Denim trends from the Fall/Winter 2026-2027 Milan Fashion Week

Milan Fashion Week has just wrapped up, and this year’s event coincided with one of Italy’s cherished traditions: the Festival of Sanremo. This festival is famed not only for its music but also for its fashion statements. While Milan Fashion Week set the tone for what we can expect in Fall/Winter 2026-2027, some artists also took a different approach this year, opting for denim on the Ariston stage.

Let’s take a look at the Men’s Milan Fashion Week

The recent Men’s Milan Fashion Week for FW26-27 revealed a return to a 2010s vibe, showcasing bold washes, dirty tints, and worn-in aesthetics. Brands like Dsquared2, Victor Hart, and PDF highlighted these trends with leather-like finishes, distressing, and embellishments, all leaning into the oversized look for that voluminous effect. But for those who prefer something a bit more timeless, traditional brands like Bally, Zegna, Canali, Brunello Cucinelli, and Kiton are still offering classic blue jeans in both dark and light washes, catering to various tastes.

While wide-leg and loose jeans continue to dominate the scene, with softer washes seen in collections from Tod’s, Mordecai, and Rowen Rose, classic regular-fit jeans remain the go-to for luxury brands like Etro, offering a polished, balanced look. There were even some slimmer styles, like the ones from Harmont Blaine, making a subtle reappearance for fans of that indie-sleaze look.

Total denim outfits are also proving to be an all-time favorite, seen in tone-on-tone washes from Pronounce and Saul Nash, as well as mixed indigo shades from Polo Ralph Lauren. The latter even paired denim jackets and jeans with colorful garments and accessories for a layered look that definitely stands out.

Denim at the FW25-26 Women’s Milan Fashion Week

In recent seasons, we’ve noticed an intriguing blend of men’s and women’s styles on the runway. Fashion shows are increasingly featuring male models in women’s collections and vice versa, showcasing a shift towards more genderless designs. These styles often include fluid silhouettes and oversized garments that drape gracefully, appealing to a wider audience.

During the FW25-26 Women’s Milan Fashion Week, baggy, slouchy jeans continued to dominate, favored by both established brands and emerging names like Tell the Truth. Slimmer options were still present, particularly from MM6 Maison Margiela, where jeans were tucked into boots. Regular-fit jeans were also in the spotlight, offering a slightly-roomier-than-usual leg style, notably from Gucci and Etro. Designers embraced dark indigo and black fabrics, often treated with washes or laser effects to create vintage-inspired looks. Fendi and Emporio Armani particularly highlighted these pieces, with the latter also presenting glitter-embellished denim along with a range of light-washed indigo shirts and flat caps. The runways showcased tone-on-tone denim outfits, as seen with MSGM.

The return to bold aesthetics reminiscent of the 2010s was also seen within women’s collections. Diesel led the charge with ripped jeans, dramatic laser patterns, and dirty tie-dye effects. Philipp Plein offered striking laser and animal prints in darker shades, while Dolce&Gabbana introduced lighter distressing on baggy and barrel jeans. Other unique elements included floral designs from Ermanno Scervino, romantic styles from Venerdì Pomeriggio, and colorful embellishments from brands like Hui and Moschino, all contributing to a lively and distinctive fashion narrative.

What about street style?

One of the most captivating aspects of fashion weeks worldwide is undoubtedly street style. It offers a glimpse into real life, often feeling more relatable than the polished looks on the runway. Plus, these looks are already available, so you can dive right in! While exclusive audiences applaud high-end designers, the streets buzz with the everyday fashion choices of VIPs, industry professionals, enthusiasts, and regular folks who turn every avenue into their own personal catwalk. This phenomenon is especially prominent in Milan, a city renowned for its residents’ commitment to everyday elegance. And let’s be honest: denim remains a timeless favorite in street style, capturing that perfect balance of comfort and chic.

One denim trend we’re really excited about for 2026 is the upturned cuffs, especially when paired with selvedge denim. We’ve noticed high cuffs not only in the city streets but also in fashion shows, like those by Thom Browne. It’s a stylish way to highlight the selvedge detail that’s often found on the inseam.

Interestingly, the off-duty wardrobes of models and celebrities seem to lean towards more practical choices, featuring comfortable and relaxed fits like baggy and barrel jeans. This oversized look is now being balanced by the return of the cigarette shape, which was born in the ’80s, popular in the ’90s, and beloved by icons such as Diana Spencer. This fit offers a refined silhouette that feels tailored without straying into skinny-jeans territory. Bootcut jeans also take cues from past decades, especially the unforgettable style of Carolyn Bessette, who is often remembered as the ultimate it girl. They embody an effortlessly chic vibe of quiet luxury, making them a perfect fit for the current nostalgic trend taking over the fashion scene. And finally, as we welcome the warmer temperatures of spring, it’s a great time to think about incorporating denim bermudas and jorts into your wardrobe. They offer a relaxed vibe that’s effortlessly casual yet rock.

Denim and Sanremo: the weird couple

For 76 years, the Festival of Sanremo has highlighted not just music but also fashion. It’s hard not to be curious about the outfits worn by hosts and performers as they make their way down those iconic stairs! Typically, we see a mix of elegance, flamboyance, and haute couture, showcasing major high-end brands. However, denim has recently made a notable entrance into Italy’s most celebrated music event. It’s also become a favorite for rehearsals, where artists opt for comfortable pieces like loose jeans in a variety of colors and styles. Bootcuts, regular and slim fits, and denim jackets made regular appearances during those practice sessions in 2026.

What really stood out this year was the denim-on-denim look worn by LDA and AKA 7even during their performance with Tullio De Piscopo. While the well-known percussionist opted for a traditional grey, workwear-inspired denim suit, the younger artists went for bolder styles, reflecting trends we saw at the last Milan Fashion Week.

J-Ax also made a strong statement in denim to convey his new country-inspired vibe. Do you want some evidence? On the green carpet that typically kicks off the Festival, he showcased a custom medium-washed black Canadian tuxedo by GAS, decorated with fringes, studs, and other cowboy details—a nod to that beloved Midwest style.