Skinny jeans have been a staple in fashion for years, with many declaring them dead only to see them resurface time and time again. Despite the rise of oversized silhouettes in recent years, skinny jeans remain popular, making up 34% of women’s jeans sales in the US in 2021. Many people, including those outside of the fashion industry, continue to wear skinny jeans, often pairing them with Doc Martens and sparkly crop tops for a night out. The tight jean trend is making a comeback in the fashion world, with designers like Dsquared2, Miu Miu, Prada, and Louis Vuitton featuring them heavily in their autumn/winter 2024 collections.
Skinny jeans have been at the center of a cultural battle between Gen-Z and Millennials, as each generation claims to have the answer to the denim conundrum. However, the trend cycle is now moving so quickly that almost everything is trending at once, with the lack of a trend becoming the biggest trend of all. Despite the pushback from younger generations, there have always been people who prefer slim-fitting jeans, regardless of what is currently considered fashionable. While some may view skinny jeans as uncomfortable, the horror associated with them is often exaggerated, and at this point, it simply comes down to personal preference.
The popularity of skinny jeans peaked in the 2010s when they were worn by fashion icons like Kate Moss, Lindsay Lohan, Katie Holmes, and Alexa Chung. These women were seen as cool and influential, and their endorsement of skinny jeans solidified their place in fashion history. However, in recent years, the appeal of skinny jeans has waned, with only a few celebrities still sporting the style. Instagram It-girls and emerging designers are now bringing the skinny jean back into the spotlight, embracing the rock ‘n’ roll aesthetic of its past.
Despite the ebb and flow of fashion trends, skinny jeans continue to have a place in the wardrobes of many people. The versatile nature of skinny jeans allows them to be dressed up or down, making them a timeless staple that can transition from day to night. As the fashion industry continues to evolve, so too do the trends, but skinny jeans have proven to be enduring in their appeal. Whether worn by those in the fashion industry or by everyday individuals, skinny jeans remain a versatile and classic piece that can be styled in a variety of ways to suit different tastes and preferences.
