Why Every Wardrobe Needs A Pair Of Straight-Leg Jeans
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.
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 baby tees and leather bomber jackets to floaty boho blouses and longline coats. And that’s precisely their appeal: when the fit is right, straight-leg jeans work with virtually anything.
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The spring/summer 2026 shows brought renewed appeal to the legacy silhouette. Sharp and straight dark denim, free from frills or embellishments, were seen at Dior and Chloé – solidifying the current obsession with dark rinses. Loewe, meanwhile, showed a mid-rise style in a wearable light rinse, paired with cropped bomber jackets and colour-blocked knits.
Elsewhere, McQueen experimented with ultra-low-rise proportions, Valentino elevated the shape with statement front pockets and gilded buttons, and Balenciaga, Acne Studios, and Maison Margiela each delivered their own takes on straight-up-and-down jeans that pooled at the ankles.
Below, you’ll find a variety of washes and finishes to suit any style mood; from inky black to light blue and ecru washes. And if you’re looking for something with a little interest, then a distressed or cuffed hem will add extra edge. Shop Vogue’s standout straight-leg jeans from Agolde, Levi’s, Frame and more.
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.
