If there is one thing we can all agree on as a wardrobe essential, it’s good denim. Having at least one pair of trusted jeans in your fashion arsenal is practically mandatory for year-round styling – with denim shorts and skirts also a wise investment choice for added versatility.

The great thing about the current line-up of denim trends is that classic, minimalist styles are reigning supreme – silhouettes you likely already have at your disposal. Think clean-cut straight-leg jeans and the increasingly popular barrel leg styles that are the key players of this season.

Below are seven denim trends set to be everywhere in 2026.

90s Straight Leg

90s style is having a resurgence, and nothing encapsulates this trend more than a timeless pair of straight-leg jeans. Seen in the recent runway collections of Diesel, Dior, and Valentino, the effortless silhouette instantly offers a polished look. The style is extremely versatile but pairs best with a fitted tee for spring or a maxi coat in winter.

Barrel-Leg Jeans

Barrel-leg jeans have been everywhere over the last few seasons, slowly creeping into our wardrobes as a new staple. They are very much a love or hate silhouette, and I’ll be honest, it’s not a trend I thought would stick around. Fast forward to now, and they’re my current go-to jeans – they are oh so comfy and easy to style despite their sculptural look.

Cropped Jeans

Cropped or ankle-grazing jeans are another 90s staple coming back into our wardrobes. The key with this style is to be intentional with your shoes. They’ll be on show more than with other jean styles, so choose wisely. Ballet flats or mules work really well for the summer months, while ankle boots offer a chic alternative for winter styling.

Jorts

Another divisive look, but one that keeps reappearing on the runway regardless. Seen at Coach and Balenciaga, Jorts are here to stay! Denim shorts are, of course, always popular in spring and summer, but jorts offer a more relaxed take on the classic with a slouchier, longer cut.

Turn-up Cuffs

If you’re looking to add a twist to your denim without going too OTT, may I turn your attention to the turn-up jean? This is a trend we have seen gaining in popularity in recent months, appearing more and more frequently in street style and on the runway. The effortlessly cool vibe they bring can be achieved easily by simply turning up the cuffs of the jeans you already own – though the result will vary depending on jean length and denim weight.

Denim Mini Skirts

Jonathan Anderson’s debut for Dior was a triumph, to say the least, with every piece on the runway immediately added to my wish list. Yet it was the range of denim miniskirts that really caught my attention as a style I had long since retired. Cut on the thigh and styled with pumps, the looks in that collection instantly made me regret parting with my denim skirts.

Distressed Designs

Distressed or ripped jeans add interest to a look, as shown in recent collections of Isabel Marant and Dolce & Gabbana. The great thing about this denim trend is that you can go as wild as you want with it. Ease in with a subtle tear or raw-cut hem, or really embrace the style with full-length rips.