Denim Goes Slimmer

Skinny jeans trace their origins back to the 17th century, emerging as slim-cut breeches, well beloved by French aristocrats. In the 1800s, their evolution led to the rise of the "pantaloon," a high-waisted, form-fitting men's work pant. For women, slim bottoms appeared almost 50 years later, gaining popularity as practical bloomers for sports and manual labor, although widespread societal acceptance was a slow process. The 1960s marked the first golden age of skinny jeans, celebrated as the "it" pants by the London mod girls subculture and mainstream fashion alike.

After losing popularity in the '70s, they made a bold comeback a decade later in the punk scene, becoming a counterculture symbol adorned with patches and pins. The ‘00s witnessed yet another major revival, fueled by high-fashion designers who drew inspiration from the emo movement, seamlessly integrating them into music and pop culture. By the 2010s, through the rise of hipster and Millennial culture, skinny jeans had cemented themselves as a mainstream staple, dominating markets for both men and women. However, their influence began to decline by the early 2020s, as looser silhouettes gained popularity, driven by the pandemic and a growing search for comfort.

Divisive yet always conversation-starters, skinny jeans have now reclaimed their spotlight on the runway. Their resurgence is a natural outcome of the renewed interest in indie-sleaze fashion, shifting away from the relaxed flow of oversized denim to embrace more form-fitting aesthetics. High or mid-waisted skinny jeans have been a signature in womenswear for the longest time, tucked in boots or simply paired with sneakers. And for the ones who love making a statement, there’s a zipped version designed for THE DENIM series by Berlin-based label Ottolinger, following the woman’s anatomy.

Skinny jeans have also become a true classic in menswear. Although they might seem intimidating to some, bootcut and flared styles offer a great alternative for those looking to dip their toes (and legs) in the trend. Whichever side you're on; one thing is certain. Skinny jeans never truly left, and they’re here to stay.