The denim world buzzed with innovation last week at Kingpins New York, as mills from across the globe unveiled their Spring/Summer 2026 collections. A clear trend emerged: comfort reigns supreme, with a strong undercurrent of sustainability and a dash of playful prints.
Artistic Milliners showcased its updated Ice Breaker 2.0 technology, an indigo dyeing process now integrated across their entire production. This allows for a broader spectrum of vibrant shades with a reduced environmental footprint, opening up possibilities for both tops and bottoms. Despite some industry uncertainty, the mill remains optimistic, emphasizing the importance of strong partnerships.
Cone Denim echoed the comfort theme with its Lofty Edit collection. Recognizing Gen Z’s preference for relaxed styles, these lightweight fabrics blend loungewear ease with a touch of luxury. Cone also highlighted its sustainable efforts with the Ethica capsule collection, a collaboration with Jeanologia featuring hand-painted designs on eco-friendly fabrics like recycled cotton and Tencel.
Isko embraced a more playful approach, introducing floral prints and corduroy to its S/S ’26 lineup. The lightweight, breathable corduroy comes in a range of warm tones, perfect for year-round wear. Isko also emphasized its commitment to circularity through a partnership with sister company Re&Up, which specializes in recycled cotton and polyester. This collaboration aims to minimize waste and promote eco-conscious fashion.
Siddiqsons joined the comfort revolution with its Cloud Core collection. Focusing on soft, drapey fabrics, the mill utilized materials like Tencel to achieve a luxurious feel. With these innovations and shifts in fabric design, Siddiqsons expressed strong optimism for both their business and the denim industry in 2025, citing the continued shift away from China as a key factor in their growth. The denim landscape for S/S ’26 promises a blend of comfort, sustainability, and a touch of fun, signalling a bright future for the industry.
