I Did the Research—Here Are the Jeans Styles That Will Look Dated in 2026
Some jeans are ageing better than others. I did the trend research to break down which denim styles are officially on pause this year, and what to wear instead in 2026.
Stephanie Sofokleous
Denim trends have a funny way of overstaying their welcome. One minute, a silhouette feels fashion-forward and cool, but a few months later, it starts to read a little… behind. While I'm not one to declare anything dead, there are certain jeans styles that are already feeling noticeably dated as we head toward spring 2026. I'm not telling you to toss them all, but I wouldn't buy any new iterations of these waning styles.
After watching nearly every runway show and taking mental notes while walking around London and scrolling through my social media feeds, I started noticing the once-popular trends losing focus. The jeans that feel freshest now are less about extremes and more about proportion, polish, and longevity. Below, see the denim trends I'm officially over and the styles quietly taking their place.
Pausing: Outrageously Baggy Jeans
Wearing: Tailored Wide-Leg Styles
STYLE NOTES: Ultra-oversize, pooling-at-the-ankle baggy jeans had their moment, but in 2026, they're starting to lose their power. I'll always love baggy jeans, but it's time for something fresh. Tailored wide-leg jeans offer the same ease with a cleaner line that works just as well with flats as it does with heels.
Me + Em know their way around smart denim.
Just add pointed boots.
Indigo denim is huge for 2026.
A tonal dressing essential.
Drawstring detail adds an off-duty touch.
Pausing: Super-Distressed, Ripped Jeans
Wearing: Raw-Hem, Straight-Leg Jeans
Excessive rips and distressing now read a little frozen in time. Straight-leg jeans with a raw hem feel intentional, polished, and infinitely easier to dress up or down. Plus, the raw hem pairs extraordinarily well with boots.
Abercrombie offer a huge range of waist and length sizes.
A go-to brand for great denim.
Choose low-rise for a 90s feel.
A streamlined pair in a classic wash.
Contrasting hem detail for a boho touch.
Pausing: Ultra-Low-Rise Y2K Jeans
Wearing: Mid-Rise Jeans
The return of ultra-low-rise denim was fun—until it wasn't. Mid-rise silhouettes feel more wearable, more modern, and far less trend-dependent in 2026.
Weekday jeans are a fashion crowd favourite.
Slouchy, casual and oh so comfy.
Cropped jeans are also a win for 2026.
Use white jeans to break up an otherwise all-black outfit.
In a retro wash.
Pausing: Skintight Spray-On Skinnies
Wearing: Cigarette Jeans
Skintight skinnies feel increasingly out of step with the current denim conversation. Cigarette jeans strike the perfect balance: slim, structured, and polished without looking restrictive.
Easy to dress up and down.
The perfect accompaniment to a pair of loafers.
Contrast with an oversized shirt.
The cool girl's fave shoe pairing: Converse.
They look great with trainers too.
Pausing: Acid-Wash Throwback Jeans
Wearing: Dark-Wash Denim
Acid wash feels more costume than chic, especially as trends move toward subtlety. Dark-wash jeans—especially with a longer, leaner cut—feel timeless, elevated, and quietly chic. Plus, I can't help but notice that French women much prefer them.
Turn-ups aren't going anywhere.
A subtle flare is super leg-lengthening.
Add indigo denim to your workwear wardrobe.
A relaxed take on the barrel leg.
Yellow stitching gives a vintage feel.
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We regularly try pieces ourselves, including everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes; speak to external experts and fashion insiders; and stay closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise and has to pass our exceptional taste levels, so you can feel confident in every recommendation.
