Jeans have long been a defining element of fashion, reflecting the trends of their respective eras. From the flared styles of the 1970s to the skater looks of the 1990s, denim has continually evolved. Currently, the trend is shifting toward oversized jeans, marking a significant departure from the long-dominant skinny jeans, which have been likened to cockroaches in their stubbornness to fade away. However, recent cultural shifts and a post-pandemic focus on comfort suggest that the skinny jean's reign may finally be coming to an end.
Searches for baggy jeans have surged by 66% since January, according to the online vintage retailer Depop. This trend is reflected in the wardrobes of style icons like Rihanna, Hailey Bieber, Billie Eilish, and Dakota Johnson, all of whom are embracing looser fits. Gap's recent "Get Loose" campaign featuring singer Troye Sivan further popularizes this oversized look, showcasing dancers clad in roomy denim.
Amy Leverton, a trend forecaster and author of Denim Dudes, notes that the oversized silhouette has been emerging for years. Leverton herself has recently embraced this trend, particularly favoring vintage Levi's Silver Tab jeans, which she describes as having a nostalgic 90s vibe. The Silver Tab line was initially designed for skaters, catering to the baggier styles that characterized that era.
The resurgence of baggy jeans is not solely driven by nostalgia; prominent designers such as Demna at Balenciaga, JW Anderson at Loewe, and Glenn Martens at Diesel are championing this silhouette. Anderson's spring/summer 2024 show featured extremely baggy designs, aligning with the growing consumer interest in these styles. Agus Panzoni, a spokesperson for Depop, confirms that these brands' grunge aesthetics are resonating with shoppers.
In addition to high fashion, niche brands are also contributing to this trend. The Paris-based brand Très Rasché, known for its bold designs, and Italy's Haikure, which emphasizes oversized looks, are examples of labels appealing to a market that values comfort, confidence, and style.
While baggy jeans dominate the current fashion landscape, specific micro-trends are also emerging. Barrel-leg jeans, which widen at the knee and taper at the ankle, are gaining traction. According to Elle, these barrel jeans have been named the “denim silhouette of 2024.” The LA-based denim brand Mother reports a 56% increase in searches for barrel jeans over the past month and a staggering 660% increase compared to the same time last year.
Despite the current trend favoring wide-legged styles, the fashion world is in constant flux. Skinny jeans, once considered passé, are beginning to reappear on runways, with designers like Miu Miu and Celine showcasing them. However, experts suggest that this revival may be more about irony than a genuine comeback. Leverton remarks that Gen Z's embrace of skinny jeans is a playful jab at millennials, transforming the style into a statement piece intended to provoke conversation.
As fashion continues to evolve, the shift toward baggier jeans represents not just a change in style but also a broader cultural move toward comfort and self-expression. Whether baggy or skinny, jeans will remain a crucial part of our wardrobes, always ready to adapt to the changing tides of fashion.
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