STYLED FOR DENIM TIMES: THE DEFINITIVE JEAN FIT GUIDE

Denim can be worn anytime, anyplace, by everyone. It's the true backbone of every wardrobe – a staple you can always rely on. It can feel overwhelming trying to decide which shape to go for when there are so many choices, but that's where we come in. We're here to give you the scoop on the key jean silhouettes to know for 2026. Read on to find out everything you need to know about the six styles that'll be dominating the streets, from classic slim jeans to the contemporary barrel-leg.

ASOS DESIGN stretch slim jeans in black, £25

Slim jeans are versatile and pair effortlessly with (almost) everything, earning them a well-deserving spot on the everyday roster. Slender from the thigh to the ankle, these ASOS DESIGN slim jeans are constructed with comfort-stretch denim, allowing ample wiggle room without compromising shape. With a slight taper at the hem, these jeans are a contemporary style ready for everything, from the office to a first date.

ASOS DESIGN tapered jeans in indigo, £25

If you want some character in your denim, look no further than tapered jeans, AKA the elevated cousin of the slim jean. They have a looser fit across the thigh that narrows towards the ankle, following the leg’s natural contour. The cropped leg makes them an ideal choice for showing off your favourite kicks, too. Top tip: Indigo denim is everywhere this season, so if you're stuck on which wash to go for, this is a good one.

Cotton On super baggy jean in washed grey, £50

If slim jeans aren’t quite up your alley, maybe it's time to try going baggy. These jeans have looser, more relaxed proportions, naturally enhancing your ease of movement. The clean finish at the ankle makes them another prime pairing for box-fresh trainers, but they adapt to any aesthetic, so if you're more inclined to a loafer, that works too. Trust us, they’re about to become your go-tos.

ASOS DESIGN straight jeans in washed black, £25

Straight-leg jeans are one of the great imports of the 90s. We guarantee your favourite celebs were rocking these 24/7, from Keanu Reeves to Brad Pitt. Their proportions are (you guessed it) straight from hip to hem, giving them a crisp, more elevated feel. So, whenever you’re looking to deviate from head-to-toe tailoring – or you just want to ooze main-character energy – rely on these.

Jack & Jones Alex baggy jeans in mid wash blue, £40

The loose straight is exactly what it sounds like – a blend of loose and straight jeans. They’re cut to a relaxed fit with a lowered inseam to maximise freedom of movement, but the overall straight silhouette holds. They're designed to puddle on the floor, granting the illusion of longer legs and giving a more laidback aesthetic. Our verdict? They’re perfect for making a strong style statement, mixing comfort with added edge.

Barrel-leg jeans are a fairly new addition to the denim dialogue, but a welcome one. We can’t pinpoint the exact moment they became frequent on menswear runways, but the bold, sculptural silhouette was always destined to become a hot topic. These mid-rise jeans dramatically widen at the knee and narrow towards the ankle, resulting in a distinctly curved silhouette. Being so statement, they deserve to be spotlighted with a pared-back top half – think a slim-fitting vest or a more tailored top.