The Denim Debate

Buried at the bottom of my closet, I found a pile of denim collecting dust. Shuffling through my old clothes, I created a ‘keep’ pile and a ‘donate’ pile. But when I picked up my favorite pair of dark-wash skinny jeans from middle school, I felt like I was at a crossroads. “Get rid of them. You never wear them anymore,” my mom said. I disagreed. I knew that eventually, I might want to wear them again.

After worshiping my low-rise baggy denim for years, trying on my middle school tight-fitted jeans felt so wrong. And while I may not have fully transferred over into a regular skinny-jean wearer, their return to the fashion world can no longer be ignored.

With one swipe, the skinnies were back–influencer Alix Earle in a sleek pair of Frame skinny jeans, hair bouncing, makeup flawless, comments blowing up. Scrolling through the comments, I looked down at my slouchy pair of cargos and knew why I kept my favorite skinny jeans from middle school. 

The skinny jeans renaissance is not unexpected to fashion experts though. Experts use the 20-year rule to determine when trends re-emerge next. Over the past few years, the Y2K style has made an explosive return. Although the decade consisted of some gaudy and ostentatious trends, the fun and carefree style has been modernized by Gen Z. So, considering that skinny jeans were part of the early 2000s rage, it is no surprise it returned to the 2020s. Even so, the skinny jeans we once knew and loved have been slightly adapted. 

This season, we saw fall and winter shows from Isabel Marant, Acne Studios, and Burberry, all of which incorporated slim-fitted denim pants into their collections. Aside from major fashion moguls picking up on the trend's re-emergence, we also saw celebrities like Bella Hadid pairing her skinny jeans with a low boot.

Even though skinny jeans are back in the mix, their return has been a slow burn. Recently collaborating with Frame on ‘The Alix Skinny Jeans,’ social media star Alix Earle confidently wears them for a night out or even for daytime errands. In spite of her confidence in the pants, fans scolded her collaboration on this project. Some comments simply admit that they simply can't get behind the trend. 

But how fitted or baggy do we want our jeans? Well, it depends on the person. While I cannot imagine a world where jeggings make a full return, some fashionistas have fully committed to the trend. Even so, A-listers like Lila Moss find a happy medium while rocking a pair of slim-cut denim that is not too baggy but also is not hugging at every curve.

The perfect balance between fitted and flared is ultimately subjective; however, both pants have pros and cons. Skinny jeans lovers argue that fitted pants are timeless and versatile. Tight jeans can be casual or dressed up for an occasion, whereas some flared or baggy denim pants are traditionally for casual activities. Even so, those against the return of skinny jeans question the comfort of the tight fit and lack of airflow. No matter which type of denim you prefer, the denim debate of flared versus fitted is undoubtedly sparking conversation.

Whether you dig them out of your closet, buy a fresh new pair, or stay true to Billie Eilish-styled pants, denim loyalty does not have to be exclusive. It is not about fitted versus flared; it is about wearing what makes you feel best. So whether you reach for skinny jeans, baggy denim, or something entirely different, let it be a choice, not a rule.