Capri pants in the 2000s were back and better than ever
Capri pants were a popular trend in the early 2000s and the resurgence of capri jeans and capri leggings began back in 2020, as both styles started to gain more visibility. These cropped pants bring to mind a sense of nostalgia for many, as it lives in memory as a popular garment for younger years during the late 90s and early 2000s.
Independent designers such as Helena Manzano, Charlotte Knowles, Gauntlett Cheng, and DAISY played around with capris, experimenting with different fabrics and outfit pairings to breathe new life in the 2000s trend. Even major designers tested the trend: Chanel presented a digital version of the garment in their Chanel 2021 Resort collection.
Capri pants styling guide
In the past, capris were often worn loose, in near-gaucho fashion, but in the past year, trendsetters are opting for form-fitting, legging silhouettes. In 2024, capri leggings, in particular, saw a notable spike in popularity among EU women, recording a +20% increase in visibility throughout the year. Capri leggings offer a more fitted silhouette and a high level of comfort and versatility compared to Capri denim. They’re often styled with a matching top and kitten heels for a sleek look, or paired with an oversized sweater or jacket and flat-soled sneakers for a more casual, sporty vibe.
However, as we move into 2026, Heuritech’s forecasted data suggest that this growth will reverse, with a decline expected across the European market.
Image: Heuritech Platform
Capri leggings in the 2026 market
Although European and US interest is predicted to cool, the trend preserves a medium magnitude. Even though capris have become a consistent decliner in Western markets, the trend remains relevant, with the European market having the strongest adoption rate (100). On the women’s SS26 Fashion Week in Copenhagen, a few brands featured the cropped pants trend on the runway. Designers like Stephanie Gundelach and Awa Malina Stelter embraced textures, sheer and oversized hibiscus prints.
1. Nensi Dojaka 2. Tommy Hilfiger 3. Carolina Herrera
Capri pants remain a strong wardrobe option
Capri pants can still be considered as a great fashion option and base for outfits. Capri leggings are also stepping into the spotlight, gradually matching capri jeans’ visibility. This shift highlights a preference for a more fitted silhouette that offers flexibility in both fabric choices and styling possibilities. Modern capri leggings are being reimagined in materials ranging from classic cotton to performance fabrics, allowing them to dance between athleisure-inspired outfits and chic, dressier looks.
Trend forecasting allows brands and retailers to gain a macro perspective of trend behavior months in advance, ensuring they provide their customers with their fashion choices.
Conclusion: Collection strategy
The resurgence of capri pants highlights the importance of understanding fashion trend cycles at a granular level. While visibility for capris began its rise in 2025, the trend is maturing into a major summer staple for 2026. For any brand, the opportunity lies in the shift toward a more flattering, fitted style. This cropped pant has successfully moved beyond its 2000s roots to become a versatile alternative to standard jeans.
Collection planning must reflect these shifts. Whether consumers shop for a timeless black pair to wear with a structured jacket or a fresh white outfit for a summer evening, the combinations are endless. We are seeing consumers pair these pants with everything from a delicate net top to performance-wear, proving the capri length offers a unique leg line that resonates across diverse outfits.
The journey of Kelly Green serves as a textbook case of how a trend peaks and wanes, offering valuable lessons in timing. Just as brands needed to anticipate the shift away from specific colors, the same foresight applies to the capri silhouette. By leveraging Heuritech’s trend data, brands can fine-tune their style offerings ensuring they provide the exact pair of cropped trousers their customers are looking for. In this ever-evolving fashion landscape, data-driven decisions ensure that your brand doesn’t just capture a fleeting moment, but builds a sustainable and profitable collection through 2026.
