Lace Up Jeans: 7 Stunning 2026 Styles You’ll Love

Curious about lace up jeans in 2026? They’re back with a comfy twist on that Y2K edge. Check out why they’re trending, Bella Hadid looks, simple ways to wear them, best spots to buy (Fashion Nova, Gap, Levi’s), and quick fixes for fit headaches.

Emily (or whoever’s reading this in Abbottabad tonight—hope it’s not too chilly up there!), ever catch yourself scrolling and thinking, “I want jeans that feel fun again, not just another basic pair”? That’s exactly where lace up jeans come in. They’re having a real moment right now, and honestly, it’s easy to see why. You get to tug those little laces and make them hug you just right—no more settling for “close enough.”

I first tried a pair maybe a year ago and laughed because they reminded me of those wild early-2000s photos of pop stars. But today’s versions? Way more chill. Less “whoa, that’s a lot of skin” and more “hey, these actually work with my life.” We’ll go over what they really are, why 2026 feels like their year, where to grab some without regret, how to throw outfits together without stress, the honest good-and-bad, and how they stack up next to your other denim. Let’s jump in.

Table of Contents

Quick things you’ll take away from this chat

Lace up jeans mix throwback Y2K attitude with today’s must-have comfort—laces let you tweak the fit on the fly.
Flared and low-rise versions are everywhere, thanks to Bella Hadid street snaps and runways like Jean Paul Gaultier.
They shape you nicely (snatched when tight, relaxed when loose) and show just a peek without going overboard.
Wear them easy with tanks or dressier with blouses; simple hacks fix the usual annoyances like slipping strings.
Cheap thrills at Fashion Nova, solid everyday from Gap, collab cool from Levi’s—something for whatever budget you’re feeling.

Okay, so what are lace up jeans, really?

Imagine your favorite jeans, but someone punched little holes along the sides (or front) and added strings you can tie. Boom—that’s lace up jeans. The eyelets and cords let you pull things in for a fitted vibe or loosen up when you want breathing room. It’s like built-in customization.

They blew up back in the Y2K days—super low, super bold, lots of skin. Think Christina Aguilera album covers level. In 2026 though, designers toned it down smartly. Stretchier denim, lighter weight, lacing placed so it’s flirty but not impossible to sit in. Side lace up jeans give you those cute slits down the leg. Front lace-up ones ditch the zipper for a tie-front detail that’s playful. Low rise lace up jeans drop below the waist for nostalgia. Flare lace up jeans kick out at the ankle for movement. Bootcut hugs the thigh then flares gently—great with boots.

Picture this: You’re in the store, trying on pair after pair, and the waist always gaps or the legs are too baggy. With lace up jeans, you just cinch the sides a bit. Suddenly they feel made for you. It’s one of those little upgrades that makes mornings less frustrating.

Why lace up jeans feel so right in 2026

Trends love to circle back, right? We’re in full Y2K nostalgia mode—low rises, early-2000s energy—but nobody wants the old discomfort. Laces fix that. You adjust on the spot. Add the huge flare comeback, and these jeans slide right in.

Bella Hadid helped light the fuse. She stepped out in Aspen in low rise lace up jeans with a graphic tee and jacket—total effortless cool. Made everyone go, “Wait, I could do that.” Levi’s collab with Barbie Ferreira dropped lace-up flares that actually fit curves without squeezing. Runways backed it up too: Jean Paul Gaultier with dramatic laced pieces, Chloé adding boho lace details on light denim. Even softer Bottega-inspired takes showed up.

It’s not random. After years of super-skinny or oversized everything, people crave pieces that adapt. Adjustable denim (lace up jeans leading the charge) saw sales bump noticeably lately. Practical + pretty = winning combo.

Best places to actually buy lace up jeans

No point in hype without real shopping help. Here’s where I’d look.

Fashion Nova keeps it affordable and trendy—bootcut or straight-leg lace up jeans around $40, stretchy fabric, classic washes. Perfect starter pair if you’re dipping a toe in.

Gap does low rise lace-up ’90s loose jeans for about $70. Organic cotton feels nicer, side laces give that pull-in shape. True-to-size for most, pairs with everything from tees to sweaters.

Levi’s x Barbie Ferreira lace-up flares hit around $120—stretchy, vintage-looking, curve-friendly. Feels like you’ve worn them forever from day one.

