Jeans Revival

The Skinny Jean: A Fashion Revival on the Horizon?

Over the last few months, a range of skinny styles, including pants and jeans, have emerged on fashion runways, influencer videos, and Google search trends, indicating the divisive garment could soon be a closet staple again.

A Revival in the Making?

Retail analyst Janine Stichter notes that Google Trends data for skinny jeans spiked the week of January 12 and has been picking up steam ever since. This surge in interest led to a rise in searches, with searches for skinny jeans increasing 50% year over year. American Eagle and Reformation have also reported a growing interest in the style, with customers searching for skinny jeans on their websites more frequently.

A New Era for Skinny Jeans?

Unlike the early 2000s, when skinny jeans were a staple in many wardrobes, this time around, the style is being reinterpreted with a more modern twist. Runway shows have featured skinny pants in plaid and tailored fabrics, while celebrities are opting for more relaxed, less conforming styles. "We’re seeing some of that movement, but it’s still relatively small," says American Eagle’s president and executive creative officer, Jen Foyle. "Our job is to be nimble, right?"

The Future of Denim

According to Michelle Gass, CEO of Levi Strauss, the unofficial queen of denim, the trend is expected to officially return "sometime in the future." She encourages consumers not to get rid of their skinny jeans, as they will likely make a comeback. "When we see a bigger trend re-emerge, it’s going to look and feel different," she says.

Conclusion

The re-emergence of skinny jeans is not a surprise, given the cyclical nature of fashion trends. As one retail analyst notes, "Anytime you have a big silhouette shift, it’s positive for restocking cycles. It’s also positive for footwear because you need different footwear to go with the bottoms, and then you don’t just buy the bottoms, you tend to need different tops to go with the bottom so it can kind of catalyze a whole closet refresh."

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When can I expect to see skinny jeans back in stores?
A: Skinny styles could start appearing in stores as early as summer or as late as fall, depending on the retailer and their restocking cycles.

Q: Will this trend replace baggy and loose fits?
A: No, the trend is not about replacing one style for another. Instead, it’s about offering a range of options for consumers to choose from, depending on their mood, style, and preferences.

Q: Should I get rid of my current jeans collection?
A: No, don’t get rid of your current jeans collection. Instead, keep your loose and baggy jeans and add to them with the new skinny styles as they emerge.