Once a millennial fav, now a Gen Z reject. Will skinny jeans make a comeback?

Skinny jeans have had a long and fascinating journey in fashion, evolving from counterculture roots to mainstream dominance before facing pushback from Gen Z on platforms like TikTok. Despite being cancelled by younger generations, the question remains—will skinny jeans ever truly disappear, or are they here to stay?

The Origins of Skinny Jeans

The concept of tight-fitting pants dates back centuries, with European men in the 17th and 18th centuries sporting breeches that closely hugged the legs. However, modern skinny jeans as we know them today first gained traction in the 1950s. Rock 'n' roll icons like Elvis Presley and James Dean popularized slim-cut denim, giving them an edgy, rebellious appeal.

In the 1960s and 1970s, the trend continued with punk rock bands like The Ramones and The Rolling Stones wearing skinny jeans as a form of defiance against mainstream fashion. The 1980s saw the rise of glam rock, with artists like Prince and Mötley Crüe embracing skintight denim, further solidifying its association with music and subculture.

The 2000s: The Mainstream Takeover

By the early 2000s, skinny jeans transitioned from subcultural fashion to mainstream must-have. The shift began in the mid-2000s with indie and emo music scenes, where bands like My Chemical Romance and Fall Out Boy rocked tight jeans. Soon, luxury fashion houses and fast fashion brands capitalized on the trend, leading to the explosion of skinny jeans in the late 2000s and early 2010s.

Both men and women embraced skinny jeans, with designers like Hedi Slimane (at Dior Homme) championing the ultra-slim silhouette for men, while brands like Topshop and Levi’s catered to women seeking form-fitting denim. The rise of jeggings—a hybrid between leggings and skinny jeans—only fueled their dominance.

TikTok Trends

Despite their popularity, fashion is ever-changing, and by the late 2010s, looser-fitting styles like mom jeans, baggy jeans, and wide-leg pants started gaining traction. The real turning point, however, came when Gen Z took to TikTok in the early 2020s to express their distaste for skinny jeans.

In viral videos, young TikTok users mocked millennials for their love of skinny jeans, side parts, and laughing emojis—calling these trends outdated and ‘cheugy’ (a term used to describe out-of-style millennial trends). The new generation embraced relaxed, Y2K-inspired styles such as low-rise jeans, cargo pants, and straight-leg denim, pushing skinny jeans to the sidelines.

Hashtags like #SkinnyJeansAreDead and #GenZvsMillennials gained millions of views, solidifying the narrative that skinny jeans were no longer trendy. Many fashion influencers and brands took note, pivoting their collections toward oversized and looser silhouettes.

Are Skinny Jeans Gone for Good?

While TikTok trends have a strong influence on fashion, the fate of skinny jeans isn’t entirely sealed. Several factors suggest that they may not disappear completely:

Just like other cancelled fashion trends, skinny jeans might go out of the limelight but never fully disappear. They remain a practical option for pairing with boots, layering under oversized tops, and creating sleek silhouettes.

Despite Gen Z’s shift toward baggy styles, certain subcultures such as rock, punk, and goth communities continue to embrace skinny jeans. Alternative fashion often rejects mainstream trends, ensuring that slim-fit denim remains relevant in some circles.

Trends operate in cycles. Just as skinny jeans replaced baggy jeans in the early 2000s, there’s a strong possibility that they will make a comeback in the future. The current obsession with Y2K fashion suggests that early 2010s trends (which include skinny jeans) could reemerge in the next decade.

While baggy and straight-leg jeans dominate social media, major denim brands like Levi’s, Zara, and H&M still sell skinny jeans. The demand may have decreased, but they haven’t vanished from shelves. Millennials, who grew up with skinny jeans, may continue to wear them regardless of TikTok’s influence.

The Future of Skinny Jeans

While Gen Z may have cancelled skinny jeans on TikTok, it’s unlikely that they will vanish completely. Fashion is fluid, and personal style often transcends generational trends. While looser silhouettes dominate today, skinny jeans will likely remain a staple for those who prefer a sleek, fitted look.

At the end of the day, fashion is about self-expression. Whether skinny jeans are in or out, the best style choice is the one that makes you feel comfortable and confident. So, while the trend may have shifted, don’t be surprised if skinny jeans make a triumphant return in the years to come.

Image sources:

Instagram – Levis

Canva

AFP