Jeans. The quintessential wardrobe staple. They’re comfortable, versatile, and eternally stylish. But as fashion evolves, so do denim trends. Staying ahead of the curve can feel overwhelming, so let’s dive into the definitive guide to what jeans are stealing the spotlight in 2021. Forget those outdated skinny jeans you’ve been clinging to (just kidding… mostly!). This year is all about comfort, individuality, and embracing a range of silhouettes.
Relaxed Fits Reign Supreme
2021 is the year we collectively decided to prioritize comfort without sacrificing style. This means relaxed fits are taking center stage, offering a welcome alternative to the skin-tight denim that dominated previous years. Think less restrictive and more forgiving.
The Mom Jean Comeback
The “mom jean” has been steadily gaining popularity, and 2021 solidified its place in the denim hall of fame. Characterized by its high waist, relaxed fit through the hip and thigh, and slightly tapered leg, the mom jean offers a flattering and comfortable silhouette. Pair them with a tucked-in t-shirt and sneakers for a casual daytime look, or dress them up with a blouse and heels for a night out. The versatility of the mom jean is a major part of its appeal.
Loose and Wide-Leg Jeans: Embrace the Flow
If you’re looking for maximum comfort and a bold statement, loose and wide-leg jeans are your best bet. These styles offer a relaxed, almost effortless vibe that’s perfect for everyday wear. The key to pulling off wide-leg jeans is to balance the volume. Pair them with a fitted top to create a flattering silhouette, or embrace the oversized look with a chunky knit sweater.
Boyfriend Jeans: Effortless Cool
Boyfriend jeans, with their slightly slouchy and relaxed fit, continue to be a popular choice for those seeking an effortlessly cool aesthetic. They’re often characterized by a lower rise and a looser fit through the leg, sometimes featuring distressing or rolled cuffs. The key to styling boyfriend jeans is to add a touch of femininity. Try pairing them with a delicate blouse and heels, or a fitted blazer and statement jewelry.
Rise Up: Waistlines are Shifting
The position of the waistline is a crucial factor in determining the overall look of your jeans. 2021 sees a diverse range of waistlines, from high-rise to low-rise, offering something for everyone.
High-Rise Dominance: Elongating the Legs
High-rise jeans continue to be a popular choice, offering a flattering and leg-lengthening effect. They cinch in at the waist, creating a defined silhouette and accentuating your curves. High-rise jeans are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a wide range of tops, from cropped tees to tucked-in blouses.
The Return of the Mid-Rise: A Comfortable Compromise
While high-rise jeans have dominated the scene for a while, mid-rise jeans are making a comeback, offering a comfortable and versatile alternative. They sit slightly below the natural waistline, providing a more relaxed and comfortable fit. Mid-rise jeans are a great option for those who find high-rise styles too restrictive or uncomfortable.
Low-Rise Making Waves
Prepare yourselves! Low-rise jeans are slowly creeping back into the fashion conversation. While not as ubiquitous as other styles, they offer a nostalgic nod to the early 2000s. Proceed with caution! When styling low-rise jeans, balance is key. Pair them with longer tops to avoid exposing too much skin, or embrace the Y2K vibe with a cropped baby tee.
Details Matter: Washes, Colors, and Embellishments
Beyond the silhouette and waistline, the details of your jeans can significantly impact their overall look. Washes, colors, and embellishments play a crucial role in defining the style and personality of your denim.
Classic Blue: The Timeless Staple
Classic blue washes are always in style, offering a timeless and versatile option that can be dressed up or down. From light washes to dark indigo, there’s a blue wash to suit every taste and occasion. A classic blue jean is the cornerstone of any well-rounded wardrobe.
Black Denim: Sleek and Sophisticated
Black denim is another essential wardrobe staple, offering a sleek and sophisticated alternative to blue jeans. Black jeans can be dressed up for a night out or dressed down for a casual weekend look. Pair them with a blazer and heels for a polished ensemble, or with a t-shirt and sneakers for a more relaxed vibe.
