Are Skinny Jeans Back? Is Low-Rise Here to Stay? Denim Brands on What’s Actually Trending for Spring 2024 (2024)

New season, new jeans. At least, that’s the case if you’re the kind of denim aficionado that lives and breathes blue jeans. Even if you’re not, a great pair of jeans can do a lot for your wardrobe, from standing in as an everyday staple that effortlessly goes with everything to serving as a functional style statement that takes your look to the next level when done with an experimental silhouette.

These days, there’s ample talk in the streets about what’s going to be the next big thing in denim. Whispers of the return of Tumblr-era mid 2010s skinny jeans and rumors of early aughts low-rise have been on the loose for the past few seasons. But will we ever really go back to hip-slung waistbands and restrictive, skin-tight denim after experiencing the unbridled joy and freedom of wide legs and boyish silhouettes? At the same time, the baggy more-is-more look has been dominating for the past few years and seems like the trend that will never die. Denim is decidedly the discourse that keeps giving when it comes to matters of opinion.

Whether you’re wondering what’s considered most stylish or just looking for spring shopping inspiration, there’s something for everyone these days. Below, we spoke to the industry’s top denim experts on the top spring 2024 denim trends.

Madewell

“For spring, we are loving wide and wider leg jeans! Our Perfect Vintage Wide Leg continues to be a huge fit for us in full length and cropped. This is a universally well-fitting jean for all body types and such a great update to your denim repertoire if you are transitioning into different leg shapes.

I am also super excited for our Kick Out Full-Length Jeans (a.k.a. modern bootleg). We love the western trend that is happening right now and this full length kick out really plays into it. We impart our ‘secret sauce’ of getting the combination of all the right measurements and stretch to create a waist-whittling, butt-lifting, leg-lengthening jean. The range of whites to naturals in a variety of fits is great for spring and summer dressing.” —Mary Pierson, Madewell SVP of Denim Design

Frame

“Our Le Jane style is our bestselling ultra-high rise straight fit with a runway reputation. Known as the model-off-duty denim, the style is beloved by women such as Gisele Bündchen and Karlie Kloss. The jean has a nostalgic look with fitted hips and relaxed thigh and is offered in a new Mariner wash this season. It’s a staple in any Frame customer’s wardrobe and fan favorite re-released every season in new washes.” —Erik Torstensson, Frame co-founder and creative Director

Agolde

“Pairing our signature vintage inspired denim with trouser tailoring, the Ellis Trouser is designed to sit low-slung on the hips. The relaxed wide leg has pleated detailing at the waist to give the perfect amount of ease. This spring, we also introduced the Ellis Trouser Short with an elongated inseam finished with all the same qualities as its trouser counterpart. I love a voluminous short; it’s fun to dress up or down. Pair either with our Aiden High Low Shirt for the perfect oversized, yet polished set.” —Karen Phelps, Agolde Creative Director

Citizens of Humanity

“The Ayla Baggy Cuffed Crop is for those who appreciate a blend of classic and contemporary style. The Ayla is a reworked vintage silhouette that features a slightly relaxed, but flattering top block and a roomy, sculpted leg, which I have also been wearing uncuffed for a super elongating look. It’s the perfect style to add a bit of cool sophistication to your spring wardrobe. Our newest wash, Pagoda, has destruction at the knee, and looks great with the Elisabetta tee and layered with a light sweater for cooler nights.” —Marianne McDonald, Citizens of Humanity Creative Director

AG Jeans

“For spring, we dug into the AG archives and unearthed the Angel, our low-rise boot cut. This fit was a hit in the early days of AG and our loyal customers have been asking us to bring it back. The timing felt right… After years of high-rise jeans, the lower rise felt fresh again. We are seeing success straight out the gate and love that it resonates with our customer.” —Jen Kim, AG Jeans Women’s Senior Design Director

Jeanerica

“We’ve had a big success with our low-waist ‘Kyoto’ fit. The contrast of how it fits comfortably and fitted over the hips, then runs into a slouchy, loose-flared silhouette exudes an effortless cool, and modern flair. Additionally, skinny jeans are back and we love our ‘Hydra’ as an updated slim fit with a comfortable low waist yet straight-ended leg that embodies a perfect balance between ’90s skinny jeans and a modern silhouette.” —Lena Patriksson Keller, Jeanerica co-founder