This Trending Alternative To Skinny Jeans Feels Fresh For AW26

By Sarah Macken October 28 2026

Shop the cigarette jeans trend for AW26 with these pairs from Arket, Levi’s, Citizens of Humanity and Khaite …

Fashion continues its romp down memory lane with 90s nostalgia this season. Cowl neck tops are trending, slip dresses remain in favour and clean minimalism continues to dominate how we dress, especially on the high street. Perhaps the decade’s most enduring legacy is the slim-leg jean. Not quite skinny, but definitely not a wide-legged straight, the cigarette jeans trend has been simmering away over the last few years. Not least because celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Dakota Johnson spin it and remix it as part of their off-duty ‘It’ girl wardrobe repertoire. (Right now, Jenner wears her cigarette jeans with a grey raglan sleeve coat and a tonal knit, or a quirky faux fur-trim jacket).

What feels different about cigarette jeans in 2026 is the wash, according to Michelle Curtin, head of personal shopping at Brown Thomas. At a recent event for Citizens of Humanity, Curtin noted that the appeal of the denim brand’s popular 90s French jeans lies in the mid-blue wash that feels like a vintage one. Opt for this shade of blue over inky tones for a more current look, Curtin advises.

The vibe of the jeans is that of a pair of Levi’s 501s. Speaking of, Levi’s are an excellent route into the look that happily remains at the more affordable end of the spectrum. Get the right pair and you’ll wear them forever. If you’re tempted to go the vintage 501s route, trying them in person is preferable, particularly if you haven’t purchased a pair previously. (This also covers you in the instance that a vintage pair has been altered.) In terms of buzzy styles, Khaite’s Danielle jeans, which are worn by the aforementioned Jenner, continue to be popular with A-listers and the fashion set. However, we also lean into brands like Arket. The washed black Ivy slim jeans, €89, below, are an affordable take on the trend.

Why go for cigarette jeans? For one, they’re a way to embrace a skinny silhouette without going the whole hog. The fact that they aren’t skin tight, like the styles of yore, automatically makes them cooler; there’s something less try-hard about a looser shape. Not to mention that a high waist elongates the torso and legs. (Some styles are mid-waist if that flatters you more.) Lastly, they’re also a welcome reprieve from barrel shapes, if they don’t appeal. While some barrel shapes demand at least a kitten heel if not a heeled boot, in a most welcome way cigarette jeans are the perfect foil for ballet shoes and comfy loafers. Good news for lazy, low-heeled dressers everywhere.