Want to splurge? Revolve/Edikted or Revice baggy lace-up styles run $100–150. Ribbon laces add nice detail without screaming.

Amazon has budget versions under $50 (lots of flare lace up jeans), but scroll reviews—some come way too long. Tip: Stretch denim for comfort, especially low rise lace up jeans. Check inseams (32–34″ common). Gap’s eco ones use less water if that matters to you. Budget range: $30–50 cheap, $70–100 solid mid, $100+ nicer.

How to actually wear lace up jeans (no overthinking)

Don’t stress outfits—the laces do half the work.

Everyday easy: Low rise lace up jeans + plain tank + sneakers. Add a denim jacket when it’s cooler. Run errands, grab coffee, feel put-together without effort.

Boho lean: Flare lace up jeans + flowy ruffled blouse + platforms or ankle boots. Toss on some necklaces or a fun belt. Great for brunches or casual dates.

Edgy mood: Side lace up jeans + cropped top + leather (or faux) jacket. Loosen laces for a hint of skin, tighten for clean lines. Boots or chunky sneakers seal it. Bella Hadid throws big coats over hers in cold weather—cozy meets cool.

Work-ish? Mid-rise lace-ups + tucked button-down. Keeps laces subtle. Skip super-low for office days. Pro tip: Bold jeans = simple top. Test combos in front of the mirror first—saves awkward moments.

The honest pros, cons, and little fixes

Why love them? Fit tweaks mean they work when you’re feeling puffy or just want loose. They flatter—pull tight and you get definition. Super versatile. That extra detail turns basic looks into something special.

Real downsides? Laces can untie mid-day. Sizing jumps around—some tight in waist, others drag on floor. Budget pairs might fray laces fast. Skin show feels bold if you’re shy.

Quick saves: Double-knot or glue ends lightly. Size up/down based on brand (Fashion Nova often spot-on, Levi’s maybe up for hips). Wash cold inside-out, air dry. Hem or cuff long ones. Stretch fabric + practice tying before you leave = way less hassle.

Lace up jeans vs your usual denim

Regular low-rise? Lace up jeans beat them on adjustability—no belt fights, just pull strings.

Wide-leg or barrel? Those flow nicely but miss the personality of laces. Lace-ups add edge and tweak-ability.

Grab lace up jeans when you want something different and fun. Craving plain? Stick to classics. Want that revival spark? These nail it.

FAQs

What are lace up jeans?

Just denim with laces through eyelets—sides, front, hems—so you adjust the fit yourself. Big in Y2K but 2026 versions are stretchier, lighter, less extreme. Low-rise for retro, flare for sway, bootcut for daily. Gives custom shape plus edge regular jeans skip. Start mid-rise if new—versatile for casual or dressed-up days.

Are lace up jeans still in style in 2026?

Yep, going strong. Y2K/low-rise revival plus flare love keeps them hot. Bella Hadid’s Aspen low-rise snaps, Jean Paul Gaultier and Chloé runway details—it’s comfort-focused now. Adjustable denim up ~15% lately. Body-friendly, especially Gap’s sustainable takes. Add them to outfits you already wear for low-risk fun.

How to style lace up jeans?

Keep it balanced. Casual: low-rise + tank + sneakers + jacket. Boho: flare + ruffle top + heels, necklaces. Edgy: side lace-ups + crop + leather + boots—play with lace tightness. Layer coats in cold like Bella. Simple tops if jeans stand out. Experiment at home. Works errands to nights out easily.

Where to buy lace up jeans?

Fashion Nova cheap/trendy ($30–50, stretchy). Gap sustainable low-rise ~$70. Levi’s x Barbie collabs ~$120 curve-friendly. Revolve premium $100–150 baggy. Amazon dupes < $50 (read reviews). Sales help. Size charts are your friend.

Do lace up jeans run true to size?

Usually, stretch forgives. Fashion Nova mostly true (waist can run small). Levi’s up for curves. Gap consistent but long inseams. Laces adjust anyway. Measure vs charts online—fewer returns.

How to care for lace up jeans?

Cold gentle wash inside-out, no bleach/hot. Air dry mostly. Spot-clean stains. Hang loose. Less washing = longer life. Retie or replace laces if needed. Keeps them nice sustainably.

There—your friendly deep-dive on lace up jeans. Pick a pair that sparks joy, mess with the laces till it feels right, and enjoy the little boost they give your outfits. You’ve got this! Let me know how it goes if you snag some.