Not Stovepipe, Not Skinny—6 Summer Denim Trends That'll Make You Forget Those Jeans You've Been Wearing All Year
From '90s light-wash jeans to denim corsets and culottes, this season promises several breakthrough denim trends. Fashion expert Lauren Cunningham predicts which you're likely to see most this summer.
Ah, denim—the go-to fabric that makes up the backbone of most of our everyday wardrobes, especially those of us who practically live in jeans (guilty as charged). But beyond your basic blue denim, there are countless iterations of the cotton-rich staple that mean we can be a little more inventive without leaving our comfort zone. Welcome to the 2026 denim trends taking centre stage this summer: each effortlessly wearable, yet just exciting enough to elevate any wardrobe.
Take bright and bold jeans—the latest attention-grabbing trend to hit the high street, leaning into the recently reignited 2010s look. Chore jackets for when the temperature inevitably drops. Or the revival of 90s light-wash jeans, thanks in no small part to the comeback of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's minimalist sense of style. All offering a slightly updated take on summer dressing beyond your classic denim cut-offs and everyday jackets.
Whether you choose to wear them together—a modern-day take on the Canadian tuxedo, anyone?—or invest in only one, these are the six denim trends the best-dressed women on the internet are turning to.
6 Summer Denim Trends to Bookmark Now
1. Strapless Denim Tops
Style Notes: Whether it's Levi's, Jean Paul Gaultier, Reformation or Agolde, strapless denim tops, corsets and bustiers are available in no short supply this season. Unusual enough to feel interesting, easy enough to actually wear, I pair mine with everything from bubble skirts to jeans for a look that feels considered with minimal effort.
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A few years ago, Gap was far from any fashion fan's radar. Now, thanks to Zac Posen, quite the opposite is true.
No brand is as famous for corsets as Jean Paul Gaultier, and this denim style is a great example of why.
Reformation's denim collection is more than worthy of a scroll through this season.
Consider this peplum bustier an easy solution to the smart-casual dress code dilemma
2. Vibrant Jeans
Style Notes: When we think of denim trends, contrasting cuts in long-loved blue shades typically come to mind. But for those who favour something with a little more flair, welcome to the era of the bold-coloured jean. Red, yellow, pink and green are all making their way to the shelves of some of our favourite stores.
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If Fisayo's yellow jeans look isn't enough to convince you of the colourway, I'm not sure what will.
Poppy red has been pegged as a key colour to note this season, and these balloon jeans hit the mark.
Pretty in pink, I'd style this Jigsaw denim with a simple shirt shirt, brown tees and even bolder greens, yellows and blues.
The Kai Collective yellow jeans are almost sold-out, but this deep purple is just as striking.
3. Denim Culottes
Style Notes: If 2025 was the summer of jorts, 2026 is the summer of culottes—hitting the calf rather than the knee. The 70s revival is well underway, after all. Just look to the Spring/Summer 26 runways of Fforme, Max Mara, and Celine to see the cropped trouser in action.
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With a wide-leg shape and stitching detail, these denim culottes feel very much of the moment.
Darker wash denim feels just a touch more formal than its paler counterparts.
The mid-calf length of these denim culottes makes them all the more wearable, even to work and at the weekend.
The Frankie Shop has found its way into almost every chic woman's wardrobe I know.
4. Denim Chore Jacket
Style Notes: Ideally, UK summer fashion would consist entirely of mini dresses, shorts and sandals. Realistically, it's not warm every day. So the lighter-weight jacket earns its place, and Loro Piana, Bottega Veneta, Dôen and more of our favourite labels are making a very strong case for the chore coat shape. Practical, too, which never hurts.
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With Nothing Underneath is the label every London cool girl is shopping.
A pop of colour on the collar makes this chore jacket a true standout.
Darker denim always offers a more formal feel, even when it comes to the casual chore jacket.
Shopping from the mens section means you'll easily find an oversized fit with little faff.
5. Camo Denim
Style Notes: Camo print is quite like marmite—you'll either love it or loathe it, But one fact that isn't up for debate is that it's effortless cool. And when it comes to denim, there's no shortage of options: camo denim jackets, jeans and shorts, included.
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Allsaints has gone all-in with the camo print denim trend and these barrel-leg jeans are a real highlight.
Nili Lotan's camo print co-ord is almost sold out, but there are a few units of this denim jacket in stock. Best be quick.
Even Lara Croft would be envious of these camo shorts.
Free People is one of the first high street store to stock any trend, camo print denim included.
6. 90s Lightwash Jeans
Style Notes: Thanks to Disney's Love Story and the renewed fascination with Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's wardrobe, 90s fashion is having another moment. But while baby tees and butterfly clips may be a step too far for some, the classic straight-leg light-wash jean remains a universal favourite—of myself included.
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I own these jeans and wear them on a near-daily basis.
No jean is as famous as Levi's 501's. Even Hailey Bieber, Barack Obama, and Patti Smith are known to be fans.
The customer verdict is that these jeans come up a little on the long side—great news for those with long legs.
Whether worn with sandals, heels, loafer or trainers, these jeans will become the backbone of many a great outfit.
