Tailored Denim Offers the Ease of Jeans With the Polish of Trousers

When we think of denim, the first word that comes to mind is not “tailored.” The fabric has long been synonymous with cool slouching and practical toughness—something you’ll be looking for on your days off. But this season, a new cowboy attitude has emerged. Enter custom denim: creases, pleats and sculpted contours that blend the ease of your favorite jeans with the shine of the right pair of pants.

Nowhere was this shift more evident than on the Spring 2026 runways at Celine, where sharply creased denim was juxtaposed with crisp blazers and the brand’s now-iconic silk scarves. Elsewhere, designers experimented with twisted seams, stiff high waists and pantsuit-style fronts, giving the denim a distinctly grown-up air.

This look is already hitting stores. Emerging brands like Ossou focus on high-waisted, crease-front jeans, while legacy brands like Levi’s and J.Crew have refined their classic silhouettes with sharper lines and more intentional construction. The appeal is obvious: Custom denim offers the reliability of jeans with the structural clarity of a suit. Below, shop our favorite shoes and learn how to style them for work, the weekend, and any other occasion.

front creased jeans

Appearing on Celine’s show, these pleated jeans are a smart take on everyday jeans. Ossou specializes in this style, with a cropped, high-waisted cut that feels more like your favorite pants.