If the return of skinny jeans has you quaking in your boots, allow me to reassure you: stovepipe jeans are the fashion compromise you’ve been waiting for.

Granted, denim silhouettes have been gradually getting slimmer and slimmer since wide-leg jeans reached their ultimate peak post-pandemic (though that’s not to say they don’t still have their place, mind you) – but that doesn’t mean wrestling yourself into those skin-hugging styles you thought you left firmly in 2010, should that not fit the fantasy for 2026.

Table of Contents

Toggle

Featured in this article

Agolde + NET SUSTAIN Stovepipe High-Rise Straight-Leg Organic Jeans

Jump to review

As far as I’m concerned, stovepipe jeans are the perfect alternative. Offering a slimmer shape that still gives that chic, refined look, they allow a little more room than the skinny jean – a.k.a. enough to give your ankles some much-appreciated breathing room.

What are stovepipe jeans?

Stovepipe jeans sit somewhere in the middle of a straight-leg jean and a skinny jean – generally, they sit slightly closer to the leg than a straight-leg jean would, without clinging. Like a straight silhouette, they leave space at the ankle rather than tapering in to fit the leg, meaning they give a flattering, refined fit while still offering a bit of room. Most styles are mid to high-rise, to give that longer leg look.

Recently, these slimmer-fit style jeans have returned to favour – both on the runways at the likes of Khaite and Jil Sander, and via Alexa Chung and basically every off-duty model going.

Arnold Jerocki

Stovepipe jeans work really well as a balancing act to more statement pieces on top (such as Alexa’s caped look above), but are just as easily paired with simple shirts, tees and blazers for a relaxed look. Basically, they’re a great all-rounder. They team up perfectly with this season’s slim-line boots and loafers, too.

Courtesy of KHAITE

How to wear stovepipe jeans

Because of their straight silhouette, stovepipe jeans can be worn with more voluminous pieces for easy contrast, or fitted shapes to give a sleek look. After some styling inspiration? Here’s five easy ways to wear stovepipe jeans, according to the fashion set…

Off-duty jacket + loafers

Claudio Lavenia