Colored Denim: Adding a Pop of Personality
If you’re looking to add a pop of personality to your wardrobe, consider colored denim. From vibrant hues to muted pastels, colored jeans can be a fun and stylish way to express your individuality. Think beyond the basics – explore shades of green, pink, yellow, or even lavender.
Distressed Denim: Embracing Imperfection
Distressed denim, featuring rips, tears, and frayed edges, continues to be a popular choice for those seeking a more edgy and rebellious aesthetic. The level of distressing can range from subtle to extreme, allowing you to customize your look to your personal style. Pair distressed jeans with a polished top and heels for an unexpected contrast, or embrace the grunge vibe with a band tee and combat boots.
Beyond Trends: Finding the Perfect Fit for You
While staying up-to-date with the latest denim trends is fun, the most important thing is to find jeans that fit well and make you feel confident. Consider your body type, personal style, and lifestyle when choosing your denim.
Consider Your Body Type: Embrace Your Shape
Understanding your body type is crucial when selecting jeans. Different silhouettes and waistlines will flatter different shapes. For example, high-rise jeans can be particularly flattering for those with shorter legs, while bootcut jeans can balance out wider hips. Experiment with different styles to find what works best for you.
Personal Style: Express Yourself
Your personal style should always be the guiding factor when choosing jeans. Are you drawn to classic and timeless pieces, or do you prefer a more edgy and fashion-forward aesthetic? Select jeans that reflect your individual taste and personality.
Lifestyle Considerations: Functionality and Comfort
Consider your lifestyle when choosing your jeans. If you lead an active lifestyle, opt for comfortable and flexible denim that allows for ease of movement. If you work in a more formal environment, choose a darker wash and a tailored silhouette.
Sustainable Denim: Making Conscious Choices
As consumers become more aware of the environmental impact of the fashion industry, sustainable denim is gaining traction. Look for brands that prioritize ethical production practices, use eco-friendly materials, and minimize their environmental footprint.
Recycled Denim: Giving Fabric a Second Life
Recycled denim is made from pre-consumer or post-consumer denim waste, reducing the need for virgin cotton and minimizing waste. Many brands are incorporating recycled denim into their collections, offering a more sustainable option for environmentally conscious consumers.
Organic Cotton: Reducing Pesticide Use
Organic cotton is grown without the use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers, making it a more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional cotton. Look for jeans made from 100% organic cotton to reduce your impact on the environment.
Water-Saving Techniques: Minimizing Water Consumption
Denim production is a water-intensive process. Look for brands that utilize water-saving techniques, such as laser technology and eco-friendly dyes, to minimize their water consumption.
Styling Tips: Elevating Your Denim Game
Once you’ve found the perfect pair of jeans, it’s time to think about styling them. Here are a few tips to elevate your denim game:
- The Tuck: Experiment with different tucking techniques, such as the front tuck, the half tuck, or the full tuck, to create different silhouettes.
- The Belt: Adding a belt can instantly elevate your look and define your waistline.
- The Shoes: The right shoes can make or break your outfit. Consider the overall aesthetic you’re trying to achieve and choose shoes accordingly. Sneakers for a casual vibe, heels for a dressier look, or boots for a more edgy feel.
- The Accessories: Accessories are the finishing touch that can pull your entire look together. Think about adding a statement necklace, a scarf, or a hat to complete your outfit.
In conclusion, 2021 is a year of denim diversity, with a focus on comfort, individuality, and sustainability. Embrace the relaxed fits, experiment with different washes and colors, and most importantly, find jeans that make you feel confident and stylish. Don’t be afraid to break the rules and create your own unique denim look. After all, fashion is all about self-expression!
What are the key denim silhouettes trending in 2021?
In 2021, we saw a departure from super skinny jeans towards more relaxed and comfortable fits. Key silhouettes included straight-leg jeans, offering a universally flattering and versatile look, and wide-leg jeans, providing a bold and fashion-forward statement. Bootcut jeans also made a comeback, offering a balanced silhouette that complements various footwear styles.
