Nothing Fires Up Google's Algorithm Quite Like the Talk of Skinny Jeans: 25 Updated Pairs to Wear in 2026
As someone who wears comfortable wide-leg jeans regularly these days, I have a visceral reaction when someone brings up the term "skinny jeans." I wore the trend the first time around in the early oughts and don't think I could ever bring myself to squeeze back into the legging-like silhouette again. While there's been a lot of talk on the return of skinny jeans, you can breathe a sigh of relief (or at least I can) that the leg-hugging jeans are not back for 2026. Instead, we're seeing the rise and reign of cigarette jeans—the much cooler, trend-forward, adjacent denim silhouette that fashion people are embracing this year.
For those unacquainted, cigarette jeans are straight up-and-down slim jeans—with a non-tapered leg that leaves a slight, open space at the ankle. They're neither too skinny nor too loose, and the silhouette offers the clean, elongating lines (that people loved about skinnies) with a more effortless, flattering, and modern feel. It's slim without feeling restrictive and structured enough to add polish to any outfit.
The beauty is in their versatility. Their ankle-grazing silhouette works with every shoe style in your closet—from ballet flats to pointed-toe heels—and offers a more elevated look for both day and night. If you're looking to add this chic and streamlined silhouette to your 2026 wardrobe (and I highly recommend you do), then below, see the 25 pairs of cigarette jeans that are timeless yet distinctly modern.

Judith Jones is the associate shopping director at Who What Wear and has worked in fashion for over a decade. She specializes in shopping content and trend stories with high-affiliate impact. She shares the coolest, most desirable fashion market finds and brands for every budget. Previous to working in fashion, Judith worked as a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker (airing on Netflix and Amazon Prime) sharing her passion for travel and culture.