Jeans: A Look Into Types & Styling Trends

I wish I had invented blue jeans.  They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity, all I hope for in my clothes.” — Yves Saint Laurent

Ah, jeans…  We love them, we hate them, we can’t live without them!

Over the years

Originally called “waist overalls,” this timeless fashion staple was created by Jacob Davis (a tailor who specialized in work pants) in the late 1800s. This was in response to the cry of his clients looking for work pants that would last.  Davis created a version that reinforced the pockets and zipper with rivets to guard against ripping. He used a tough, brown, canvas fabric called “duck cloth.”  As the demand grew for his extra-sturdy work plants, he partnered with his business associate, Levi Strauss (creating the Levi’s brand we know today) to produce these en mass.

Originally made from the canvas duck cloth, they soon changed to the new, more flexible and comfortable “denim” material that was coming from France (at that time, available only in blue).  Once they slapped a couple of back pockets onto the pants in 1901, there was no stopping them. History was made! 

Jeans have undergone quite the evolution since they were first created. This beloved, versatile attire has been adopted by everyone — from cowboys to 1950s rebels, from Hollywood stars to your next-door neighbor!

Fun facts: Did you know…globally, we buy 5.6 billion pairs of jeans each year?  Did you know…the average US shopper has around 7 pairs of jeans in their closet?  How many pairs do you have?

Blue Jeans, cuffs, and Hollywood hunks

While jeans may come in many different shapes, colors, and designs nowadays, we still all have our favorite pair in classic blue that even Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis would be able to recognize today!  By the 1930s, Hollywood had fully embraced Levi’s jeans, and even glamour girls were getting into the independent spirit!  In the 1950s, these blue jeans finally came to the fashion forefront.  The influencers of the time, movie screen rebels (think James Dean), wore jeans & a white T-shirt as the preferred uniform of the new rebel!

Patches, skinny jeans, and hippies

You can thank a 1960’s hippie for much of your jeans’ style and decorations. Patches, embroidery, flared leg shapes — they brought this style to the fashion forefront!  Personal expression and artistic beauty graced many a pant leg. 

One of the most popular styles of today, skinny jeans, was born in the 1970s when a slim silhouette was all the rage.  These jeans are slimming and hug your body’s every curve.  Grunge and punk music idols (like The Ramones) were seen wearing these skinny jeans and driving everyday fashion!

Couture houses, mom jeans, and their new styles

In the 1980s, high fashion and couture houses decided to fully embrace the newly lucrative jeans scene!  Dollars were at stake, competition was fierce, and styles were flying into stores.

The high-rise (same category as the mom jean) was designed to flatter the small waists and curvy hips of our hourglass-blessed sisters.  They are often made fun of as mom jeans, but this style flattered all the good parts and hid the not-so-great parts of the average female figure — making it very popular!

Couture also brought us the myriad of colors, patterns, and cuts you find familiar today.  Ladies of leisure could now wear jeans for almost all occasions!  Also, bell-shapes and tapers and pleats and rips all made their way into fashion during this period.

In short, what’s back for 2023?

Waists to watch…

 1.  The high rise

The high-rise is back!  These are my personal favorite jean type.  Extending to or above your navel — accentuating the natural indent at your waist and the curve of your hips, tucking in any extra body fat — it makes for the perfect pairing with your favorite crop top!  This waist style can be adopted for almost any fit, including straight-legged, skinny, or bootcut. High rise is also commonly used for jean shorts, too.  This style truly stands the test of time and is always a safe investment. They’ll probably never go out of style!

2.  The low rise

Thank the mid-2000s — and pop stars like Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, and Destiny’s Child — for the popularity of this devil-may-care style!  Low-rise jeans rest at the hip-bones, hugging your hips and exposing your midriff.  After a brief hiatus in the 2010s, they’re making a comeback as a part of the Y2K fashion revival!  Similar to high-rise jeans, they are also often paired with crop tops. If you aren’t comfortable showing that much skin, they work really well with tucked in blouses and untucked sweaters.  Finish this off with a sleek belt to complete the look!

3.  Mom Jeans

Mom jeans are high waisted and straight-legged.  They have a more casual, relaxed fit without being too baggy.  They definitely deserve more than the automatic pass some people give them. They’re much more comfortable than your average pair of jeans, but still make your butt look fantastic!  Mom jeans are also the perfect pants to show off your hot new kicks.  This style is especially popular with an all-white sneaker — giving off a cool, sporty vibe. You can also rock some open-toed sandals during the warmer summer months!

