Baggy fits and Levi’s continue to resonate with young consumers.
Cafeteria, an app that allows teens earn for their culture and brand insights, released its spring “Next Gen Spenders Report,” shedding light on the denim fits and trends capturing young consumers’ attention. The report is based on more than 300,000 insights from thousands of teens and young adults, representing 50 states and 762 cities across the U.S.
Gen Alpha is continuing the effort made by Gen Z to replace skinny jeans with looser fits. The report found that 73 percent of teens prefer baggy and wide-leg jeans, followed by straight fits with 20 percent.
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Fits from the early 2000s are in demand as well. The report found that 17 percent of teens like cargo jeans and 16 percent like flare jeans. Bootcut and skinny round out the list, both receiving 10 percent.
However, denim trends differ by region, highlighting the need for hyperlocal merchandising strategies.
Cafeteria found that teenage consumers in the Northeast show “increased love for flares,” while the Midwest and South markets lean toward heavily baggy jeans.
Ripped jeans are more popular in the South and West. Consumers in the Midwest and Northeast prefer a clean and classic look for their denim.
Young teens (14-16) are especially interested in a cleaner aesthetic. Cafeteria found that the age group is leaning into minimalism when it comes to denim, with 32 percent preferring plain jeans. Dark washes like deep indigo and black are favored, and when they do want details, they’re more likely to choose distressing for a vintage, worn-in look.
Y2K is a source of denim inspiration for older teens. The report found that 21 percent of older teens are into denim styles that have bolder, throwback details such as embroidery. Patterns like cheetah print and punk-inspired grommets are capturing their attention.
There is also room for maximalist flair such as back pocket designs with bows, bold stitching and rhinestones.
The millennial-driven boom in high-rise jeans is waning. Cafeteria found that 52 percent of teens prefer low rises, especially young teens (60 percent). Mid-rise is liked by 41 percent, followed by high-rise with 28 percent. Older teens are more likely to perfect high rise.
Despite the various teen-oriented denim brands and retailers, the cohort is turning to Levi’s for blue jeans. The report found that 40 percent of teens name Levi’s as their top brand, followed by American Eagle (17 percent) and Pacsun (10 percent).
Beyond the top three, Cafeteria said Abercrombie, Hollister, True Religion, Garage, Edikted, Lucky Brand and Motel Rocks are “strong standouts.”
