Where Stylists Shop: The Jeans To Buy in 2026 That You’ll Keep Forever

The search for the perfect pair of jeans is never-ending. Your next pair might prioritise “structure, shape, fun and creating a strong, intentional silhouette” like Perth stylist Sonali Fernando suggests, or might involve coloured, printed or embellished denim, as Melbourne stylist Karinda Mutabazi hopes.

To provide some guidance and inspiration, we asked Australian stylists to peek inside their own closets and internet wishlists to share their top picks for this year.

Chelsea Holm, Sydney stylist

For effortless Australian style, Rowie is worth a look. I love that their denim is designed to soften and fade with wear over time so no two pairs end up the same. I’m eyeing their Walter cuffed straight jeans and Percy curve seam jeans.

I’m calling it now, coloured and printed denim is making a comeback. Courtney Zheng is the holy grail – bold, chic and beautifully executed, the Verdure tapestry print jeans don’t miss! If you know, you know: Kourh is dressing Sydney’s underground fashion scene. Every new collection, they drop a denim range that will have people side-eyeing you in the coffee queue. For unisex styles, unexpected washes and clever twists on classic tailoring, consider their 2D jean and Wire jean.

The best jeans are the ones that live a life with you. If you’d rather restore and reinvent your fave pair, then BTB Studios in Melbourne is for you. With an ethos centred around mending and repair, they also create small-batch artisan-made denim (like their Heart jeans).

@french___fries

Kimberley Jonjin, Sydney fashion stylist and consultant

While exploring stores around Sydney, I recently came across Maillot and immediately fell in love with their selection. As a curated boutique, they stock beautifully made brands from overseas, and I was really impressed by the quality of the denim they carry. Their edit feels thoughtful and timeless, with an emphasis on exceptional fabrication and fit. I was drawn to Ssstein’s St 1400 indigo denim pleated baggy trousers.

For everyday denim, I also think Uniqlo does a fantastic job. Their jeans are reliable, comfortable and well made, making them a perfect everyday option that doesn’t compromise on fit or quality. Take a look at its JW Anderson straight jeans.

If you’re looking for something a little more playful, I’ve also been loving Niamh Galea’s 8-Pocket jeans. The exaggerated pocket detailing gives the classic straight-leg silhouette an unexpected twist while remaining incredibly wearable. Looking ahead, I think we’ll be seeing more jeans with pleated detailing at the waist. It’s a subtle design feature that brings a softer, more tailored shape to denim while still feeling relaxed and modern.

@kimberley.jonjin

Victoria Burns, Melbourne stylist and content creator

Most of my denim wardrobe is vintage Levi’s or Citizens of Humanity. They both do that balance of structure and ease so well. In terms of silhouettes, I think we’ll continue to see the rise of ’90s-inspired straight-leg (like Citizens of Humanity’s Nora trouser leg) and bootcut (like these Levi’s women’s low slim boot jeans) shapes. There’s something incredibly timeless and quite sexy about those proportions. They lend themselves so naturally to dressing up or down. At the same time, the baggier dad jean still has its place. It has that off-duty ease while being genuinely comfortable, which is why it has endured.

@viccyb_

Karinda Mutabazi, Melbourne stylist and creative director

For myself, I am always looking at wash, detail, silhouette and length. I am tall and am drawn to unique details. I go to Grace Melbourne for high-end quality and fashion silhouettes from brands like Frame, AG Denim, Etro. I hit up Who Boutique for interesting details and longer styles as they stock lots of Scandi brands like Essentiel Antwerp, Paloma Wool and Baum Und Pferdgarten. I visit Somebuddy Loves You for their curation of interesting brands and favourite classics, like Marle, Permanent Vacation and curated Levi’s styles.

In general, jeans are moving towards a straighter fit, although there are still plenty of barrel and relaxed styles out there. I am loving that I am seeing more coloured denim (like Baum Und Pferdgarten’s Nolia jeans), printed denim (like Courtney Zheng’s Verdure tapestry print jeans) and embellished denim (like Sandro’s rhinestone barrel jeans) to shake up the traditional blue jean aesthetic.

Reworked denim is also a huge trend; Scout for Vintage makes the best spliced jeans to order. You can bring in jeans you no longer wear or choose from a range of incredible vintage denim to create your own custom style. What’s better than a pair of jeans tailored exactly to you?

