It’s Not a Stretch to Say This: Skinny Jeans Are Back

Stars like Zara Larsson and View Benyapa are embracing the skinny jean revival with zeal. (Photos: Instagram / @_imyour_joy; @zaralarsson; @view.benyapa)

Many of us can recall it all too well. Squeezing into a pair of painted-on jeans without breaking a sweat was only the first step—then came the front pockets that threatened to spit our phones back out, and the ordeal of squeezing back out of them at the end of the day. We won’t blame you for recoiling at the mention of skinny jeans, especially after having tasted the freedom that comes with a wide-leg pant. But if you’re willing to give the controversial silhouette another chance, now’s as good a time as any—we’re officially in the midst of a skinny jean revival.

The skintight silhouette was a defining moment of the indie sleaze era—think Alexa Chung in a vintage band tee, or Kate Moss strutting down London streets in a leather moto jacket. But even before dominating 2010s street style, skinny jeans had long been a symbol of alternative culture, rock-and-roll, and youthful sex appeal, with stars like Elvis Presley and James Dean championing the look in the 1950s.

The fashion world’s withdrawal from skinny jeans began in the late 2010s—a natural result of fashion’s constant pendulum swing, much like the transition from quiet luxury to bold maximalism, or from micro mini-skirts to flowing maxis and midis. Though skinny jeans were already on the outs, their fate was eventually sealed by the pandemic, when looser, baggier silhouettes were catapulted into the limelight. Years of Zoom meetings and online lectures meant that comfort topped the list of everyone’s style priorities, and the humble skinny jean slunk firmly back into the shadows of our wardrobes.

Khaite Spring/Summer 2026 (Photo: Courtesy of Khaite)

With these ultra-tight drainpipe jeans being such a divisive member of the denim family, their return comes as a surprise to many. Nevertheless, it’s safe to say that this resurgence is no longer simply speculation—the pendulum has officially swung back.

The modern skinny jean revival began on the runway, starting with designers like Michael Rider at Celine: for his debut collection for the maison, Rider sent many a razor-slim pant down the runway, often paired with oversized, boxy blazers. On the other side of the taste spectrum, Demna’s controversial runway debut for Gucci showcased painted-on, low-slung black trousers and slim denim. At Dior, Jonathan Anderson styled men in slim, sharp denim with statement sparkly tanks and rocker-inspired layers; at Prada, Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons leaned into hip-hugging, nostalgic, retro lines for their Spring/Summer 2027 menswear show.

Gucci Primavera (Photo: Courtesy of Gucci)

Celine Spring/Summer 2026 (Photo: Courtesy of Celine)

Prada Spring/Summer 2027 Menswear (Photo: Courtesy of Prada)

While reintroducing skinny jeans back into your daily outfit rotation might seem a bit intimidating, the key to making them work ultimately lies in styling—whether tucked into knee-high boots or neutralised with an oversized jacket or blazer. Additionally—and fortunately—the return of skinny jeans in 2026 has taken a more breathable form, with the silhouette widening ever so slightly past the knees to create a straight-leg or flared look. This creates more structure while still appearing sleek (rather than causing onlookers to worry about your blood circulation).

The fact that several stars have endorsed the skinny jean comeback is further proof that the cigarette-leg silhouette deserves a permanent place in your wardrobe. Go down the retro road by pairing it with a raglan tee or a basic white tank like Dua Lipa and Bella Hadid, or dress it up with a unique top combination featuring a statement colour like Zara Larsson. For the daring, get crafty with your old skinny jeans and turn them into capris. Below, get a closer look at how the it-girls of today are styling their skin-tight denim.