There have been countless times over the years that my older sister (there are six years between us) has said, "I used to wear that in the '90s", when I've turned up to a family event. Be it the chokers that had me in a chokehold (pun intended) in 2016, or the cami tops I would wear in high school with clear bra straps on show. There are so many trends—good and bad—that have managed to stick around for decades. And while I'll always think of that silver sheer dress 19-year-old Kate Moss wore to a party in 1993 every time I hear the word 'slip dress', and I'll never not see Bermuda shorts as belonging to Julia Roberts (as seen in Pretty Woman in 1990), there's no '90s fashion category more iconic than denim.
Coming into full fruition, it was the '90s when oversized denim jackets were loved by the likes of Drew Barrymore, straight-leg jeans (in indigo or light blue) were worn by every cool girl, and when it comes to accessories, Naomi Campbell confirmed the denim bucket hat was the style du jour. And now, every one of these celebrity-backed '90s denim styles is just as key today as they were decades ago. And they're going to continue to be relevant in 2026—so consider this your reminder to replenish your denim collections with these new, '90s-inspired styles.
'90s Denim Trends to Wear in 2026:
1. Long Straight-Leg Jeans
Style Notes: I bet if I asked any of my fashion editor pals, they would all say they own at least one pair of straight-leg jeans. The easy-to-style silhouette has been key since the '90s—worn by the like of Halle Berry, Kate Moss and Julia Roberts—and no doubt we'll all keep wearing the effortless pair for decades to come.
Shop Straight-Leg Jeans:
Of course I had to include Levi's '90s (and they not come in 13 washes).
There's a reason every fashion editor wears COS jeans.
These are heavily backed by fashion insiders.
A true classic.
I always rate H&M's denim edit.
2. Oversized Denim Jackets
Style Notes: While I always think of girl bands wearing fitted denim jackets in the '00s, back in the '90s, it was all about super slouchy oversized shapes. See how Drey Barrymore is wearing hers in 1993 in an indigo wash with a white T-shirt and black jeans? This is basically an easy way to still wear them this time round, too—and everyone including Loewe and Agolde to Other Stories has versions to choose from.
Shop Oversized Denim Jackets:
I love the shape of this slightly puffed-sleeve style.
I'm a big fan of the dark wash of this style.
Grab one of two sizes up for that extra oversized fit.
The peplum hem brings it straight into 2026.
I've wanted this for so long.
3. Cut-Off Shorts
Style Notes: Okay, so it may be too soon to actually wear denim shorts (unless you're going on vacay) but it's never too early to plan ahead. Jennifer Aniston is the poster girl for cut-off, frayed hem styles that you could easily DIY yourself with an old pair of jeans. Want the easy option? There are so many styles out there—from micro all the way to jorts.
Shop Cut-Off Shorts:
Jen An would so wear these.
I like to size up in denim shorts so they sit slightly lower down on the hips.
The short version of the iconic Levi's 94 jeans are just as good.
Jorts are also sticking around for SS26.
Black will of course go with everything you own.
4. Indigo Jeans
Style Notes: When it comes to denim in the '90s, there were two main teams: light wash or indigo. While light denim always appears each spring/summer, deep blue versions (as seen by Kate Moss with a Breton is 1996) work no matter the time of year.
Shop Indigo Jeans:
Love the baggy shape of this Reformation pair.
Got a new pair of spring-ready shoes? These are the ideal length to show them off.
A '90s wash with a 2026 cut is a match made in heaven.
Just add a polo top and pumps.
Mango's jeans are really impressing me right now.
5. Bucket Hat
Style Notes: Naomi Campbell wore one in 1992, everyone wears them at festivals and now every designer—including Loewe and Anine Bing has denim bucket hats ready and waiting for spring to arrive. Unsure how to style them? Make like Naomi and wear with crochet or go for a double denim hit by adding to jeans and a vest.
Shop Bucket Hats:
This logo style is so '90s.
Every designer has iterations.
Counting down the days until holiday to wear this framed-hem version.
Love this white Other Stories style.
Chic.