6 Tried-and-Tested Straight-Leg Jeans

Those of you who could never get to grips with the barrel, found the wide leg too flappy, and vowed never to return to skinny – say “praise be!” to the fashion gods. They have decreed that the most fashionable cut of jeans to wear in 2026 is the classic straight-leg style.

If you’re like me and refuse to get rid of all your past jean styles (just in case they come back), you may well have a pair of straight legs knocking about still. The timeless Levi’s 501s would be a great example. Didn’t we all have those throughout the late ’80s (with Bros and Madonna as our fashion icons) and the ’90s (think Courteney Cox and Jennifer Aniston)?

Unfortunately, I didn’t keep the pair I bought in Flip, the vintage mecca in Covent Garden, circa 1989, but I do still have a pair of Levi’s Ribcage jeans in the loft that I was certain would come back into rotation. At present, I can’t do them up, but I remain optimistic.

Here are six straight-leg jean styles I have found (and tried on for size), with a few ideas on how to style them.

LOAFERS & TECHNICAL JACKET

These COS Reprise jeans are probably my favourite of all those I tried on recently. They’re true to size and, for me, at just under 5′7″, the perfect full-length leg. I made a purchase, and I know I will wear these a lot.

A really good way to inject a bit more personality into an otherwise fairly ordinary, denim-based outfit is to try the ‘Wrong Shoe Theory’. This was coined by stylist Allison Bornstein a few years ago. It is what it says: add a shoe that wouldn’t traditionally be worn with a certain outfit. So ballet flats with a masculine suit, for example, or loafers with jeans and a more sporty, technical jacket.

BOAT SHOES & SHORT TRENCH

This pair of straight legs is the most affordable of the lot, yet they’re designed by the creative director of Dior, no less. Jonathan Anderson at Uniqlo is always worth a look for interesting, preppy styles at excellent prices. Take your usual size in these. I tried a 28 waist and 31 leg, which is the size I always go for in Uniqlo denim, and that was spot on.

I predict the Miu Miu-style boat shoes from 2024 that hit the high street late last year will be back again this spring. I’ve already dusted mine off in readiness.

BALLET FLATS & LONG TRENCH

We are fast approaching trench coat weather. A perfect accompaniment to straight-leg jeans, pair your trench with ballet flats for the full-on, off-duty Kate Moss/Audrey Hepburn ensemble. This pair is the high-rise ’90s straight from Abercrombie. They tend to go out of stock as quickly as they come in, so keep an eye out if your size is unavailable. This style is also true to size for me and comes in three different leg lengths. The regular length in waist 28 worked best for me. Please note I didn’t buy all these jeans – my trying-on was mainly for research purposes. I’m selfless like that.

SUEDE BLAZER & TRAINERS

This suede blazer from Mint Velvet was one of my most-worn jackets last autumn, and I’m very much looking forward to getting her out in the spring too. I’d keep this simple with a navy jumper and a great belt. These jeans from Aligne come up small. I had to go up a full size and, since they’re also slightly longer than the other pairs I tried, I’d say they would suit those of you between 5′8″ and 5′10″ best. Good shape, though. I’m tempted to keep them and have them taken up a bit to ankle length.

RAIN JACKET & BOOTS

If at this point you’re wondering what the best shoes are to wear with straight-leg jeans, I would advise avoiding anything chunky, as they can make your bottom half look too heavy. Stick with slim ankle boots, neat trainers, sleek loafers or ballet flats.

These Levi’s Ribcage jeans are the ones I still have from a few years ago. They say ‘ribcage’, but they aren’t that high – you can still breathe in them. The Levi’s website says they come up big, but I would say try your regular size as there is zero stretch. They make your bum look amazing, though, so that’s a win. Also, if you’re looking for a rain jacket that’s both practical and cool, have a look at this one from WAT The Brand; it’s very good indeed.

LOAFERS & SWEATSHIRT

This Agolde pair is the most expensive of the bunch, but with good reason. The denim quality is superior, and the shape is super flattering. I really wanted to keep this pair, but with the multitude of jeans I already own, I couldn’t justify it right now. I may yet have a clear-out and make room. Only time will tell. The waist is nice and high, cut in a way that gives you a waist where there was no discernible one before. I would say true to size and full length on me.

A quick recommendation for these sheer socks from Uniqlo: the perfect solution for those in-between days when wearing a big sock feels too much and having a bare ankle is not enough.

P. S. I just started watching ‘Love Story’ The JFK Jr & Carolyn Bessette drama. Loving it, and the simple 90’s fashion is inspiring me.

K x

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