While denim trends come and go, few styles have proven as enduring as straight-leg jeans. The fit is about as straightforward and easy as a jean can get – never clinging too tight or billowing too much on the leg – and simple when it comes to styling, deeming it a classic silhouette that can be found in the permanent collections of many retailers.
Shop pick of the best straight-leg jeans:
Celebrities have long championed straight-leg jeans, and they’re consistently spotted on the likes of Dakota Johnson, Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, and Kaia Gerber, who’ve worn them with everything from lace-trimmed camis and tank tops to leather jackets and trench coats.
Stella McCartney AW26.
Launchmetrics.com/spotlightThe autumn/winter 2026 shows brought renewed appeal to the legacy silhouette. Sharp and straight dark denim, free from frills or embellishments, was seen at Stella McCartney and Acne – solidifying the current obsession with indigo rinses. Isabel Marant, meanwhile, showed a mid-rise, style in a classic true blue rinse, paired with animal-print ankle boots. Elsewhere, Gucci experimented with ultra-high-rise proportions, while Dior went for a wearable faded lightwash, which perfectly offset the house’s signature ruffle-trimmed bar jackets.
Dior AW26.
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Isabel Marant AW26.
Launchmetrics.com/spotlightBelow, you’ll find a variety of washes and finishes to suit any preference, from inky black to light blue and ecru washes. And if you’re looking for something with a little interest, opt for a distressed finish or cuffed hem. As for brands to bear in mind: denim specialists like Frame, Agolde and Levi’s have ample straight-leg styles on offer in a myriad of washes, while high-street brands including Cos, Arket, M&S and H&M are abundant with great denim, too. For more elevated styles, look to Toteme, which specialises in minimalist styles, and to Chloé for cropped ’70s-inspired cuts.
Shop ’s edit of the best straight-leg jeans to buy now…
True blue
You can’t go wrong with classic blue. Think of a medium-wash blue pair as your first foray into the straight-leg category. They’re timeless and go with almost anything.
Light wash and faded
Whether you’re taking inspiration from the ’90s with a vintage, light wash, or nodding to the Noughties with faded denim, these jeans feel simultaneously nostalgic and fresh.
Dark wash
If you’re looking for an office-appropriate pair of jeans, dark denim is the safest bet. Style any of these with a silky blouse, ballet flats and trench coat for a work-ready ensemble – then simply swap out accessories when evening rolls round.
Clean Eileen Dry Twilight Selvage
The runways offered plenty of inspiration for full-length, ankle-pooling straight-leg jeans this season, but if a cropped silhouette is your kryptonite, then styles that hit on or above the ankle will become your soon-to-be favourites (especially for petites).
Black jeans
Black jeans offer the perfect foundation for any outfit, and when they come in a straight-leg silhouette, we think they’re downright perfect. No pair is the same, though, so we’ve included a few different shades – from deep and inky black to something closer to charcoal.
Shades of white
White jeans are a summer staple, but they look just as good with chunky knitwear and boots as they do with a T-shirt and sandals. Just make sure to choose something with a little weight and structure to maintain polish.
When done right, a distressed straight-leg jean delivers a charming worn-in look – the kind you aim to achieve after years of wear. Ensure to opt for versions that are soft with subtle rips and frays.
90s 501 distressed jeans
After a denim refresh? Cuffed jeans are an easy way to bring a little character to your collection. Try turning the hemlines up of your existing favourite styles, or consider investing in a pre-cuffed pair.
Dark Denim Selvedge Turn Up Detail Jean
Mid Rise Straight Leg Turn Up Jeans
Shop more straight-leg jeans…
X A.P.C. Elisabeth Straight-Leg Jeans
Dallas Washed Grey Relaxed Straight-Leg Jeans