Beyond the core silhouettes, we observed a rise in mom jeans, known for their high waist and relaxed fit through the hips and thighs, and looser boyfriend jeans, providing an effortlessly cool and casual vibe. These trends highlighted a shift towards comfort and individuality in denim choices.
What denim washes were most popular in 2021?
2021 witnessed a renewed appreciation for classic denim washes, with light washes gaining considerable traction. These lighter hues offered a summery and vintage-inspired aesthetic, perfect for creating casual and effortless looks. Medium washes, known for their versatility, remained a staple, providing a balanced and timeless appeal.
Dark washes, while still present, were often styled in more sophisticated and elevated ways. Additionally, we saw the emergence of vintage-inspired washes with subtle fading and distressing, adding character and personality to denim pieces. Colored denim, particularly in pastel shades, also offered a playful and refreshing alternative to traditional blues.
What are some sustainable denim options to consider?
Sustainable denim has become increasingly important, with brands focusing on eco-friendly practices. Look for jeans made from organic cotton, which reduces the use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers. Recycled denim is another excellent option, utilizing pre- or post-consumer denim waste to create new garments, minimizing environmental impact.
Consider denim brands that prioritize water conservation during the manufacturing process, employing innovative techniques to reduce water usage. Additionally, seek out jeans that are dyed with eco-friendly dyes and produced in factories with fair labor practices, ensuring both environmental and social responsibility.
How can I style wide-leg jeans for different occasions?
Wide-leg jeans offer incredible versatility. For a casual daytime look, pair them with a fitted t-shirt or tank top and sneakers or sandals. Adding a cropped sweater or jacket can provide extra warmth and style. A tucked-in blouse or bodysuit will help define your waist and create a more polished appearance.
For a more elevated look, style wide-leg jeans with a silk blouse or a tailored button-down shirt. Heels or heeled boots will elongate your legs and add sophistication. Accessorizing with statement jewelry and a structured handbag will complete the look and make it suitable for evening events or special occasions.
What are some key details and embellishments to look for in 2021 denim trends?
While minimalism was still present, subtle details and embellishments added personality to denim pieces in 2021. Look for jeans with interesting pocket details, such as oversized pockets or unique stitching. Subtle distressing, like ripped knees or frayed hems, added a touch of edginess without being overly dramatic.
Hardware details, such as statement buttons or unique belt loops, also contributed to the overall design. In some cases, we saw the resurgence of patchwork denim and subtle embroidery, adding a bohemian and artistic flair to denim pieces. These details allowed for individual expression and creativity in denim styling.
How do I choose the right rise for my body type?
Choosing the right rise is crucial for comfort and flattering your figure. High-rise jeans typically sit at or above the natural waistline, elongating the legs and defining the waist. They are generally flattering on most body types, especially those with shorter torsos or wanting to create a more defined waist.
Mid-rise jeans sit between the hips and the natural waistline, offering a comfortable and versatile option for various body types. Low-rise jeans sit below the hips and are best suited for individuals with longer torsos and those who prefer a more relaxed and casual fit. Ultimately, the best rise depends on personal preference and what feels most comfortable and flattering on your body.
Are there any denim jacket trends that complemented the jean trends of 2021?
Denim jackets remained a timeless staple, complementing the denim trends of 2021. Oversized denim jackets were particularly popular, offering a relaxed and comfortable fit that paired well with the looser denim silhouettes. Cropped denim jackets also gained traction, providing a more fitted and flattering option, especially when worn with high-waisted jeans.
Distressed denim jackets, featuring ripped details and faded washes, added a touch of edginess to outfits. Colored denim jackets, mirroring the pastel and vibrant hues seen in denim jeans, provided a fun and playful alternative to traditional blue denim. Layering a denim jacket over various outfits added a casual yet stylish touch, completing many 2021 looks.