Skinny jeans are out of the spotlight, but here’s what most folks get wrong: they didn’t just disappear; they got outcompeted. The idea that skinny jeans “ended” overnight is mostly TikTok hype. What actually happened is more gradual and interesting.

By 2021, Gen Z had begun rejecting this silhouette on social media. But the retail figures tell a different story. Skinny jeans still make up about 20% of global denim sales. That’s not a dead category. It’s one that lost cultural dominance while other styles gained traction around it.

So if you’re wondering what to buy now, the real question isn’t whether skinny jeans are over. It’s what alternatives have taken their place and why they work better now.

Styles Replacing Skinny Jeans

Straight-leg and wide-leg jeans saw a combined sales boost of 37% in 2023. That’s no small change. Usually, a rise like this in a mature market like denim points to a real shift in how people are dressing, not just a seasonal whim.

The straight-leg fit led the charge because it solves the same problem skinny jeans did: it’s clean, versatile, and works with most shoe styles. But, it avoids that tight feeling—important for those of us wearing jeans all day.

Wide-leg and barrel-leg cuts popped up fast alongside the straight-leg. Barrel-leg jeans caught on in 2023 due to their tapered hem, which helps keep the silhouette from looking shapeless while allowing room through the thigh. It’s a smarter cut than it appears. Vintage 90s straight styles also saw a surge in secondhand demand, adding to a $2.1 billion secondhand denim market driven mainly by relaxed fits from that era.

Reasons for the Shift

Levi’s stopped focusing on skinny fits and started producing more loose and baggy styles by 2022. When a key player in the skinny jean boom makes this move, it’s a signal worth noting. Brands don’t just change their production lines for trends they think will reverse soon.

WGSN, which is about as close as it gets to a reliable trend forecasting source, named relaxed denim the number one casual style for 2024. This prediction is based on buying behaviors, runway insights, and observations across markets. It aligns with the reality of today’s denim landscape.

The cultural aspect is crucial. Gen Z’s move away from skinny jeans isn’t just about looks. There’s a comfort-first mindset behind it, plus a shift from body-conscious styles that were all the rage in the 2010s. Looser fits project ease instead of sloppiness, and this reframe took about five years to solidify.

I’d also mention that the rise of remote and hybrid work had a part to play. Without daily commutes, comfort becomes a priority. This habit stuck around even after offices reopened. Denim brands definitely noticed.

Best Denim Styles to Buy Now

If you’re sprucing up your wardrobe, here’s where I’d invest in 2024. These four silhouettes have staying power, not just passing trends:

• Straight-leg: a safe bet that works for most ages and body types
• Wide-leg: pairs best with cropped or tucked tops to avoid looking swamped
• Barrel-leg: tapered hem adds structure, great for those who find wide-leg too casual
• Relaxed tapered: sits between straight and slim, easiest transition from skinny fits

In terms of price, decent straight-leg jeans start around $60-80 from mid-tier brands. Barrel-leg options typically run $90-130 due to their more complex cuts. If you want to try wide-leg jeans without shelling out too much, secondhand shopping is the way to go. The $2.1 billion secondhand denim market mostly thrives because those relaxed fits from the 90s and early 2000s are back and already broken in.

One honest caveat: if you’re petite, wide-leg styles can be hit or miss. The extra fabric can overwhelm a shorter frame unless you crop or tailor them. A relaxed tapered cut usually works better and tends to be cheaper to alter.

Dealing with Your Skinny Jeans

Skinny jeans are out as the go-to option, but that doesn’t mean yours need to be tossed in a donation bag right away. If they fit well and you feel good in them, wear them! Advice telling you to toss functional clothing is just bad advice.

I’d suggest stopping the purchase of new skinny jeans and focus on getting one solid straight-leg pair and one relaxed fit instead. This combo handles most situations, costs less than a complete wardrobe change, and keeps you from feeling rushed to catch up next season. The shift in denim happened over years, not weeks. You’ve got time to think this through.

FAQs

Are skinny jeans completely out of style?

Not entirely. They still make up around 20% of global denim sales, but have lost cultural dominance to looser fits and aren’t the default choice anymore.

What jeans are in style for 2024?

Straight-leg, wide-leg, barrel-leg, and relaxed tapered fits are popular now. WGSN identified relaxed denim as the top casual trend for 2024, supported by retail data.

Will skinny jeans ever come back?

Probably, in some form. Denim trends generally cycle every 15-20 years, but a full mainstream comeback is unlikely before the late 2020s at the earliest.