come a long way from their rodeo roots. From ‘80s oversized shirts to the unforgettable Britney-and-Justin double denim moment of the early ‘00s, they’ve always made a statement. In 2025, designers are refining the denim top. Think structured bustiers, cropped shackets and oversized silhouettes that feel directional, not dated.
HOW TO STYLE
For casual luxe, wear an oversized denim shirt with thigh-high boots, à la Beyoncé. Lean into ‘90s grunge with a cropped denim bustier from Valentino and cargo pants. Dressing up? Try a corset-style piece with wide-leg trousers or a floor-length satin skirt.
4. DENIM JACKETS
The denim jacket has been a style constant since the early 20th century. Born as a workwear essential, it became a symbol of cool rebellion thanks to icons like James Dean and Marilyn Monroe. Oversized in the ‘80s, cropped in the Y2K era, it’s always adapted. Now, it’s all about silhouette. Clean lines, strong shoulders, sharper proportions.
HOW TO STYLE
Channel Princess Diana’s off-duty formula with an oversized vintage wash, bike shorts and chunky trainers. For something fresher, layer a cropped jacket over a maxi skirt or wide-leg trousers. Going full denim? Mix your washes (pale on top, deep indigo below) to keep it intentional.
5. DENIM SHORTS
Denim shorts have officially grown up. While they’ll always be a summer staple, 2025 is all about shape and intention. Think structured Bermuda cuts, oversized jorts and elevated tailoring. No longer just for festivals or beach days, today’s denim shorts are styled with blazers, boots and button-downs. We’ve moved on from ultra-tight Daisy Dukes and entered an era where comfort meets polish.
HOW TO STYLE
Take a cue from Kendall Jenner, who’s been spotted in crisp, knee-length jorts styled with sharp blazers and minimalist sandals - a look that’s polished but effortless. For a more relaxed feel, pair high-waisted shorts from DSquared2 with a tucked-in graphic tee and dad sneakers. Want a little western energy? Add boots and a floaty blouse. Denim’s playful like that.