To ensure you’re as up-to-date as possible on the denim trends of the year, we’re diving deep into every detail that denim-loving readers should have on their radars. From the denim fits that are trending right now like extremely relaxed shapes to the iconic (if polarizing) denim rises that are making a fresh comeback, keep reading to see the types of jeans everyone is wearing right now and how fashion people are wearing the on-trend jeans. Ahead, see every type of jeans to know this year (10 in total) between washes, rises, and fits and then shop a few of our favorites within each below.
As fashion-girl Matilda Djerf points out here, loose jeans lend an extremely laid-back look. We’ve talked about the baggy denim trend a bit this year and have learned the style is quite polarizing among our readers. No matter your thoughts on the Y2K-inspired denim, you can’t deny that they make for the most comfortable pair. Shop our top picks for loose jeans below.
If you haven’t read about the new wave of straigh-leg jeans, let me brief you. The style is a new type of straight jeans: essentially a hybrid of straight and baggy jeans but more relaxed than traditional straight cuts through the leg and more fitted at the waist. Shop our favorite straight jeans 2.0 below.
The thing about denim trends is that they’re extremely cyclical. The latest trend to re-emerge? Bootcut jeans. Bootcut fits, in particular, seem to be taking off and fashion people are proving they look flawless with heeled ankle boots.
Seventies-inspired styles continue to be a huge inspiration this fall, with high-waisted, wide-leg, and flared jeans bubbling up all over. Look for a pair that features a fitted high rise and looser shape throughout the rest of the leg.
While I won’t necessarily call classic blue jeans a “trend”, they’re definitely having a moment right now. If you’re going to reach for jeans of any kind, you can’t go wrong with a timeless mid-blue wash that looks crisp and clean paired with some great basics.
We noted this denim wash when we saw it come down the fall/winter 2021 runways and now it’s officially hit the ‘gram. Deep shades of indigo are appearing in all manner of ensembles from Western-inspired denim to sleek suiting. Our favorite way to conquer the cool wash? In head-to-toe indigo à la this Camille Charriere look.
The ’90s are still a strong influence when it comes to jeans and this charcoal wash is the throwback theme that’s inspiring our denim game the most right now. This not-quite-black wash is the more lived-in version of true black jeans and the perfect style to start rotating into your outfits for fall and winter since it’s a great anchor to darker tones.
It wouldn’t be a 2021 denim report if we didn’t talk about printed jeans. These funky prints are seriously everywhere we look and come in all manner of designs from swirl prints to checkerboard. Don’t try them if you hate compliments. Just saying.
Much has been said about the return of low-rise jeans, but there’s a way to wear them that’s not completely fear-inducing. I’m calling them low-slung—they’re usually a bit looser and sit right in between a mid-rise and a low-rise for a relaxed vibe that’s a more wearable version of the Y2K-inspired denim.
On the flip side, high-rise jeans will forever reign as a classic denim style, and this year we’re seeing brands take it to the next level, increasing inseam measurements and debuting silhouettes with names like “pinch waist” and “ribcage” jeans. Both styles are examples of designs that are made to hit as high as they can on your frame to focus on your waist. Shop the best high(er)-rise jeans below.
