The Return of the Straight Leg Jean: A Model-Approved Revival

The Return of the Straight Leg Jean: A Model-Approved Revival

After seasons dominated by oversized, low-slung silhouettes, the straight leg jean is staging a stylish comeback—and fashion insiders are already on board.

Gone (for now) are the days when baggy denim pooled dramatically over pointy boots. In their place? A cleaner, more structured silhouette that sits somewhere between the extremes of skinny and slouchy. Straight leg jeans have emerged as the go-to denim for models, designers, and off-duty street stylers alike—and just in time for the warmer months.

Runway-Ready Relevance

Designers are clearly taking note. Diesel’s Fall 2025 collection featured low-slung straight legs with a gritty, utilitarian edge. At Versace, the straight leg got the glam treatment, glittering down the runway in metallic finishes. Dsquared2 offered a more relaxed take—slightly slouchy, slightly structured, and perfect for everyday wear.

Whether styled for drama or daywear, one thing’s clear: straight leg jeans have recaptured the fashion spotlight.

Model Behavior: Bella Hadid Leads the Way

No surprise, then, that Bella Hadid—fashion’s unofficial denim oracle—is a leading figure in the revival. From pairing her straight legs with trainers and vests to elevating them with stilettos and belts, Hadid makes a compelling case for the cut’s versatility. Her preferred high-rise styles, often cinched at the waist, channel a nostalgic "early 2010s mom" aesthetic—with a modern twist.

From Fashion Month to Everyday Cool

The resurgence began quietly during fashion month, when off-duty models slouched through Paris and New York in straight-leg staples—often low- or mid-rise, paired with ballet flats, boots, or vintage loafers. The appeal? Straight leg jeans are low-effort but polished, roomy without overwhelming, and timeless without being basic.

And for those of us not quite ready to welcome back skinnies, the straight leg offers the perfect middle ground—flattering, functional, and quietly iconic.