ALL ABOARD: Hop on These 2024 Denim Trends

by Kerri Cooke 

With the new year comes new goals and resolutions. But the early months of the year are also a perfect time to reevaluate the denim in your closet. Maybe it’s time for a spring cleanout to make way for some fresh, trendy jeans.  

Good denim never goes out of style. But you can also date a photograph with good accuracy depending on what specific wash and silhouette the people in the image are wearing. Here are some of the top denim trends set to dominate store shelves in 2024.  

Pleated Denim 

Jeans are now acceptable workwear in many offices—something that would’ve been unthinkable only a few decades ago. But if you haven’t been able to make the transition to jeans as workwear and prefer sleek and chic dress pants, 2024 might have just the trend to help you experiment. Tailored denim, complete with pleats, a solid wash and zero distressed elements, will add elegance to the everyday essential.  

Out with Skinny Jeans, in with Looser Fits 

While there is a portion of the market still dedicated to skinny jeans (some women refuse to give up the skinny silhouette due to early aughts wide leg jeans trauma), wide leg jeans and baggy jeans are all the rage again.  

For a subtle effect, straight leg jeans will be the safest route this year. Calvin Klein has even relaunched his ‘90s version of straight leg jeans.  

If you want to push the envelope a little further, barrel leg jeans (aka balloon pants) are set to be the breakout star of 2024. Barrel leg jeans are fitted at the hips, billow out on the legs and come back in to hug the ankles. This silhouette gives jeans a very distinct, boho look to them. 

If you are a bigger risk taker, go grab a pair of baggy jeans from your favorite boutique. Styles range from an average baggy style to jeans with a low-slung waist and extremely baggy silhouette. Baggy jeans give the perfect “I stole my boyfriend’s jeans” look. Just don’t forget to keep an eye on the forecast. You don’t want to wear puddle pants on a rainy day. 

Cargo Jeans 

Cargo pants have become popular the last few seasons. However, the trend hasn’t fully jumped over into the jean pool until now. Expect to spot a range of utility jeans on the streets this year as fully functional pockets, perfect for your car keys or snacks for a toddler, enter womenswear. After all, it is a truth universally acknowledged that women love pockets on their clothing. 

Flared Jeans 

Bell bottoms are back! Whether you prefer a slight flare or a full-on cowboy flare at the hem of your jeans, there will be ample options to fit your preference in 2024. Flared jeans always bring an element of fun with them and are perfect for a day out with friends. 

Confirming that these trends are trickling down to SWLA, representatives from Mimosa Boutique say, “Our best sellers are a high waisted cropped flare style and a high waisted wide leg.” 

All In the Details 

While some people prefer light wash jeans and others prefer dark wash jeans, there is a movement toward dark wash jeans this year. A darker wash can give a pair of jeans a refined look, while cuffs at the hem (also a returning trend) will add a casual air to an outfit. Seam details and embellishments will also be a popular feature on jeans to add a bit of pizazz.