These are the denim trends we'll all be wearing in 2026.

For something we so often describe as "classic" and "evergreen", denim is a fickle old thing.

Trends in this category move surprisingly quickly, especially in the fast-paced world of social media micro-trends.

The moment you get used to barrel jeans, you're hearing whispers of the return of skinny jeans. But are the rumours true? Or is it all just millennial #ragebait?

Looking ahead to 2026, these are the denim trends that are coming next according to our fashion experts — plus the styles from 2025 that are here to stay.

Like jorts, for example — as Chelsea Hui explains on our fashion podcast Nothing To Wear.

Denim trends we'll see in 2026.

The cigarette jean.

Images: Instagram @haileyrhodebieber; @smythsisters.

The new 'It' jean we'll all be curious about next year is the cigarette leg — and it's already won celebrity fans in Hailey Bieber and Alexa Chung, as well as a host of influencers.

Slim through the thigh and narrow and straight through the leg, this style is bordering on skinny, but less tapered.

While the hemline traditionally hits at the ankle for an elongating effect, we'll also see cropped styles pop up — perfect for teaming with sneakers or heels.

Trend forecaster and Nothing To Wear host Lucinda Pikkat encourages playing with proportion to offset the tighter silhouette of the denim.

"Go a bit more oversized on top — an oxford shirt, an oversized jacket, something like that to balance out the jean," she says.

Clean, dark-wash denim.

Image: Instagram @taylachantelle_, @dissh, @vrggrl.

While pale denim is a casual wardrobe staple, darker washes have the effect of adding instant polish — especially in clean silhouettes.

This is a trend we'll continue to see across all denim items, from matching sets to shirting and, yes, skinny jeans.

Neutral denim shades.

Images: Instagram @_santinaharrison; @emeliamorrisstylist; @shopwithfifi.

If thoughts of coloured denim conjure up scary sartorial memories of the early noughties, rest assured you can leave your fluoro cut-off miniskirt in the past.

Although we did see bright blue and purple jeans on the Versace runway recently, the way we'll adopt coloured denim in Australia is a little more subtle — think straight-leg jeans in neutral shades like ecru or white, and barrel-leg styles in chocolate brown and khaki.

2026 denim micro trends.

Distressed denim.

Images: Getty.

Ripped jeans were all over the runways at New York Fashion Week in September, meaning this is a trend we'll likely see emerge next winter. It's a full-circle moment for those that remember wearing distressed denim to death in the 2000s.

This time around, rather than going for a grungy look all over, we'll be paring back our ripped jeans with more refined pieces up-top. Again, it's all about the contrast.

Animal print denim.

Images: Instagram @julietkaz, ZARA, @biancaheavenn.

Lucinda said to keep an eye on zebra-print in particular, which is set to take over from cheetah print as the animal motif du-jour. If you're feeling adventurous, cow print is around too.

Double-waist denim.

"This is one thing I'm seeing that is relatively new," says Lucinda.

You know that bit at the front of your jeans where you button them up? That's essentially doubled, so you have the effect of two waists.

It's a styling technique used recently by high fashion houses Loewe and Jacquemus, and by Nagnata here in Australia.

"Are we going to start seeing it at Cotton On? I don't know yet. It's more a watch this space," says Lucinda.

Trends we're keeping from 2025.

Barrel jeans.

Images: Instagram @theirismaystyle, @ines_rcdd.

If you feel like you just got your head around how to style barrel jeans, you can safely cling on to them for another year, says personal stylist Emelia Morris.

"For 2026, barrel-leg and horseshoe silhouettes will still be going strong," she says.

"But honestly, trends aside, the most important thing is finding denim that makes you feel confident. When I'm styling clients, it's more about what works with their natural shape than what's trending. Think about the rise, the length, the proportions, and how the jeans sit on your body."

Lowrider jeans.

Images: Instagram @bhavithamandava; @sofiagrainge.

Chanel has spoken, and low-rise jeans aren't going anywhere.

The opening look of the brand's Metiers D'Art runway show in December, staged in the New York subway, was a casual one for the high-fashion house: a model in a beige jumper and slouchy wide-leg blue jeans worn low on the hips.

Designers use their opening look to signal the shape of things to come, so expect to see lots more low-rise, wide-leg jeans enter the market for our autumn-winter season next year… the type that intentionally cover your shoes and even (gulp) sweep the ground.

The trick is to style them so they're more cool-girl and less skater boy: think a cropped jacket or fitted tee up-top, and minimal shoes like pointy heels or leather thongs. Best to avoid sneakers altogether.

Bermuda shorts.

Marianne Smyth styles her denim bermuda shorts. Image: Instagram/@smythsisters.

If you embraced the jort (aka the jean short) this year, good news! According to our fashion experts, the style is sticking around for another season.

On the Nothing To Wear podcast, Mamamia's Chelsea Hui spoke to the style's continued popularity, polarising as it might be.

"I don't think they're going anywhere," she said. [The jort] is on-trend, but I wouldn't necessarily say it's a trend now, just because we've seen it stick around for the last few seasons."

If you're looking for an upgrade, swap baggy jean shorts for tidier bermuda styles in lighter colourways — they're more in-line with fashion's preppy new mood.

For more helpful style advice and shopping recommendations, subscribe to the weekly Nothing to Wear Substack, listen to the Nothing to Wear podcast or watch Nothing to Wear on YouTube.

Feature image: Instagram/@sofiagrainge; @emeliamorrisstylist; @smythsisters; @shopwithfifi; @_santinaharrison.