@mutabazi_k

Stefan Francesca, Adelaide stylist

The key denim players include Frame, Toteme, Rohe, and By Malene Birger. Each approaches denim through a minimal, elevated lens. Frame remains strong for fit-led, wearable denim with clean, straight and flare cuts. Toteme continues to define the space with elongated, minimal silhouettes and refined wide-leg shapes. Rohe pushes more directional, structured denim that feels closer to tailored trousers than traditional jeans. By Malene Birger sits more in the styling space, offering luxe Scandi interpretations of denim.

@stefan_francesca

Billy Chambers, Melbourne stylist

Denim is all about fit and wearability. The Melbourne denim brand Cezen is my everyday go-to: the leg shape is perfect, with just the right amount of detail. Acne Studios offers a more refined, elevated option in a range of washes, while Neuw Denim is great for something more accessible with that same considered cut. Right now I’m leaning into relaxed, easy silhouettes that just work across everything.

@thebillabon

Sonali Fernando, Perth stylist

This year’s jeans style is all about structure, shape, fun and creating a strong, intentional silhouette that shows off personality. This style is often tight at the top and intentionally baggy or barrelled at the bottom. My favourite pair in this style is from the Vietnamese brand Hypnotism. More locally, Jungles Jungles also experiments with this silhouette, adding touches of bleaching and accents of interest. Up-and-coming Western Australian brand Humanartifact is also one to watch. They do custom and experiment not only with silhouette, but also with excessive textures and the addition of mixed materials to denim.

@gnarlynandos

Lauren Dilena, Adelaide stylist

Some of my go-to denim brands are Citizens of Humanity, Agolde and Frame. Citizens of Humanity does incredibly flattering straight-leg and subtle wide-leg styles in premium washes that hold their shape beautifully. Agolde is great for more fashion-forward silhouettes. Frame is another favourite for elevated everyday denim, particularly their high-rise straight and longline wide-leg styles that work perfectly with boots and tailoring. Overall, we’ll continue to see a shift toward relaxed, straight and full-length wide-leg styles in clean, darker washes for winter.

@laurendilena

Rebecca Modara, Melbourne personal stylist

Denim is one of the few categories where the difference between “good” and “exceptional” is immediately tangible. It comes down to three things: fabric integrity, cut precision and how the jean holds its shape over time. Levi’s, Nobody Denim, Henne, Anine Bing and Uniqlo (particularly through its JW Anderson collaborations) consistently stand out. Lately, for clients I’ve been reaching for Nude Lucy, Dissh and Nobody Denim; each offers a considered range of cuts that adapt across silhouettes without compromising structure.

Regarding what we’ll see more of, the refined straight-leg jean is quietly becoming the default again – take a look at Anine Bing’s Roy jean. It balances everything else in a wardrobe. The barrel leg is also evolving, less exaggerated and more controlled, like Uniqlo’s Baggy barrel-leg jeans, featuring a subtle curve rather than full volume. We’re also seeing a broader shift in colour. Denim is moving beyond traditional blue into deeper indigos, blacks and earthy tones, making it feel more integrated and ultimately more versatile.

@locarnostyling

Liv Brown, Melbourne personal stylist

Barrel-leg jeans are still going strong, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the skinny leg starts making an appearance again this year. We’ve already seen hints of it in capris, but I’m waiting for it to properly come back in denim. This one’s a Melbourne-exclusive recommendation, but honestly, I would fly interstate for Dejour Jeans. They’re so reasonably priced, and they tailor the jeans to fit you perfectly in-store. It’s such a fun experience, and there are so many styles to choose from. I also love the Nico Straight by Neuw Denim; it’s that perfect straight-leg with just a hint of a skinny feel.

@rattle_style

Kerrie Carucci, Brisbane stylist

This season I have been putting clients into denim from Witchery, Aje, Agolde, Country Road and Levi’s. With the Carolyn Bessette effect we saw from Love Story, cropped straight and traditional Levi’s 517s are in. The style of jean we will continue to see throughout the year is the barrel-leg jean. They’re coming in a range of washes and integrating earthy tones, including whisky washes and chocolate hues. A few favourites to note include Agolde’s Luna frayed high-rise barrel-leg jeans and Aje’s Rylan extra-wide-leg jean.

@kerriecarucci_stylist

For more shopping advice from some of Australia’s top stylists, read the rest of our Where Stylists Shop series.