The skinny jean is dead, or so they say. But honestly, the "death" of certain denim styles is usually just a rebranding of something that was cool twenty years ago. Enter side lace up jeans. You’ve probably seen them on your Instagram explore page or tucked into a corner of a vintage shop. They aren't exactly "new," but the way we're wearing them in 2026 feels totally different from the early 2000s music video aesthetic that birthed them.
It’s a bold look.
There is no middle ground with side-tie denim. You either love the edgy, peek-a-boo construction, or you find the idea of threading strings through your pants every morning a total nightmare. But there’s a reason brands like Miaou and Revice Denim have built cult followings around this specific hardware. It’s about the silhouette. It’s about that specific mix of Y2K nostalgia and modern streetwear that feels intentional rather than accidental.
The weird history of the lace-up side seam
We can’t talk about side lace up jeans without talking about the late 90s and early 2000s. Think Christina Aguilera in the "Dirty" era or the high-octane glam of Roberto Cavalli. Back then, it was all about the "more is more" approach. The laces were often neon, the rise was dangerously low, and the flare was massive.
Today’s version? It’s a bit more refined. Sorta.
Modern designers are leaning into the "custom fit" aspect of the trend. Because the laces allow you to tighten or loosen the leg, these jeans actually solve a common problem: the gap between the waist and the hips. If you have a smaller waist and wider hips, the side-tie mechanism acts like a built-in tailor. You pull the strings, and suddenly, the denim actually contours to your body instead of just hanging there like a cardboard box. This functional benefit is why we're seeing a massive resurgence in searches for "adjustable side tie denim" across platforms like Pinterest and TikTok.
Does the "exposed" look actually work for daily life?
Let's be real for a second. There is a practical hurdle here. Skin.
Most side lace up jeans feature metal grommets and cordage that leave strips of skin visible along the outer thigh. For some, that’s the whole point—it’s a "going out" pant. But for a Tuesday at the grocery store? It feels a bit much.
Fashion stylists like Maeve Reilly have shown that you can layer these. Putting a pair of sheer or patterned tights underneath the jeans changes the entire vibe. It adds texture. It covers the skin while keeping the visual interest of the laces. It's a clever workaround for anyone who loves the hardware but hates the draft.
Why the "cool girl" brands are obsessed with grommets
If you look at the current inventory for mid-to-high-end denim, you’ll notice a shift away from clean lines. We’re in an era of "distracted denim." Cargo pockets, asymmetrical waistbands, and, of course, side lacing.
Brands like Made Gold were some of the first to bring this back into the luxury space a few years ago. They used heavy-duty eyelets and thick leather ties. It looked expensive because it was. Cheap versions of this trend often fail because the grommets aren't reinforced. If you buy a low-quality pair, those metal rings will pop out the first time you sit down. That’s the "fast fashion trap" of this trend.
If you're shopping for these, check the backing of the eyelets. They should feel secure and have a bit of weight to them.
💡 You might also like: Why your fear of looking stupid is holding you back (and how to actually stop)
Styling without looking like a costume
The biggest mistake people make is pairing side lace up jeans with a top that is also doing "too much." If your pants have strings, grommets, and maybe some distressing, your top needs to chill out.
- A crisp, oversized white button-down tucked in on one side.
- A simple black baby tee.
- A structured blazer to contrast the "rebellious" look of the ties.
Shoes are another sticking point. Because the side detail draws the eye downward, your footwear matters more than usual. Pointed-toe boots work wonders here. They elongate the leg line that the laces are already emphasizing. Sneakers can work, but they need to be chunky—think New Balance 9060s or something with enough visual weight to balance the hardware on the jeans.
The durability myth: Are they a pain to wash?
Yes. Kind of.
Honestly, throwing lace-up jeans into a standard wash cycle is a recipe for disaster. The strings get tangled around the agitator, or worse, they get pulled out of the holes entirely. Re-lacing a pair of jeans takes about twenty minutes of your life that you'll never get back.
The pro tip: Pull the strings out before washing, or tie them into very tight, small bundles and place the jeans in a mesh laundry bag. Air dry them. Heat is the enemy of the elastic fibers often found in the denim used for these styles. If you want them to stay "snatched," keep them away from the dryer.
💡 You might also like: Why drawings of flowers colored by hand still beat digital art every time
Misconceptions about "flattering" fits
There’s this weird idea that only one body type can pull off side lace up jeans. That’s just wrong. In fact, because the lacing creates a vertical line down the side of the body, it actually has an elongating effect. It’s similar to the "racing stripe" on track pants. It draws the eye up and down, making the wearer look taller.
The key is the spacing of the grommets.
- Close-set grommets: These create a subtle, more textured look. They don't show as much skin and feel more like a traditional seam.
- Wide-set grommets: These are the "statement" version. They create larger diamonds of visible skin or under-layering.
If you’re nervous about the trend, start with a pair that only laces from the ankle to the mid-calf. It’s a "gateway" to the full side-seam look. It gives you that flare at the bottom without feeling like you're wearing a corset on your legs.
Buying Guide: What to look for in 2026
When you're scouring Depop or browsing Nordstrom, don't just look at the photo. Look at the material composition. You want at least 1% or 2% elastane if the laces go all the way up to the waistband. 100% cotton "rigid" denim with side laces can be incredibly uncomfortable because there’s no give when you sit down. The laces will dig into your skin.
Also, consider the lace material.
👉 See also: Why Salmon Mustard and Brown Sugar is the Only Way I’m Making Fish This Week
- Cotton cord: Most common, easiest to wash, looks casual.
- Leather/Faux leather: Looks "high fashion" but can be stiff and squeaky.
- Velvet ribbons: Great for a "coquette" aesthetic but gets dirty instantly.
Actionable steps for your next outfit
If you’ve got a pair of side lace up jeans sitting in your cart or your closet, here is how you actually make them work without overthinking it.
Step 1: Check the tension. Put the jeans on and stand in front of a mirror. Loosen the laces at the widest part of your thigh and tighten them at the knee. This creates an hourglass shape in the leg itself, which is the secret "model off duty" trick.
Step 2: Balance the "metal." If your jeans have silver grommets, wear silver jewelry. If they’re gold or brass, match your belt buckle or bag hardware. This makes the outfit look cohesive instead of cluttered.
Step 3: The "Sit Test." Before you leave the house, sit down. Seriously. Lace-up jeans behave differently when you're seated. Make sure the laces aren't pinching and that the "gaps" don't reveal more than you're comfortable with.
Step 4: Commit to the vibe. These aren't "blend into the background" pants. Wear them with confidence. If you feel like you're wearing a costume, it will look like a costume. If you wear them like they're just your favorite pair of beat-up Levi's, you've already won.
Invest in a heavy-duty mesh laundry bag before your first wash. It’s the $5 investment that saves a $150 pair of jeans from the "tangle of death" in your washing machine. Stick to neutral colors for your first pair—black or a classic vintage wash—to get the most mileage out of them. These jeans are a tool for silhouette-building, not just a passing fad, so treat them like the architectural pieces they are.