Is the straight-leg jean 2024’s staple silhouette?
Searches for the universally beloved fit are up 10 percent compared to last year, with an average of 21,000 each week, according to a new report by Trendalytics.
Brands are cashing in on the classic fit, which appeals to consumers across age groups and pairs easily with a different styles of tops and shoes. Market options—or products which mention “straight” in their copy—are up 23 percent year-over-year.
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Levi’s celebrated the 150th anniversary of the OG straight jean, the 501, this year. Straight fits were the focus of Citizens of Humanity’s recent collaboration with Billy Reid and a part of AG’s third “Jeans of Tomorrow” collection made with post-consumer recycled fibers. In 2022, the NPD Group, now known as Circana, published data showing that straight-leg jeans were the top-selling women’s fit in the U.S. Brands and retailers will be vying to maintain this momentum in 2024.
Opportunities are to be had with wide-leg jeans as well. The trend intelligence platform reported 2,000 average weekly searches for relaxed wide-leg jeans. Market options for the comfortable, laidback fit are up 14 percent compared to last year.
Tailored wide-leg jeans are gaining traction with millennial-aged consumers and older, however. Trendalytics said people are wearing the polished jean as an alternative to traditional trousers. Market adoption of tailored wide-leg jeans is up 94 percent.
This fall, DL1961 brought back two of its popular wide-leg jeans. The Hepburn, a comfort stretch high-rise comes in a vintage-inspired mid-indigo wash with an authentic worn-in look. The brand also offers a utility option with Zoie. The wide-leg jean has cargo pockets at the thigh. The roomy fits sit alongside new vintage-inspired styles like the low-rise Ilia Barrel.
Fashion-forward consumers are turning their attention to barrel fit jeans—a style that is fitted through the hips with volume at the mid-thigh and a tapered ankle. There are 2,000 average weekly searches for the statement style, up 47 percent compared to last year, according to the report.
Trendalytics is seeing shifts in color and wash trends for 2024 as well.
There are 6,000 average weekly searches for non-indigo acid washes, which Trendalytics pointed out are more subtle and wearable than their blue counterparts. Bone and other neutrals like mauve, sage and buttery yellow impact the market. Market adoption for bone is up 36 percent year-over-year, and up 33 percent for neutrals.
The growing market adoption for mid-tone indigo jeans is an example of how “the moment of extremes is reaching an equilibrium,” in denim, Trendalytics stated. Searches for the medium shade are up 4 percent compared to last year, while market adoption is up 31 percent.
Denim continues to be a factor in accessories collections. Searches for Y2K items like denim chokers and denim shoulder bags are seeing triple-digit increases. Searches for denim heels are up 87 percent.
