Let’s Discuss the *Possible* Skinny Jean Comeback
Let’s Discuss the *Possible* Skinny Jean Comeback
By Penelope Sandlin — November 12, 2025
Skinny jeans are a polarizing topic within the modern fashion industry. Over the years, they’ve gone through multiple eras of evolution, rising in popularity and falling from grace again and again. Recently, influencers such as Alix Earle and Wisdom Kaye have been styling skinny jeans with current trends, sparking new conversations around the jeans’ place in fashion. The support of fashion influencers has started to shift skinny jeans’ reputation from a widely loathed clothing item to a bold fashion statement.
Now the question is: Is this influence enough to spark a full comeback?
Skinny jeans first became popular in the early 2000s, often associated with alternative style before making their way into mainstream fashion. By the 2010s, they infiltrated almost every closet, often paired with oversized tops, ankle boots, and Converse. However, as fashion cycles turned, wide-leg and baggy silhouettes took over, leaving skinny jeans to become what many consider a “cheugy” trend.
Social media played a major role in skinny jeans’ downfall. TikTok creators and other influencers declared skinny jeans “out of style,” favoring wide-leg jeans, mom jeans, and low-rise flares. The shift was gradual and reflected a movement towards comfort and body inclusivity. Loose jeans are now widely favored for their relaxed fit and more flattering look.
However, with the resurgence of Y2K and 2010s nostalgic trends, skinny jeans are finding their way back into the fashion conversation. Style influencers are experimenting with new ways to wear the classic jeans, often pairing them with pointed-toe boots, blazers, and statement belts to give an elevated and modern look. Unlike before, skinny jeans are now styled intentionally, often providing contrast when paired with oversized tops or chunky footwear, creating a balance of proportion.
Still, opinions regarding their return remain divided. In a recent Instagram poll conducted by Square Magazine, 67% of respondents said they were in favor of bringing back skinny jeans, while 33% said they do not support their comeback. The split highlights how polarizing the debate is. For some, skinny jeans are a symbol of outdated trends, while for others, they’re a nostalgic staple and an audacious fashion statement.
Whether or not skinny jeans make a full comeback, their evolution shows how quickly public opinion can shift in the world of fashion. Skinny jeans and the debate surrounding them represent more than just denim; they reflect how trends evolve through influence and how that influence inspires people to shape their own unique sense of style.
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