Wide-Leg Denim Is Big Again - So Long, Skinny Jeans!

by Julee Kaplan (Subscribe to Julee Kaplan's posts)
Posted Oct 14th 2010 at 6:00PM

Photo courtesy of Anlo.

You may not want to give away those skinny jeans just yet, but it does seem that in the near future, your denim legs will get wider again.

"Wide legs, trousers, super flares, and bell bottoms are definitely the new fashion-forward trend, not only in the premium denim market but everywhere," Jerome Dahan, founder and designer of Citizens of Humanity, tells StyleList.

Denim designers are starting to see a rise in sales in boot cuts, flare, and trouser-leg styles, which could indicate there will be a clear shift in denim trends.

Francis Pierrel, vice president of retail and wholesale at Diesel, tells StyleList that while the skinny jean will not be going away completely, new options such as the skinny boot cut are gaining momentum.

"Women are starting to look for other fit options. The skinny boot cut, a fit with the same look as a skinny jean but with a trumpeted leg opening, is going to be an important transition piece," Pierrel says.

"This summer, the buzz was all about the skinny cargo. As long as everyone is infusing military into their wardrobes, the skinny cargo will continue to be a popular fit."

Anlo designer Jenna Lonstein said she too has seen a shift toward wider leg openings.

"People needed a break from their skinnies... nothing is more flattering on a woman than a great-fitting denim trouser or flare-leg jean. It really balances out your proportions and makes you look taller and leaner," she tells StyleList.

A spokeswoman at 7 For All Mankind says the movement away from skinny jeans seems to be a natural progression.

"Women are always looking for a new approach to wearing denim," she says. "Skinny jeans have been around for a few seasons now, and while they are still go-to basics that look good for both day and night, women are experimenting with wearing trousers for a more chic and put-together aesthetic."

Photo(s) courtesy of GoldSign | 7 For All Mankind | Citizens of Humanity

James Jeans co-designer James Chang says he has seen a true shift happening in the denim market. To feed that, he's designed a whole new kind of boot cut.

"We will see a shift back to boot but a newly revamped version," he tells StyleList. "Our Reboot is just that, with the exclusive flare from mid-calf fit. Ultimately, we will see the evolution and birth of a brand-new silhouette."

In addition, James Jeans will also introduce their Fly Boy jean, which is a straight leg from the thigh down to the hem.

"The end result is a gorgeous lengthening appearance since you don't have that natural visual knee break you see when wearing a skinny," Chang says. "And it looks fantastic with heels, since the hem drapes freely over the shoe for a perfect leg line."

J Brand founder and chief executive officer Jeff Rudes tells StyleList that while skinnies should still have a prominent presence in your closet, it is time for something new.

"Denim is cyclical. Wider legs have not been her jean of choice for a few years," he says. "Her closet is ready for them and she looks great in the silhouette."

A spokesman at GoldSign agrees with Rudes and isn't surprised to see a trend toward a wider leg opening.

"Fashion is constantly changing," he says, "and it's about finding ways to keep it fresh and interesting while also being relevant and wearable."

Photo(s) courtesy of J Brand | James Jeans | Diesel

Meanwhile, check out the five new denim lines that every woman should know about. And if you want a laugh, check out these 8 denim footwear disasters.

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Filed under: Fashion, News, Denim, Designers & Brands
Tags: 7 For All Mankind, anlo, bootcut, citizens of humanity, denim, diesel, GoldSign, j brand, james jeans, JBrand, jeans, wide leg jeans

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READER COMMENTS

(54)Add A Comment

John F.C. Taylor, 10-16-2010, 7:18AM

Skinny jeans should never have been a fashion must. Tight, restrictive clothing never is. I am glad to see that comfortable, wide legged jeans are returning to fashion.

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ajschrod, 10-16-2010, 10:57AM

Your choices make sense, John, the opposite of what "fashion" dictators would have you wear! Skinny, baggy, bell-bottom, low-rise (and high) are all silly fads meant to have people BUY things; they have nothing to do with appearance or comfort. Furthermore, there need not be extreme distinctions between mens and womens jeans at all-except for a little more roominess to accomodate a guy's anatomy. Trying to make a fashion statement by pairing them with high heels may be the most ridiculous attempt of all for selling a basic necessity like jeans, although that "hooker" look seems popular with dance-clubbers.

Mary Ann Moseley, 10-16-2010, 7:38AM

Perhaps if you are tall and thin, wide legged jeans will look nice on you. But there are those of us who are short and wide legs only make us look shorter and dumpy. PLEASE don't do away with skinny legged jeans. Some of us need them.

