New technologies, a Western revival and a focus on natural fibers and dyes were just some of the ways the global denim industry innovated in 2024.
This year saw startups advance their efforts to replace petroleum-based dyes with bio-based indigos, tech firms double down on impactful finishing technologies and chemical companies develop ways to consolidate the steps it takes to give denim an aged appearance.
Pop culture and runway trends landed on the same side of the coin, turning cowboy culture into the biggest fashion statement of the year. Meanwhile, consumers continued to expand their collection of wide-leg jeans.
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Here, 10 articles help tell the story of denim in 2024.
Denim Chemical and Technology Suppliers Focus on Increasing Efficiency and Simplifying Processes
Chemical suppliers and finishing technology firms lead innovations. Rivet spoke to companies to find out how they’re new technologies are improving efficiency, consolidating processes, and increasing agility to help brands respond faster to denim consumers’ ever-changing needs. Click here to read more.
‘No Way Out:’ Levi’s Said to Seek Discounts From ‘Doormat’ Denim Suppliers
Denim brands are said to be squeezing their struggling denim suppliers. Sourcing Journal reached out to a dozen denim suppliers, including ones that were previously vocal about canceled orders during the pandemic, to find out how current economic circumstances have affected their businesses. Click here to read more.
Meme to Bestsellers: How Barrel Jeans Became Denim’s Biggest Trend
Slim, straight, skinny, bootcut, flare, boyfriend and wide leg have all earned their place on the menu and have faced little to no competition from new fits. In rare moments, however, a brand can strike blue gold with a new silhouette. Rivet examined the rise of the barrel jean and how the polarizing fit became a cool-girl must-have in 2024. Click here to read more.
Leading Voices: Women Execs Share Their Best Career Moves
Experience and talent are not always enough to succeed in the fashion industry. Whether it’s a career in design, marketing or events, it requires taking risks, embracing change and trusting instincts. Rivet caught up with women executives, designers and entrepreneurs share their best advice on how to thrive professionally and personally in the fashion industry. Click here to read more.
Linen Catches on in Denim
After experiencing the heat waves that made 2023—and the affect it had on jeans sales—mills prepared for another season of intense warmth by focusing on lighter weights and using natural fibers in their denim, including linen. Click here to read more.
Investing in Bio-Based Alternatives to Petroleum-Based Dyes
The denim industry historically relies on water-polluting dyestuffs and chemicals to achieve the washes and characteristics that jeans buyers love. In recent years, denim innovators have been attempting to turn the tide, bringing forth new, bio-based solutions to help the industry slash its sludgy output. From Pili to Octarine Bio, Rivet caught up with some of the companies leading this tide turn. Click here to read more.
How to Capture the Western Fashion Consumer
Driven by runway trends and pop culture, fashion is embracing a cowboy era. Rivet caught up with denim and trend experts to find out how brands and retailers can capitalize on the trend for the long haul. Click here to read more.
Jeanologia Celebrates 25 Years of Laser Innovation
Laser finishing is a critical part in many global brands efforts to be more sustainable. Jeanologia CEO Enrique Silla reflects on the 25th anniversary of the Spanish tech firm’s laser technology and the lasting impact it has had on the industry. Click here to read more.
What’s Selling: Spring/Summer 2025 Denim Fabrics
From versatile fabrics that can be applied to several designs to lightweight fabrics, chino-inspired constructions and unexpected colors, denim mills revealed the most popular fabrics for Spring/Summer 2025. Click here to read.
Iconic 90’s Denim Moments That Still Influence the Fashion World Today
The year is 2024, but we’re still living for ’90s denim. From the normcore aesthetic unknowingly coined by standup comedians and world leaders to the hip hop artists’ big and baggy fits, Rivet took a trip down memory lane to revisit the most iconic denim moments from the decade. Click here to read.
