*Not* Cuffed Jeans—the Other Dated Denim Trend That's Dominating in 2026
This New York Fashion Week, I was on the ground, attending shows, previews, and presentations and taking notes on the trends we can expect to see in the fall. Off the runways, in the streets, and between shows, my eyes were focused on the style set, paying close attention to their outfits. While oversize sunglasses, printed outerwear, and baggy black trousers were common themes, so were frayed-hem jeans and raw-hem denim.
With NYC fashion leaning toward clean lines and sharp tailoring, frayed-hem jeans seemed a bit unexpected since frayed hems typically give an unfinished, sometimes sloppy look. However, city It girls are rewriting the rules, showing that the once-dated denim trend is an intentional, fresh style choice.
The key differences now are in styling, length, and denim wash. Instead of acid wash, today's chic frayed-hem jeans come in polished, high-quality denim in vintage-looking light blue, crisp white, and stark black. The length has also changed, favoring styles that extend to the ground or just above the ankle and moving away from cropped looks. Crucially, the fraying is subtle, controlled, and limited to the hem.
In 2026, proper styling is essential to elevating this look, including a focus on the correct footwear. To take frayed-hem jeans from casual to sophisticated and It girl approved, avoid PVC heels, chunky white sneakers, and block-heeled sandals and choose elegant options such as pointed-toe ballet flats, elongated-toe heeled ankle boots, and ballet pumps.
This denim-trend revival is part of a broader shift toward embracing ease and imperfection in fashion following years of hyperpolished minimalism, which is why we're seeing it beyond the streets of NYC. Chic dressers in Milan and Paris are also adopting the style, pairing it with everything from Celine loafers to Maison Margiela Tabi flats.
Keep scrolling to shop the best frayed-hem jeans and discover the easiest and most elegant ways to pull off the trend this season and beyond.
How It Girls Are Styling Frayed-Hem Jeans
Get the look: Tweed jacket + Frayed-hem jeans + Pumps
Get the look: Bomber jacket + Frayed-hem jeans + Ankle boots
Get the look: Trench coat + Button-down shirt + Frayed-hem jeans + Ballet flats
Get the look: T-shirt + Frayed-hem jeans + Ankle boots
Get the look: Suede jacket + Frayed-hem jeans + Ankle boots
Get the look: Cinch-waist jacket + Frayed-hem jeans + Heeled boots
Shop the Best Frayed-Hem Jeans
These look like vintage Levi's.
I get so many compliments every time I wear these. Size down for a perfect fit.
If you've been thinking about refreshing your white-denim collection ahead of summer, this is your sign to do it.
The curved outseam lends a slight barrel-leg shape.
Fashion people love Pistola for its vintage-looking denim washes and flattering cuts.
Dark-wash denim isn't going anywhere.
Stylist Allison Bornstein always wears Veronica Beard jeans, and I love the boho-chic vibe they lend.
If you prefer stretchy over rigid denim, this pair is for you.
Style with a cinch-waist jacket and pumps for date night.
I can't wait to wear my frayed-hem wide-leg jeans with open-toe heels this summer.
