Expert consulted: While jeans are always a staple in our spring wardrobes, not all silhouettes are made equal. We’ve seen denim run the gamut from skin-tight jeggings to oversized barrel legs throughout the years, which can make it hard to know which styles are worth investing in right now. As a shopping editor who tracks fashion trends for a living, I’m here to break down the key denim trends for spring/summer 2026.
Amanda Constantine, Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst at the GH Textiles Lab, says there are few overarching denim trends to keep in mind as you prep your closet for warmer weather. “Fashion swings on a pendulum from one end to the other, and it seems like right now, denim has landed somewhere right in the middle, with a focus on less-extreme styles like slightly cropped hemlines, undyed or white basic fabrics, celebrity-inspired jeans that flare just below the knee, and slim-but-not-too-slim silhouettes.” Here are seven denim trends that are taking over right now:
Bootcut jeans
Thanks to late ‘90s style icon Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and Love Story, the bootcut jean is having a moment this season. This style tends to be fitted through the waist, hips, and thigh, with a subtle flare at the ankle. Since bootcut jeans are often on the longer side, they’re a natural match for heeled sandals and boots.
Cigarette jeans
Not quite skinny and not quite straight-legged, cigarette jeans are known for their long, slender shape—just like their namesake. To create balance in your outfits, we recommend styling these jeans with more voluminous tops like an oversized button-down or a blazer with sharp shoulders.
White jeans
Even before Memorial Day rolls around, we’re reaching for white denim. This timeless warm-weather wash ranges in tone, from icy white to warm cream, and comes in nearly every cut under the sun. For a monochromatic look that doesn’t feel one-note, pair ivory jeans with a white sweater in a contrasting texture, like crochet or cable knit.
Cropped jeans
If you’ve got a cute pair of ballet flats or loafers you’ve been dying to show off, opt for a pair of cropped jeans. This season, we’ve been seeing the ankle-baring style in all sorts of silhouettes, from your classic skinnies to cropped barrel jeans. Or, reach for a pair of culotte jeans—their loose, breezy design transitions easily from spring to summer.
Granny jeans
Move over, mom jeans—granny jeans are stealing the spotlight for spring 2026. Similar to their predecessor, granny jeans have a high-waisted fit and a straight-to-wide leg reminiscent of the ‘80s and ‘90s. Lean into the throwback silhouette by pairing them with a vintage-inspired blouse—think florals, lace, and pussy bow details.
Trouser jeans
In search of jeans that can take you from the workday to the weekend? Professional and polished, trouser jeans combine sharp tailoring with a modern denim fabric. They often feature pleats and a wide or straight leg, with a high-waisted silhouette that makes it easy to tuck in blouses and button-downs.
Low-rise jeans
Like all things Y2K, low-rise jeans are trending yet again. This hipbone-baring style tends to sit closer to mid-rise than denim from the early aughts, and there’s a slew of silhouettes to choose from. For an effortless vibe, opt for a relaxed, baggy cut like these popular Levi’s Superlow jeans. But if you truly want to embody a nostalgic look, these True Religion skinnies will do the trick.
Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.
