If you look at any of the trends of the moment, you'll see how many of the things we've deemed cool aren't traditionally "flattering" or "pretty." Nothing showcases this better than the current state of denim. These days, jeans are getting looser and baggier, while hemlines are slinking lower. The most of-the-moment pairs aren't butt-lifting or sculpting in the slightest, so I don't blame you for being a denim hater if you're not into the relaxed look. (Hey, it's not for everyone.) All that is to say the state of jeans right now is divisive at best.
Since denim goes through some pretty wild trend cycles, you can almost guarantee that with enough time, any given pair will rear its head again, no matter how deep you thought you'd buried it. In fact, if a denim version of the stock market were to exist, we'd all be millionaires. Today, though, I'm taking a snapshot of the state of denim for the future to keep us all up to speed on what's in and what's out. As it stands in this moment, here are the jeans shapes, washes, and fits that people are wearing more than any others and the ones they're skipping.
Look, I'm just the messenger, so don't come barging into my DMs if you don't agree with what I've laid out here. (Although, if you think I'm wrong, I'd love to hear your informed argument.)
Out: Printed Jeans
In: Dark Washes
Although we love a good white wash, the runways were flooded with darker rinses. Style is shifting into a more sophisticated tone overall, and a deep indigo wash feels utterly polished while more whimsical printed styles like checkerboard jeans seem to be on the decline.
An insider source for quality basics, Alex Mill just launched denim, and I have a feeling that its dark-wash Carla style will be an immediate hit.
A great fit from Madewell.
I'm taking notes on how good this wash looks in a matching set.
Out: "Mom" Jeans
In: '90s Fits
Sorry if I sound like a broken record by now, but all things mid-'90s continue to dominate in every category of fashion from handbags to shoes, and of course, denim. Right now, the prevailing jeans shape dials the clocks back to 1995 with its slightly relaxed straight-leg fit and mid-rise that make it the next best thing to those illusive vintage pairs. I've noticed that the '90s fit has eclipsed '80s "mom" jeans for an everyday style.
My kind of high-waisted jeans.
Levi's 501s will never fail in the '90s category.
I love the subtle crease at the bottom.
Out: Denim Miniskirts
In: Denim Pencil Skirts
There's been a lot of chatter about denim skirts over the past year, namely long denim skirts. I'm predicting now that structured pencil skirts will be the 2025 answer to those long, flowy denim skirts that we saw everywhere in recent seasons. No matter where you land on the spectrum of knee to ankle, though, one thing is fairly clear: Denim miniskirts just aren't as prevalent these days.
This brand makes some of my favorite basics, period.
So sleek.
Wear this with tall black boots for a minimalist vibe.
Out: High and Wide
In: Low and Loose
Okay, I know the text above makes it seem as though I'm saying high-rise wide-leg jeans are completely "out," but allow me to rephrase. I merely mean to point out that the high-and-wide fit is no longer at the very peak of the trend cycle anymore, but I still think they look great, so don't blame me. (I'm just the messenger, promise!) I think the prevailing fit of the moment is one defined by lower rises and looser shapes. Levi's aptly named Low Loose pair pretty much sums up this relaxed-fit idea.
It doesn't get cooler (or better priced) than these.
The ankle pooling here is spectacular.
If truly baggy jeans scare you, these are a great entry point.
Out: Bright Whites
In: Ecru Tones
White jeans are in my denim rotation no matter the time of year, but once it's colder, we have it on good account that lighter jeans will take on a warmer ecru tone that feels a touch more directional than bright whites.
Toteme is the ultimate source for cool basics. Case in point: these slouchy ecru jeans.
Love the back seaming here.
To wear with all those cozy sweaters you're eyeing.
Out: Flares
In: Barrel Shapes
Love them or hate them, barrel-leg jeans are here, and they're happening. Social media may be divided in a heated argument about the dramatic bowed-legged shapes, but there's no denying that people are talking about the style—and ordering them. If we're talking controversial denim shapes, these hotly debated pairs have replaced the debate around flare jeans for the time being.
Nearly half our staff owns a pair of these viral jeans at this point.
Another popular pair I keep seeing in my feed.
Gen Zers are fans of this throwback take on the trend.
Out: Trucker Jackets
In: Western Shirts
Between Beyoncé's new country music drop and Louis Vuitton's cowboy-themed fall menswear show, Westerncore is all anyone can talk about. Obviously, double denim is the first look that comes to mind, and fashion people are opting for softer denim shirts to tuck into their jeans for the look rather than stiffer trucker jackets.
If Victoria Beckham is making it, I'm probably lusting after it.
Just add jeans and boots.
So chic in the darker wash.
Out: Tight-Fitting Skinnies
In: Cigarette Silhouettes
The conversation around skinny jeans is starting to tire, but there's clearly still an appetite for slim-fitting denim. Instead of tight-fitting skinnies that cling to your ankles, we're into cigarette styles that still look sleek and fitted but feature a more structured lower leg so they're less legging-like.
I'll take the jeans. Then I'll go back and re-create the outfit.
I'm intrigued by capri jeans.
This cut was just made for ankle boots.
Out: Cropped Hems
In: Cuffed Hems
Cropped jeans will immediately remind me of 2017, when we were all obsessed with crop flare jeans. I think it's safe to say we have hardly seen a single pair above ankle height in years, and I'm happy about that. What I'm seeing bubble up this season are jeans with a wide cuff at the hem. I like the easy detail they bring to simple denim outfits.
A perfect way to showcase a great pair of heels.
The cuff detail is a small one but goes a long way.
Yes to all of this.
This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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