As the fashion landscape shifts towards autumn, denim once again takes center stage, evolving from a perennial wardrobe staple into a cornerstone of fall ensembles. The upcoming Fall 2025 season promises an exciting array of denim trends that prioritize both comfort and style, making them remarkably accessible for everyday wear. Leading denim brands, including Levi's, Madewell, Citizens of Humanity, Frame, Still Here, and Agolde, have offered expert insights into the must-have jean styles that will define the season. These trends largely lean into classic designs, ensuring that new additions to your denim collection will harmoniously blend with existing favorites.
\nWhile loose and flowing silhouettes continue their reign in the denim world, a notable resurgence of slimmer styles, such as cigarette and skinny jeans, is on the horizon. This season also sees a renewed embrace of bootcut and flared legs, creating a diverse and well-rounded denim offering. The emphasis is on adaptability, encouraging consumers to explore a variety of cuts and finishes. From relaxed fits that offer an effortless vibe to more structured, tailored options, the Fall 2025 denim trends are designed to provide versatility, allowing for easy transitions from casual daytime looks to more sophisticated evening attire. The focus remains on wearability, with innovations in washes and unique details adding a fresh perspective to beloved denim classics.
\nEmbracing Relaxed Silhouettes
\nFor Fall 2025, a prevailing sentiment among denim designers is the continued popularity of relaxed and generously proportioned fits. Industry leaders, including Erik Torstensson from Frame and Marianne McDonald from Citizens of Humanity, emphasize the enduring appeal of loose and baggy jeans. Torstensson highlights Frame's focus on creating "laid-back and quintessential" silhouettes, while McDonald points to the strong momentum around "low-slung, straight slouchy fits that feel lived-in," drawing parallels to the early 2000s but with a modern twist. These roomy styles are praised for their universal flattery and their ability to pair effortlessly with contrasting pieces, such as fitted tops and structured blazers or cropped bomber jackets. The low-rise aesthetic is also making a significant comeback, reinvented with a contemporary sensibility that offers a comfortable yet chic alternative to more restrictive styles. This trend signifies a collective move towards denim that offers freedom of movement and a sense of ease, without compromising on fashion-forward appeal.
\nThe continued dominance of loose and baggy denim for Fall 2025 reflects a broader fashion shift towards comfort and versatility. Erik Torstensson, co-founder and creative director of Frame, notes the brand's commitment to "laid-back and quintessential" silhouettes that embody their creative spirit, confirming that a relaxed fit remains a key mood for the upcoming season. Marianne McDonald, creative director at Citizens of Humanity, echoes this sentiment, highlighting the strong interest in low-slung, straight, and slouchy styles that exude a lived-in feel. She specifically mentions Citizens of Humanity's Lindz, Winslow, and Anissa styles as prime examples of this low-rise, looser narrative, which offers a fresh interpretation of early 2000s fashion icons. Jill Guenza, VP of women's apparel design at Levi Strauss & Co., further reinforces the trend, stating that these baggy jeans are "universally flattering" and look particularly good when styled with contrasting items such as bodycon tops, structured blazers, or fashionable cropped bombers. This emphasis on relaxed fits allows for a diverse range of styling options, enabling consumers to create ensembles that are both comfortable and on-trend, showcasing a harmonious blend of effortless style and modern aesthetics.
\nThe Return of Refined and Iconic Styles
\nThe upcoming season marks an intriguing return to leaner, more tailored denim silhouettes, with the "slim cigarette" emerging as a significant trend. Jill Guenza of Levi's observes this development as one of the most compelling and even "controversial" shifts. She describes these new slimmer jeans as narrower than traditional straight-leg styles but more forgiving than jeggings, offering a fresh and sophisticated aesthetic. This updated skinny silhouette, including Levi's classic Wedgie Slim, is designed to be highly versatile, particularly when balanced with voluminous tops and outerwear featuring 1980s-inspired shoulder details. Karen Phelps, creative director of Agolde, concurs, highlighting the shift towards "clean lines that elongate and bring a sense of polish" in styles like their Low-Rise Slim and Kick Boot. The key to mastering these slimmer fits lies in creating a harmonious contrast by pairing them with oversized or slouchy garments, resulting in a dynamic and refined fall look that perfectly blends soft and sharp elements.
\nThe re-emergence of refined and iconic denim styles signals a dynamic shift for Fall 2025, moving beyond purely relaxed fits to embrace more structured and classic designs. Sonia Mosseri, co-founder and creative director at Still Here, points to a trend towards "classic, utility-driven denim with elevated details." She explains that Still Here aims to create "heritage pieces that help people feel more like themselves" while maintaining a modern sensibility, underscoring the brand's commitment to comfortable yet sharp staples. This nostalgic influence is also evident at Levi's, where Jill Guenza notes a focus on "reimagined icons." She highlights updated versions of beloved classics like the 501 ’90s and the introduction of the 501 Curve, specifically designed to flatter curvier body types. Beyond silhouettes, designers are also experimenting with fresh finishes. Steven Cateron, head of design at Madewell, observes that washes are now akin to colors, with consumers opting for different washes daily. He highlights the appeal of "lived-in washes that feel authentic," which offer a refreshing departure from overly clean lines. This emphasis on subtle distressed details and unique characteristics, such as custom toggles or adjustable drawcord hems, allows for personalized styling, ensuring that each pair of jeans feels special and capable of transitioning from day to evening wear. This blend of classic forms with contemporary details and varied finishes provides a rich and versatile denim offering for the new season, allowing for both comfort and elevated style.