Skinny Jeans Are Dead. Thank God.

The 2020s marked the death of the skinny jeans. Its imminent and inevitable demise has been a topic of debate among stylists and trend forecasters for the last couple of years. Not only that, but it has also sparked a conjectural generational divide between millennials and Gen-Zs. “You can pry the skinny jeans from my cold, dead millennial hands!” they say. But a study from the market research group NPR confirms that it really might be time to let go of the figure-hugging garment. If you’re the type to jump on trends, that is. 

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According to the study, straight-leg jeans have become the best-selling style, dethroning skinny jeans, which dominated the jeans-dom before the pandemic. The skinny was also the only style to take a dip in sales, going from 41 percent in 2019 to 30 percent in 2021. Meanwhile, the straight leg cut went from 29 percent to 31 percent, now accounting for one-third of the sales in the sector. 

In the early 2000s, skinny jeans defined the golden age of denim. It was everywhere, worn by the most famous fashion icons, even on red carpets. Remember Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake’s patchwork denim gown and tuxedo? Exactly. 

Men were initially ridiculed for wearing such a style that was deemed too feminine. Some even believed it was so unmanly that it must be a sign of homosexuality. Crazy times. But as male celebrities started wearing them—you may recall frat-boy-era Harry Styles’ affinity for skinny jeans—brands started tapering men’s pant silhouettes as well.  

The recent switch in people’s preference is partially caused by the fact that men and women began wearing larger sizes than they did before the COVID-19 lockdown. Chip Bergh, the CEO of Levi’s, talked about this in an interview, saying “Some people gained weight during the pandemic, and many people lost weight. But both on the men’s side of the business and women’s side. More than 25 percent of consumers have a new size today.” No hate, just facts.

In addition, the fickle nature of fashion trends is also to blame. The skinny cycle dominated closets everywhere for 15 years, but wider jeans of the ‘80s and ‘90s are now making a resurgence. It’s a hallmark of the post-pandemic zeitgeist, where more and more people are updating their wardrobes and opting for relaxed silhouettes. Bergh forecasts that this shift in sales will be industry-wide. “If the ‘it’ look now is this high-rise, loose-fit jeans—and that’s true for both men’s and women’s, by the way—it gives them a reason to go out and update their wardrobe,” the CEO added.

Women were quick to follow the trend, per usual, but men have now also caught on. There’s a growing trend on Tiktok of men posting videos of their transition from skinny jeans to alternative styles, such as wide-leg jeans, loose-fit trousers, and baggy utility pants. The first viral video was posted by LA-based creator Ethan Glenn on May 16, 2023, with the caption “POV you finally stopped wearing skinny jeans.” 

@ethantglenn

The 2 knee rips really make it

? sonido original - yo

Some said his new style looks more elevated and comfortable. One user said, somewhat sarcastically, “I hope this inspires all men.” Heck, even Levi’s wrote that it was a “glow up.” Of course, dozens of other men followed with their own farewell montage to skinny jeans, accumulating millions of views. 

@emilianomedgil Bye bye ???? #fashiontiktok #mensfashion #viral #skinnyjeans #menswear #dosanddonts #loosejeans #beforeandafter ? sonido original - yo

@mmcorradi It's been a while ???????? #aestheticoutfit #fashiontiktok #menoutfit #menstyle #fashioninspo #outfitinspo #menstyleinspo ? sonido original - yo

@lucaslmurillo time has changed ???? #fyp #voorjou ? sonido original - yo

Now, this doesn’t mean that skinny jeans will be obsolete. Even if looser styles are defining the 2020s, we all know that fashion trends come and go all the time. Not to mention skinny jeans are just too classic of an item to completely remove from the shelves. So if it’s more up your alley, then wear it with confidence. Just prepare to get some bombastic side-eyes from the kids every now and then.