I Design Jeans for a Living—These Are the 3 Denim Trends to Know for Fall 2026

As a self-declared denim devotee, I consider it my business to know all things denim. Especially when it includes Paloma Elsesser, Brooks Nader, and Quenlin Blackwell; this stacked cast joins Cardi B, alongside Haley Baylee and Wisdom Kaye, for Old Navy's Fall 2026 Denim Collection.

There's a lot to unpack, like the Love Thy Nader star wearing double denim featuring Old Navy's new Arc Jean, but first I want to get into the must-know denim trends good dressers will be wearing come fall. That's why I asked Old Navy's head of design and product development, Sarah Holme, for all the insider information.

Old Navy's Fall 2026 Denim Collection

The 3 Top Denim Trends for Fall 2026

"It's always fascinating to see how denim evolves from season to season. This fall, we're seeing a much clearer direction: silhouettes are becoming more relaxed, with baggier fits and softly curved leg shapes that move beautifully with the body. There's also a real appreciation for lived-in washes," shared Holme.

Scroll on for a look at the three (yes, just three) denim trends you'll need to look chic this fall.

Relaxed + Baggy

I'm always in need of new denim styling hacks, so of course I asked Holme's for insider tips and tricks. Her advice shouldn't be ignored.

"When styling relaxed denim, proportion is everything. If you're wearing a baggier jean, pairing it with a more fitted top helps create balance and lets the silhouette shine. What's exciting is how versatile these relaxed fits have become. In the past, baggy jeans were seen as purely casual, but today they're incredibly easy to dress up. Add a tailored blazer, a sleek knit, or a great heel, and they instantly feel polished enough for a night out," revealed Holme.

Curved-Leg

"The Arc is one of our standout new silhouettes for Fall 2026 and we're really excited about it. It's a mid-rise jean with our most dramatic curved leg shape yet, creating a look that's both polished and playful. It captures the relaxed, trend-forward direction we're seeing in denim today while still feeling wearable and easy to style. It's a fresh silhouette that brings a modern point of view to denim and offers customers another exciting way to express their personal style," commented Holmes.

Lived-In Wash

"The goal is denim that feels like you've owned and loved it for years, almost as if you discovered the perfect vintage pair at a thrift store. It's that effortless, broken-in character that makes denim feel personal," said Holme.

Luckily, Old Navy's come prepared. Shop plenty of light-wash, lived-in styles below.

Shop More Chic Old Navy Finds