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Suzanne, 10-16-2010, 10:41AM

I totally agree with you! I'm only 5'3" and I feel that the bell bottoms
just look weird on me, but look better on my taller friends. You really nailed it....

Kaye, 10-16-2010, 11:17AM

I didn't like the bell bottoms when they first came out back in the 70's or whenever it was. Ha...try riding a bicycle in them!! If not careful, you might end up in a ditch with your bike and leg (with pant caught in the chain) hiked in the air and a handle up your butt!!!! Where was "Funniest Home Videos" then? I prefer the straight leg and flatters my small frame. I'm not one of those "trendy" people. I buy what looks good on me and big legged pants aren't one of them. You are right Mary Ann, they aren't the best fashion statement for short people.

Kira, 10-16-2010, 12:46PM

wider leg bottoms are flattering by evening out proportions. Skinny jeans make your legs look like chicken legs... bigger thighs that go down into a really skinny calf. I'm sure you look ridiculous in skinny jeans. You have to not have any thighs at all to pull off that look.

lynn, 10-16-2010, 1:21PM

Actually the skinny jeans accentuate your flawed looking body but some woman think they look GOOD when in fact they look terrible!!! but there are many different styles of jeans to fit different body types they don't have to be super wide.

laura, 10-16-2010, 7:41AM

Skinny jeans are and have always been horrible. Wide leg jeans are cool, chic and sexy. YAY!

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Bruce and Sue, 10-16-2010, 7:43AM

Wear whatever looks good on yourself. That makes for timeless fashion.

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ava, 10-16-2010, 7:57AM

Wide legged jeans never, ever look good on anyone except long legs and skinny hips & long haired gals. However, low cut waisted, straight to tapered leg jeans usually look great on any body type. And as far as 'high waisted jeans'...they are the worst...ugly and uncomfortable. The newest look is jeggings...which can look hip & fashion forward if your thighs are not too big. Skinny jeans will always have a place in fashion.

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kaysings, 10-16-2010, 11:17AM

Ava dear, you don't speak for everyone. "Low-rise" does not look good on every body type -- only on super-skinny bods where there isn't a muffin. I can't and won't wear 'em, period. They are uncomfortable: I feel like they're going to fall off. Furthermore, they are not age-appropriate on me.

For the record, I'm 62 and a very fit size 6. I don't have a muffin, but low-rise just does not work on me. I actually prefer jeans and pants that sit right at my natural waist. You probably call these "high waist". Whatever they're called in the fickle fashion industry, they work best on me.

Cj, 10-16-2010, 9:57AM

yep and pay big bucks for jeans that look like crap

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lois llewis, 10-16-2010, 8:32AM

I don't care what kind of legs, but the designers need to make some jeans with a Waistline instead of a Wasteline. Nothing is so un-flattering as an overweight women with her flab hanging over the hips of her low cut jeans! ! Let-s get real. The low cuts are for the very few with extra fataround their waist.

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Disgusted, 10-16-2010, 10:19AM

YES, YES, YES, JEANS THAT FIT AT THE WAIST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! As for what is in FASHION--The designers TELL us what is "fashion". Darn them. I want what I want and I'm not so insecure that I need someone to tell me what is in "fashion". Bring back denim jeans and all other women's pants with a waistband that fits at the waist. NOW!

Gayle, 10-16-2010, 11:27AM

I personally feel that the low cut pants below the waist is also unflattering on a thin person, as well as one that is over weight. I am that of a small woman and I like to show off my tiny waist. They are very uncomfortable to me, let alone looking like I have no waist. I hate the bell bottoms as well and will buy the tapered cut vs "trend". Wear what feels good and looks good on you.

mary, 10-16-2010, 8:54PM

ABSOLUTELY!!!! LOL,LOL,LOL!!!

Piper, 10-16-2010, 8:38AM

If only they'd make the high waisted jeans, they are more flattering then low cut. They just want you to pay more for less it seems

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Piper, 10-16-2010, 8:47AM

Oh really? I'm not tall but they looked great on me and they were comfortable, loved them. Low cut jeans do not look good on most body types if you're not bone skinny you hang over the sides....

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mags854, 10-25-2010, 11:54AM

Piper, I agree with you...would love to see high-waisted jeans that actually fit. And to all of you who wear those that are cut too low, please cover up. Most of us do not like to see 'muffin tops' and have no desire to see your tramp stamp.

Julie, 10-16-2010, 9:01AM

I will never wear big-legged jeans! What you can do if you can't find skinny jeans is be sure to buy jeans that do not have flat fell seams and then you can take them in and make them skinny jeans!

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