3 Of The Hottest Denim Trends For Spring 2026 (& 3 That Are Outdated)

Denim styles are always evolving, and staying on top of the trends is a big job. Denim is so major because it encompasses so much; there are jeans, to be sure, but trends also include tops, skirts, outerwear, and more. (Let's not forget about denim footwear, bags, and hats!) There's so much to love — and be aware of — when it comes to the universe of denim. 

As such, Women had a conversation with Jordan Stolch, a personal stylist at MiKADO Personal Styling, to get her exclusive expert take on what's hot and what's not when it comes to denim styling wins for spring 2026. After all, the hottest denim trends of 2026 demand a spot in your closet, and Stolch charted some changing trends. She explains that after the pandemic, comfort was the priority, with a particular focus on oversized denim. Things then shifted into quiet luxury with an emphasis on polish and restraint. Following this, '90s nostalgia took over, with a love for low-rise jeans and the exaggerated proportions of the early 2000s. "Heading into 2026, that energy is being reined in slightly," Stolch explains. "Current denim trends reflect a balance of these two preceding eras: maintaining the ease and familiarity of the Y2K-inspired silhouettes, while incorporating cleaner lines, stronger tailoring, and more intentional simplicity. The result is a denim landscape that reconciles comfort with polish, and trend awareness with wearability." As such, Stolch walks Women through what to ditch and what to embrace in the world of denim this spring. 

Skinny jeans have had a few false starts in recent years because of Y2K nostalgia. But unfortunately, the tubular denim just lacks staying power. Stylist Jordan Stolch tells Women, exclusively, that this was not something that was part of the conversation in terms of stylish denim. 

"While conversations about the return of this once ubiquitous silhouette continue to resurface, ultra-slim, skin-tight ankle styles feel increasingly misaligned with the current denim landscape," Stolch explains. "As fashion's spotlight has shifted toward straighter, fuller-length silhouettes that emphasize proportion and balance, traditional skinnies read as restrictive and visually dated." Trendier styles in denim are taking over — think chic, wider-leg jeans — kicking those dreaded skinny jeans to the curb. It may take a few more years before skinny jeans make their full orbit around the sun and come back in style, since everything is cyclical, but this isn't the case in 2026. 

Hugely baggy jeans made a statement a few years back; fortunately or unfortunately, depending on who you talk to, these billowing pieces are firmly out in 2026. Way back in 2024, the-bigger-the-better jeans were hugely popular. However, such exaggerated proportions are not cutting it anymore, what with their comically large shapes and unflattering cuts. While the grunge aesthetic will always be interesting, baggy jeans don't offer enough in terms of range and versatility. They steal the entire show and tend to overwhelm a look. 

Jordan Stolch tells Women why it's important to steer clear of the huge denim trend. "Extreme proportions and dramatically oversized cuts defined much of denim's wide-leg revival over the past few years, but are beginning to feel outdated as more refined interpretations take center stage in 2026," she says. "With the trend cycle currently favoring balance and intention, overly baggy denim can appear theatrical and less conducive to everyday wear." Spring 2026 is all about moving away from distracting statement pieces and moving toward sleeker denim cuts. 

Any overly ripped denim is completely outdated in 2026. The look is reminiscent of the 2000s and had a small resurrection in the 2010s, but for the contemporary moment, this is not the way to go. Jordan Stolch talks Women through this evolution, saying, "Heavy rips, overt shredding, and statement distressing were once hallmarks of trend-oriented denim, but now feel disconnected from the current aesthetic conversation." The shredded style is out because the excess of destruction is distracting from a cohesive or polished look

Instead, things have taken a sharper, more sophisticated turn, and Stolch advises against an excess of distress. "Today's focus on elevated finishes, clean washes, and subtle detailing makes extreme distressing feel excessive and out of touch with the more polished approach shaping this season's denim category," she says. So, shelve those ripped jeans until they're back in style again, and opt for something more structural and whole. 

While Jordan Stolch is clear about which denim trends are out for 2026, she's also direct about the denim trends to celebrate in the here and now. One element to pay close attention to is denim washes. "Spring 2026 includes a renewed emphasis on heritage denim washes, particularly deep indigo and clean, classic white," Stolch exclusively tells Women. "These washes feel grounded, reflecting a broader move toward longevity rather than novelty, fast-fashion turnover. Dark indigo brings a sense of tried-and-tested polish back to denim, while white offers a fresh but equally classic alternative." White is especially favorable for spring, since fashion trends follow the seasons, and fresh, bright denim is a great way to ring in warmer weather. 

There are key ways to style heritage washes as well, with Stolch noting, "Lean into the timeless nature by pairing heritage-wash denim with elevated basics, such as tailored blazers, crisp button-downs, thin knits, and minimalist sneakers or sandals." She continues, "For white denim, keep the palette tonal or neutral to maintain a refined, intentional feel." Best of all, there are a few shoe styles that pair perfectly with the best jean trends of the season, and look lovely with heritage denim. 

While super billowy denim is out, slim and chic denim is taking over the baggy silhouette. Jordan Stolch explains to Women that wider legs still make sense, but tailored, streamlined silhouettes are the best mode. "Refined wide-leg jeans, subtle flares, and slimmer boot cuts are emerging as the new standard," Stolch explains. "These styles offer ease and balance for a more proportional look and simple, everyday styling." It's a happy middle-ground between the billowy jeans of years past and their counterpoint, the skinny jean. Thoughtfully tailored flared jeans are trending across the board, with designers like Chloé and Stella McCartney leading the charge.

The best way to accessorize these tailored pieces is through thoughtful melding. "Pair with fitted tanks or tucked-in graphic tees, layered with cropped knits, faux fur jackets, or sharp outerwear," Stolch says. "Footwear like loafers, ballet flats, or low-profile heels helps reinforce the everyday wearability of the look." Softly tailored denim pairs well with everything, and its range is what makes it so lovable. Dress it up, or dress it down, but whatever the case, it'll always be timeless.

While everyone loves a perfect pair of jeans, our conversation around denim would be remiss to not offer some trend forecasting around jackets and denim outerwear, too. Jordan Stolch tells Women that tailoring and quality shapes are still the mode of the moment, even when it comes to denim tops. "Spring 2026 focuses heavily on denim as a category, not just as bottoms. Structured denim jackets, chore coats, and button-up shirts are becoming essential layering pieces, often replacing lighter outerwear," Stolch explains. "These items bring a sense of utility and nostalgia while still feeling current and modern." Following the trend of heritage denim, Who What Wear notes that structured barn jackets are one of the most stylish ways to wear denim this spring. 

Best of all, denim jackets are easy to style, and Stolch has some exclusive advice. "Treat denim outerwear like a wardrobe staple by layering it over dresses, pairing it with tailored trousers, or mixing it with jeans for a double-denim look," she tells us. Yes, you heard that right. The Canadian tuxedo, the beloved and sometimes controversial denim-on-denim trend, is back with a vengeance. Just remember to follow the mantra of the season: structured denim is best, so keep the Canadian tuxedo chic and tailored.