And did they even go away? Who makes these choices, anyway?
For years, skinny denims had been the go-to denim type. However in the previous few seasons, they’ve taken a again seat to looser silhouettes like flares, straight-leg, and wide-leg denims. Nonetheless, they by no means utterly disappeared. Some girls stored carrying them (and loving them), whereas the style world moved on to extra relaxed matches. However lately, there’s been chatter about their return. So, are skinny denims actually making a comeback? Let’s talk about.
skinny denims circa 2020 // outfit particulars (all in inventory!)
What the “Consultants” Are Saying
A fast Google search this morning turned up a shocking mixture of opinions. Glamour’s The 2025 Denim Developments We’ll Be Sporting In every single place This 12 months doesn’t point out skinny denims in any respect, focusing as an alternative on relaxed matches like wide-leg and dishevelled kinds. However over at Who What Put on, Kelly Harrington confidently declared, “I’m a Denim Skilled, so I Already Know Skinny Denims Are 2025’s Hottest Comeback Development.”
Right here’s extra of what Harrington needed to say:
“After years of more and more voluminous, outsized denim dominating the panorama, the pendulum is swinging again in the direction of a extra streamlined silhouette, proving that trend actually is cyclical.”
The Mud Denims weblog additionally chimed in:
“Quick-forward to the autumn-winter 2024 collections and skinny denims may be poised for a revival.”
However they made an necessary distinction: the brand new wave of thin denims doesn’t seem like the low-rise, ankle-length variations we wore within the early 2000s. (And actually, I feel that’s a key piece of the puzzle!) This time round, we’re seeing full-length, high-rise skinnies that provide a extra fashionable tackle the basic silhouette.
Even Southern Dwelling and Us Weekly are weighing in on this “controversial” subject, which makes me assume there may really be one thing to this resurgence.
How Developments Work (and Why It Issues)
Earlier than we dive deeper, let’s speak about how tendencies work. Again in 2021, I shared a submit about denim tendencies, the place I addressed the pattern cycle. As a reminder, tendencies aren’t fads—they don’t simply seem and disappear in a single day like, say, chilly shoulder tops (bear in mind these?).
Developments exist roughly on a spectrum, they usually comply with a gradual rise, peak, and decline. As every pattern rises and falls in recognition, it overlaps the opposite tendencies which might be additionally rising and falling, however they hardly ever rise and fall in synchrony. Older kinds get phased out as newer kinds arrive on the scene.
Envision a type of line charts from eighth grade math class. (I actually made a line chart to exhibit. Sure, I’m actually a nerd masquerading as a trend blogger.) By the way in which, I’m completely making this up so far as the precise knowledge goes; that is simply meant to be a visible for instance my level about how tendencies rise and fall.
All that to say, skinny denims have been on the decline on the mainstream trend scene for the previous few years, and looser, extra relaxed silhouettes—like straight-leg, wide-leg, and flares—have taken middle stage. In truth, I’ve really had bother discovering skinny denims on widespread retail web sites recently, which tells me they’ve taken a critical backseat within the present denim lineup.
So, Are Skinny Denims Actually Coming Again?
photograph credit score: Banana Republic
I don’t assume skinny denims will ever dominate our closets the way in which they did within the 2010s. Vogue has shifted in the direction of selection, and I really like that we will really feel fashionable and trendy whereas embracing the silhouettes that work finest for our our bodies, life, and private type.
That stated, I do assume we’ll begin to see skinny denims return as an choice after being just about “canceled” for the previous few years. However I count on it’ll be a gradual, delicate comeback—particularly for ladies of their 40s, 50s, and 60s who’ve grown keen on extra relaxed matches.
Whereas trend magazines give us a glimpse of the place tendencies are headed, I favor to depend on my favourite retailers to see what’s really present for on a regular basis girls. Proper now, skinny denims are noticeably absent from Evereve’s Denim Information or Shopbop’s newest arrivals. (The MOTHER Dazzler is about as skinny because it will get.) To me, that alerts the return of thin denims as a mainstream pattern remains to be a methods off.
That stated, if you happen to’re able to mud off your skinnies, there are undoubtedly contemporary methods to type them and maintain your look present.
How one can Fashion Skinny Denims in 2025 (If You’re Prepared)
photograph credit score: Bloomingdale’s
If you happen to’re fascinated about giving skinny denims one other shot, listed here are a couple of tricks to maintain them wanting contemporary and fashionable:
- Replace Your Footwear: Ditch the ankle boots and go for kitten heel slingbacks, ballet flats, loafers, or smooth low-profile sneakers. Or if you happen to’re feeling adventurous, boat sneakers—the shock pattern of 2025—are making waves! (Sorry, I couldn’t assist myself…) If you happen to’re set on carrying boots, knee-high or over-the-knee kinds really feel way more present with skinnies than the outdated ankle boot pairing.
- Steadiness Proportions: Skinny denims work finest when paired with boxy blazers, outsized button-downs, or chunky sweaters to create distinction and maintain the look present.
- Go for Darker Washes: Blacks, greys, and deep indigo rinses really feel extra fashionable than the light-wash skinnies from years previous.
- Embrace Excessive Rise Kinds: Greater waistlines will look extra present than the low-rise variations all of us wore within the early 2000s.
Simply consider: the thin denims you tucked away in 2019 may not really feel as contemporary now. If you happen to’re aiming for a contemporary look, examine your outdated pairs to what’s at the moment in shops and see in the event that they nonetheless be just right for you. Generally, it’s simpler to spend money on an up to date pair with a extra up to date match and particulars to mess around with.
Store Skinny Denims for 2025
Will I Be Sporting Skinny Denims in 2025?
Hole Manufacturing facility Excessive Rise Common Legging Denims (29) // Schutz Arissa Woven (8) // truthful isle sweater (S)
Frankly, I’m in no rush to carry skinny denims again into my closet. I’ve fallen again in love with flares, which appears like probably the most flattering match for me. And I’m additionally having fun with slim straight-leg denims and even some wide-leg kinds. They really feel fashionable, flattering, and, most significantly, comfy to me proper now. However hey, by no means say by no means! Vogue is cyclical, and as my eye adjusts, I’m certain I’ll be open to giving skinny denims one other shot down the road.
On the finish of the day, it’s all about carrying what makes you really feel good. Developments come and go, however private type is eternally.
So, what do you assume? Are you able to welcome skinny denims again into your wardrobe, or are you sticking with the looser matches? Let me know within the feedback—I’d love to listen to your take!
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