Shapes to watch…

1.  Tailored 

Nothing is more flattering than a piece of clothing that fits specifically you.  Do your jeans fit in the hips, thighs, and back, but are too big in the waist?  Fix it!   Do your jeans fit in the waist but don’t follow the curve of your hips and butt that you worked so hard to build?  Fix it!  I’m telling you — now is the time to develop a good relationship with your local tailor.  A good tailor is worth their weight in gold!  And, if you want to learn yourself, there are endless resources online. You could also apprentice under a more experienced local tailor!

2.  Skinny jeans 

Reappearing on the scene are your quintessential style champions, skinny jeans!  While the fit isn’t as malleable as what was found in the popular “jeggings” from the mid-2010s, the fabric is more flexible than regular jeans and fairly comfortable. You should still be able to move freely.  Remember — they’re meant to be comfortable, not suffocating!  Their sleek style can perform as both a reliable go-to for a casual Friday at the office and as a night-out-on-the-town wardrobe staple.  You may have to do a little wiggle dance to get into them, but the way they make your butt look is worth it!  It’s a highly versatile fit that can go with practically everything

3.  The Bootcut

Originally designed for wearing over cowboy boots, the bootcut silhouette is a more dynamic shape.  With its gradual widening from knee to hem, the style is meant to balance your silhouette from waistline to toes. This cut is perfect for flattering most body shapes, especially those with curvier figures!  As the name suggests, this style looks ah-maze-ing with a pair of your favorite knee-high or ankle boots. However, pointy-toed heels or flats will also work to create that lengthening effect.  If you’re going for a more casual vibe, sandals or sneakers are a great go-to. Pair with a graphic T-shirt to complete the look!

Details, details, details…

1.  Cuffed Jeans

Originating all the way back to the late 1800s, cuffed jeans are another throwback trend that’s set to skyrocket in 2023!  By cuffing (or rolling) your jeans, you can add an extra layer of dimension and texture to your outfit.  From single cuffs to mega cuffs and everything in between — there are so many ways to utilize this trend!  Smaller, thinner cuffed jeans have also been making the fashion circuit in recent years. But it’s the wider cuff that is set to really take off this season, especially when paired with an oversized blazer!

2.  Distressed Denim

Yes, you did buy them like this — or you were crafty and created your own stylish rips and tears.  Now, don’t get it twisted, there is strategy to these jeans.  Larger rips around the knees are most common, with a few smaller tears running up lengthwise on the thigh.  These originally were created through normal wear and tear during a time when people couldn’t afford to purchase a new pair of pants.  However, these became popular as a way to show solidarity with the working class.  These days, distressed denim represents strength and rebellion — synonymous with free and independent thinkers!  A style after our own hearts, here at Rogue Ramms 😉

3.  Pastels & Bright Colors

While blue is certainly the most common color for jeans, there are endless choices!  Classic colors such as black and white are always in style, of course.  However, from the deep wine tones popular in the 1980s, to the bright and beautiful neon hues of today — colorful jeans are making their comeback in 2023!  This is probably due in part to escaping the darker days of the coronavirus. After staying in, we’re ready to brighten our world and show off our beautiful selves!  We highly recommend purchasing pastels and vibrantly colored jeans in your favorite colors quickly, before demand skyrockets!

4.   Embroidered

I have a soft spot in my heart for embroidered jeans.  I’ve seen some really beautiful, unique, and imaginative needle art on an ordinary pair of jeans. It can take them to the next level!  Talk about one-of-a-kind fashion — this is within reach of everyone and an amazing way to express your individual style!  From vibrant floral patterns to cute, lacy designs, embroidered jeans are a wonderful way to incorporate pops of color into your ensemble.  Or recreate your favorite Studio Ghibli character!  Or embroider your personal words to live by on your back pocket!  Let your personality shine through.  If you are embroidering, yourself, we highly recommend practicing with scrap denim first.  If you prefer, you can also purchase pre-embroidered jeans. But we hope you’ll end up giving the personal creative touch a try!

Need some inspiration for what tops to wear with your new jeans, or wanting to know other top trends set to take the world by storm this year?  Read our Top Fashion Trends for 2023 blog here!

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