At this point, it’s clear that talking about essential wardrobe staples requires mentioning a good pair of jeans. Let’s be honest, no matter the season, denim is always in style.
When discussing denim, we’re almost always focussed on silhouettes, rises, embellishments, and whether they’re trendy or maintain that minimalist aesthetic that makes them timeless. However, discussing washes and colors is also important. Especially now that it seems the fashion industry has finally reached a consensus.
A couple of years ago, darker washes were vying for the top spot as the most popular jeans, but in 2026 the scales have tipped the other way. From Jonathan Anderson’s Dior menswear fall/winter 2026 runway show to the British designer’s first haute couture show—where it seemed Jennifer Lawrence and Beatrice Borromeo were on the same page—to the Spring/Summer 2026 runways of Sportmax, Valentino, and Aurale, as well as the Pre-Fall collections of Chanel and Dior, everyone agrees that light-wash jeans will be the most fashionable this year.
Let’s be honest: light blue jeans embody an effortless elegance that’s instantly captivating. They’re classic, incredibly practical , and just as reliable as any other pair of jeans you already own. But the truth is, when it comes to describing they’re best qualities, these jeans tick off five important boxes:
- They possess the same effectiveness as the dark wash denim of old, but add a surprise factor.
- They are the easiest way to add a relaxed and effortless touch to any style.
- They go with everything and are useful for everything.
- They are the perfect answer for those days when you don’t know what the heck to wear.