The perfect alternative to skinny jeans
19/2/2026
Translation: machine translated
Anyone still mourning the loss of skinny jeans can now breathe a sigh of relief: after extravagant silhouettes and XXL cuts, a slim, clean fit is finally making a comeback.
It's been a few years since skinny jeans disappeared from the fashion spotlight. However, many a loyal fan still can't part with the skin-tight trousers. Probably because there has hardly been a figure-hugging alternative that has made it to the top of the trends. But now the cigarette jeans are well on their way to filling the gap.
Trendy and classic at the same time
As the name suggests, cigarette jeans have a narrow, straight shape - like a cigarette. They are tight at the top and straight from the knee down. They are also characterised by a slightly cropped leg with a hem that ends at around ankle height.
Source: Launchmetrics/Spotlight
Other denim trends that have dominated for some time, such as barrel or baggy jeans, often in extra length, focus on flared, extravagant silhouettes. Cigarette jeans with their simple look offer a welcome change.
For big and small
While skinny jeans often come with a good amount of stretch, cigarette jeans are characterised by their firm structure. This makes them look a lot more elegant. No wonder they were the go-to trousers for It girls like Cindy Crawford, Kate Moss and Julia Roberts back in the 90s.
Source: Launchmetrics/Spotlight
Cigarette jeans define the figure without constricting it and therefore look extremely flattering on various body types. The slightly cropped silhouette is also ideal for short people who feel like they're going under in wide, overlong trousers. On the other hand, those who are very tall and constantly have to deal with trouser legs that are too short are also well served. Because a pair of slim-fit straight leg jeans that are a little too short is basically a pair of cigarette jeans.
Shopping and styling tips
You will hardly find any trousers explicitly labelled as cigarette jeans. Instead, search for terms such as «cropped straight leg» or «slim straight leg» - and simply choose a trouser length shorter if required.
Source: Launchmetrics/Spotlight
Due to their relatively neutral silhouette, cigarette jeans are wonderfully easy to style. My only tip: very chunky shoes could look a little too bulky. Delicate shoes, on the other hand, emphasise the slim cut of the trousers better. Elegant low shoes such as ballerinas, loafers and pumps, open shoes such as sandals or narrow ankle boots look particularly stylish.
Header image: Launchmetrics/Spotlight
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