Denim trends FW26-27: what jeans will we be wearing this season?

As the cooler temperatures approach, it’s the perfect time to take your favorite jeans out of your closet. Whether you’re dusting off a beloved pair from your past that has made a comeback or exploring new denim styles that align with your personal taste, the good news is that fall and winter 2026 denim trends offer plenty of options without the pressure of needing a single standout piece to invest in.

The 1990s nostalgia: bootcut jeans

The 1990s nostalgic mania began a few years ago, but it seems to have reached a new peak with the revival of the obsession for Carolyn Bessette’s style after the release of “Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette” in February 2026, which has conquered new generations and reminded the older ones why she was considered a muse 30 years ago. Her favorite jeans fit seemed to be the bootcut, gently tight around the waist and thighs and subtly flared below the knees.

Bootcut jeans seem to be more popular than ever: according to Vogue, online searches for them increased by 412% after Kendrick Lamar wore them at the 2025 Super Bowl. Designers are offering this fit in various widths, rises, and inseam lengths, including kick flare and cropped styles, perfect for showcasing your favorite footwear this fall.

Cigarette jeans are back to stay

However, there’s another denim style that’s supposed to take the spotlight in fall/winter 2026-2027, and that perfectly fits into a Bessette-inspired, quiet luxurious wardrobe, composed of just a few simple and essential staples that were yet distinguished by a perfect silhouette: cigarette jeans. With their special Parisian flair, they offer a refined slim-straight silhouette that feels tailored without straying into skinny-jeans territory. We saw them in different FW26 fashion shows, mainly in medium- to high-rise options.

We had already noticed a subtle comeback of slim fits in previous seasons, and this trend continues with the FW26-27 collections. While skinny jeans have made a brief reappearance on some runways—sparking a bit of nostalgia for the early 2000s—cigarette and slim jeans provide a more comfortable fit through the leg and ankle. They also offer a clean silhouette that complements voluminous tops, layered looks, high boots, or elegant sling-back heels particularly well.

The search for classic styles

While baggy jeans have dominated recent seasons and remain popular among those who enjoy a more relaxed fit, many are now seeking more timeless, sophisticated options for long-term wear. Regular jeans remain the most reliable staple in your wardrobe, but styles like loose-straight and puddle-flare cuts are also gaining attention for their contemporary yet classic appeal without sacrificing comfort. These styles reflect the growing trend towards effortless, confident clothing, making it easy to get dressed without much thought involved.

The primary advantage of regular fits is their versatility, which allows you to easily adapt them to various occasions. For office days, you can pair them with loafers, button-down shirts, and jackets. On weekends, style them with your favorite sneakers and a casual T-shirt or a colorful sweater. What’s more, they maintain their appeal over time; when you opt for high-quality options, these jeans are designed to last. We recommend selecting timeless colors and washes that you’ll appreciate for years to come.

Comfort is key

However, we are not claiming that the era of large silhouettes has ended. We have often highlighted lately that there is no longer a single defining fit as there once was. Denim collections are becoming more versatile, featuring a range of styles from relaxed to slim, with even some skinny jeans back. Baggy styles are still a big trend, especially low-rise cuts that you can dress up with fancier tops and shoes. You can also find them all glammed up, perfect for those foggy autumn days.

The recent trend towards comfort is still evident in the continued popularity of utility- and workwear-inspired details, such as cargo and carpenter styles. Jeans in various silhouettes feature plenty of pockets to carry your essentials wherever you go, with a more elevated flair that sets them apart from 2000s styles and brings them into a more haute couture world. 

The new rise of dark indigo

Recently, there has been renewed interest in denim authenticity, emphasizing classic, dark colors and washes that mirror the natural aging process of raw denim, which is untreated and comes directly from the loom. Rich indigo shades are continuing to be favorites as we move into fall and winter, often seen in their raw form or with traditional worn-in effects like whiskers and faded knees. Deep indigo also gives denim a more sophisticated feel, making it appealing and versatile for any occasion, from work to dinner or even more formal events.

Dark indigo has become a favorite among designers for creating tailored looks and sleek silhouettes. However, denim has no boundaries. Baggy jeans, which remain everyone’s recent favorite, are now transitioning from lighter and medium-blue washes to darker shades, ranging from rich, inky tones to faded, lived-in styles. Additionally, earth tones such as browns and greens are still in vogue, appealing to those who prefer a softer color palette over conventional deep blues, and even brighter colors, particularly red, are appearing in the latest denim collections to bring some heat in the coldest season.

Selvedge denim and high cuffs: the perfect pair

The current interest in authentic denim is also particularly in selvedge denim. This traditional type of denim is woven on vintage shuttle looms and is known for its unique selvedge. This distinct edge is often denser and a different color. Usually, the selvedge is visible on the inseam, which is why it’s common to wear selvedge jeans with cuffs to showcase this feature.

As a result, selvedge denim aligns well with the current high-cuff trend. Although denim cuffs are not a new concept—especially among heritage enthusiasts who have always embraced selvedge—today’s cuffs are becoming larger and more decorative. They are frequently paired with wide-leg jeans, adding a stylish twist to a classic look.