3 Summer 2026 Denim Trends To Embrace (& 2 Outdated Ones To Ditch)

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Summer 2026 is right around the corner, and the hotter months are bringing some seriously stylish denim trends our way. But, much like this summer's outdated shoe trends, the new season will also be pushing a few previously stylish fits and colors firmly out of the spotlight. Like 2025's outdated denim styles, overly distressed pieces and super skinny styles are still out, but that certainly doesn't mean fashion hasn't progressed since this time last year.

To get a clearer picture of this year's denim conversation, Women spoke with personal stylist Erin Noël about how the 2026 summer denim trends compare to prior trend cycles. "Denim for summer 2026 feels lighter — both in fabrication and assortment," Noël shares, continuing, "Instead of one dominant silhouette, we're seeing a range of shapes rooted in comfort, proportion, and versatility. We also see a variety of rises available, from low to high, which helps women make the best choice for their shape." Noël points out that this summer's denim picks will also be more about personal preference, rather than just adhering to what's popular, like in summers past. "I think the variety available within current trend styles makes this a unique time," she adds. But that doesn't mean there aren't a few tips and tricks to ensure you're ditching what's out and sticking to what's hot in the heat.

Short denim shorts have become a summer staple (what would music festival fashion be without a skimpy pair with frayed bottoms?), but Erin Noël tells Women, exclusively, that 2026's hottest months are gearing up for longer hemlines with looser fits. "The longer line feels more modern, more flattering, and easier to style in an elevated way," she shares. "It also bridges the gap between casual and polished, which is where everything is heading," she adds, recommending the Banana Republic 11-inch Bermuda Shorts, which sit around the knee.

Noël also reveals that colored denim is making an unexpected comeback. As jean shorts are already fun, flirty, and casual, they're the perfect piece to add a splash of color to this summer. The Luvamia Bermuda Jean Shorts in Candy Pink will bring feminine fun to a festival or BBQ without looking outdated, as will the Denim Shorts from Yanekop in Butter Yellow. Butter yellow was the color we were advised to add to all our spring/summer 2025 outfits, and it's shown serious staying power, as it'll be all over our summer 2026 outfits too. If butter yellow isn't your thing, that's fine, just remember to opt for denim in muted shades to keep the look modern.

It's no surprise, considering super distressed denim was declared outdated as recently as spring 2026, that the style isn't coming back for the summer. "This feels dated because it reads as very early 2010s and a bit overdone. The current shift is toward denim that feels clean, elevated, and intentional," Erin Noël tells Women of why we've relegated ripped jeans to the backs of our closets. But that doesn't mean we have to totally avoid pairs that look lived-in.

Noël explains that summer 2026's take on the distressed jean will be more natural, which is ideal for helping your denim go the extra mile when it feels like everything is getting more expensive. "I prefer natural distressing from a worn pair of Levi's versus intentionally ripped pairs. I would swap your ripped pair for a vintage Levi," she says. Scour second-hand stores for a truly vintage pair of Levi's, or check clothing resale websites to get that naturally distressed look.

Relaxed straight-leg and stovepipe jeans took over for exaggerated barrel jeans as one of 2026's hottest denim trends, but looser fits are coming back around for the summer. Erin Noël exclusively reveals that balloon and curved-leg denim will be particularly popular over the warmer months, explaining, "This silhouette is gaining traction because it creates shape without feeling heavy. It's a more directional take on volume but still relaxed — you can easily dress this style up or down."

She recommends trying Roderic Wong's Balloon Leg Jeans in Cotton Linen Denim. The mix of fabric gives the pants a looser, more flowy aesthetic compared to some stiffer silhouettes, with the billowy lightness perfect for keeping you cool this summer. Then there's GRAPENT Cropped Barrel Jeans, where the curved leg isn't so exaggerated that they'll quickly look outdated, but they'll be equally airy. Moreover, the cropped finish is ideal to pair with this summer's trendiest shoe trends, like sneakerinas and thong heel sandals. Noël also notes that this jean style pairs particularly well with structured fitted tops (think a corset or boned crop top). "[That] gives that balanced, styled look," she says.

We need to prepare for skinny jeans not to come back, because Erin Noël tells us we need to keep the form-fitting pieces in the drawer. At least for a little while longer. "It's not that slim denim is completely gone — but that super tight, restrictive fit feels out of step with how women want to dress right now," she shares with Women, exclusively. "There's a clear move toward ease, comfort, and proportion, and overly tight denim doesn't support that."

Noël suggests getting your hands on Levi's Baggy Dad jeans to let your legs breathe while keeping you on trend in the warmer months. Sticking to a lighter wash, like Easy Days or Fan Flare, will also keep the bottoms more summer-appropriate. Levi's offers the 94 Baggy Jeans in multiple shades as well, which offer up a slightly more relaxed aesthetic.

Printed denim is also making a comeback amid the turn to more personalized fashion choices over thoughtless trend-following. We first saw this throwback style pop up in the early years of the 2010s, and its summer resurgence offers a fun way to inject some personality into your denim. If you're into more feminine pieces, try a floral print like the D-Sun Flower Printed Jean Jacket (which gives us total summer vibes). If you prefer to make a statement, reach for a star or zigzag print, like the Oversized Vintage Denim Jacket from Justalwart — perfect for the Fourth of July!

What makes this trend particularly perfect this year is how versatile it is. This denim vibe isn't just restricted to bottoms, giving you more opportunity to rock it in a way that works for you by investing in a piece you'll get the most use out of. In addition to denim jackets, why not reach for a printed denim bag or dress?