Are skinny jeans really making a comeback?
By Alice Almeida
Over the last few years, there has been a rise in the use of looser pants. However, recent runway shows feature models wearing skinny jeans, does this mean they're here to stay?
Can you remember what everyone wore before baggy pants were invented?
That's right, skinny jeans that were so tight that they could almost be leggings. Skinny jeans have been around since before denim was invented, but back then they were worn by royal French men. It spread to England and then to the rest of Europe. In the early 2000s skinny jeans were everywhere, a staple in any outfit. They were sold by both designer brands and fast fashion, but towards the end of the decade, they started being replaced by a looser fit. However, recent runway shows feature models wearing skinny jeans, does this mean they're here to stay?
Skinny Jeans in History…
In the mid-18th century, upper-class British men who embraced the extravagant French styles wore wigs, high heels, and tight-fitting pants. This was an early sign of using unconventional fashion as a way to reject the establishment and take a stand. This will later be seen in youth counterculture movements. Cigarette jeans seen on idols such as Elvis Presley might not look exactly like the skinny jeans as we know them but it's where the trend gets its rock'n'roll association from. Fast forward to 2003, Hedi Slimane's Dior Homme collection is shown on the runway featuring skinny jeans, part of a style that is now called "indie sleaze" on social media platforms.
Skinny jeans started being canceled as the body positivity movement grew stronger…
Who wants to wear skin-tight pants when you can look good with looser ones? However, denim lovers have been predicting its return for some time now and apparently, it's on the horizon. Fashion brands such as Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, and Miu Miu are reintroducing skinny jeans into their collections which can renew interest among fashion consumers. Will it be the revival of the skinny black Superfines worn by Kate Moss or will the industry bring us something new? 2024 is a confusing time, the dominant form of jeans is still baggy but models in skinny jeans are reappearing. Will these be able to take over a society that has grown accustomed to comfort?
We've been living in a period where jeans are both wearable and comfortable, with a brief reappearance of the low-rise waist.
Baggier pants offer ease of movement and form a cool look. So, skinny really? What's so fascinating about this style that we see creeping into all new collections. The look has already been approved by Lila Moss who's following the steps of her mother in making it so popular. Lila wore a pair to the YSL Beauty event in New York in February 2024.
I think it's safe to say that the verdict is out. It's not if skinny jeans are coming back but when they are coming back. So enjoy your last few months being comfortable in baggy pants because soon enough skinny jeans will be on every rack at stores.
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