Why Gen Z Is Rejecting Skinny Jeans for Relaxed Denim (And What It Means for Your Business)
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1. Are skinny jeans really out?
Short answer: Yes. Skinny jeans are officially in decline, especially among Gen Z shoppers.
Supporting data:
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A 2025 New York Post report highlights that Gen Z considers skinny jeans outdated, preferring loose, expressive styles like barrel jeans, flares, and Y2K-inspired jorts.
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On TikTok, videos tagged with #BaggyJeans have surpassed 3 billion views, showing overwhelming demand for looser fits.
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Retailers like Zara and Levi’s have expanded their relaxed-fit lines while scaling back skinnies—an indicator of shifting supply responding to consumer demand.
👉 What this means for decision makers: Stocking skinny jeans as your primary denim style is risky. The data shows momentum has moved to wide-leg, flare, and relaxed cuts.
🔗 Shop our relaxed denim collection at Centprime
2. Why are relaxed jeans winning with Gen Z?
Short answer: Comfort, self-expression, and nostalgia.
Supporting data:
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Comfort-first mindset: According to a Vogue Business survey, 62% of Gen Z consumers said they won’t sacrifice comfort for fashion—baggy denim fits this perfectly.
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Y2K nostalgia: Early 2000s-inspired styles are flooding TikTok, with hashtags like #Y2Kfashion (over 7 billion views). Relaxed denim matches this throwback vibe.
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Room for creativity: Loose jeans pair with oversized blazers, tiny tops, or chunky sneakers—offering endless mix-and-match options.
👉 Decision maker takeaway: Consumers aren’t just buying jeans—they’re buying a lifestyle aesthetic. Relaxed denim feeds into self-expression, a proven Gen Z purchase driver.
3. Which denim styles are trending right now?
Short answer: The winners are flare, wide-leg, cargo, and cropped relaxed jeans.
Supporting data:
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Wide-leg jeans are the fastest-growing category, with a 34% sales increase on ASOS in 2024.
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Cargo jeans are trending on Pinterest with +120% search growth year-over-year.
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Flared jeans surged back thanks to celebrity influence—Hailey Bieber and Bella Hadid have been spotted in low-rise flares (Glamour report).
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Cropped relaxed denim (like ankle-length with frayed hems) is becoming the “summer-to-fall bridge piece.”
👉 Decision maker takeaway: Offering variety is key. Carrying only one style (say, flares) won’t capture all buyers—stock a mix of relaxed fits to maximize revenue.
🔗Browse new arrivals in denim at Centprime
4. How do customers style relaxed denim?
Short answer: Minimalist basics + statement accessories.
Examples from social feeds:
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White tank + wide-leg jeans + chunky belt (Hailey Bieber effect).
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Cropped cardigan + flare jeans + ballet flats (blending comfort with chic).
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Oversized blazer + cargo jeans + sneakers (streetwear crossover).
👉 Decision maker takeaway: Build cross-selling opportunities. If you sell denim, also promote tanks, oversized jackets, or accessories to lift average order value.
5. Will skinny jeans ever come back?
Short answer: Yes, but not soon.
Fashion runs in cycles. Millennials drove skinny jeans for a decade, but generational shifts show that every trend eventually re-emerges. Experts predict skinnies may return around the early 2030s as a vintage revival—but until then, relaxed denim dominates.
👉 Decision maker takeaway: Don’t overstock skinnies, but keep a small inventory for loyalists. The bulk of marketing and product focus should stay on relaxed styles.
🔗 Marie Claire on denim cycles
FAQ: Fast Answers for Buyers & Retailers
Q: What denim style should I prioritize in Q4 2025?
A: Wide-leg and flare jeans—they’re trending across all major platforms and retailers.
Q: Is Gen Alpha following this trend too?
A: Yes. Teens entering the market are mimicking Gen Z’s baggy denim looks on TikTok, meaning this trend has staying power.
Q: What’s the price sweet spot for relaxed denim?
A: Studies from Edited show $70–$120 is the “comfort zone” for Gen Z—affordable but still premium-feel.
Q: Where is the biggest conversation happening?
A: TikTok and Pinterest. Instagram is showing curated fits, but TikTok drives the culture shift.
Final Takeaway for Decision Makers
Skinny jeans are fading. Relaxed denim is rising. This isn’t just a trend—it’s a shift in how Gen Z (and soon Gen Alpha) sees comfort, identity, and fashion. Stocking relaxed denim isn’t optional; it’s essential if you want to stay relevant in 2025 and beyond.