Skinny Jeans Out of Style in 2024? The Real Story for Women

Quick question: are skinny jeans actually out this year, or are people just bored of hearing about them? Everywhere you look, wide-leg and baggy jeans are taking over TikTok feeds and filling up store displays. But here’s the thing—skinny jeans aren’t totally gone. They’re just not the default choice right now.

If your closet is stacked with ankle-hugging denim, don’t shove them into storage just yet. Fashion is more about cycles than strict rules. Some trends go quiet for a while, then come storming back—sometimes with a few tweaks. So, if you feel like the odd one out rocking skinnies, you’re not alone. Plenty of women still wear them, just in a fresher way.

Before you think of dumping your favorites, it’s actually useful to understand what’s pushing the switch to wider legs and looser fits. There are some interesting reasons—comfort, new trends, and even nostalgia for the ‘90s and early 2000s. Stick around if you want real-world tips for making skinny jeans work now, or you’re just curious about what’s next for denim.

• What’s Really Happening With Skinny Jeans in 2024?
• Why Are Other Jean Styles Gaining Steam?
• Smart Ways to Wear Skinny Jeans (If You Still Love Them)
• What’s Next: Finding Your Personal Denim Style

What’s Really Happening With Skinny Jeans in 2024?

If you’re wondering if skinny jeans are done in 2024, you’re not the only one. Sales data from leading retailers like Levi’s and Zara shows that looser jeans—think baggy, straight-leg, and cargo styles—have jumped in popularity since 2022. Gen Z on TikTok and Instagram are part of the reason. Their posts and online hauls have been driving the wide-leg and 'dad jeans' wave hard.

But despite that, skinny jeans haven't totally disappeared. Older millennials and Gen X still buy and wear them, especially in places where dress codes or professional looks matter. Stylists say skinnies are being styled differently—less with ballet flats, more with chunky boots or oversized blazers to modernize the look.

You’ll spot skinny jeans less in fast-fashion windows these days, but they’re not dead stock. Brands like Mango or H&M still include classic skinny cuts in their lines because the demand is steady, just lower than before. Premium brands roll out high-rise and stretch versions for customers who just like what feels familiar.

Here’s a snapshot of recent denim styles ranked by online searches and sales in the first quarter of 2024:

So, are skinny jeans out? Not totally. They’re just off the top spot. Their moment as the default style has passed, but they're still hanging on in a lot of closets and wardrobes—and they’re not getting kicked out anytime soon.

Why Are Other Jean Styles Gaining Steam?

It’s no secret that other denim shapes are getting more attention right now. Baggy, straight-leg, and even flare jeans are all over the place. But why the sudden love for these fits?

One big reason is comfort. After spending so much time at home in sweatpants and joggers, squeezing into super-tight jeans just doesn’t appeal to a lot of people anymore. Looser jeans simply feel better for most daily stuff—from grocery runs to hanging out with friends. It's just more laid-back.

Social media has also played a huge role. Gen Z and younger Millennials on TikTok have made it clear they’re moving away from skin-tight styles. Videos roasting skinny jeans have millions of views, and influencers keep showing how easygoing and cool wide-leg jeans look with everything from crop tops to blazers. Big brands definitely noticed. Stores like Levi’s and Zara now put their roomy jeans up front, sometimes even pushing skinny fits toward the back racks.

Another factor: nostalgia. Fashion always circles back, and right now, there’s a real craze for throwback looks. Loose jeans from the late ‘90s and early 2000s fit that vibe perfectly. Add chunky sneakers, and you’re basically channeling every Y2K pop star’s street style.

But let’s not forget about personal taste. Some women simply want to try something new. If you’ve been wearing skinny jeans every day since high school, slipping into a pair of straight-legs or barrel jeans feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s less about ditching skinnies forever and more about having options. That’s why skinny jeans aren’t the only story in 2024—they’re just sharing space with a bigger lineup.

Smart Ways to Wear Skinny Jeans (If You Still Love Them)

Still reaching for your skinny jeans? You’re definitely not the only one. Even though baggy denim is everywhere, skinny jeans can still look current for 2024 if you update the way you wear them. The biggest changes are all about what you pair them with and how you build your outfit from top to bottom.

In 2024, most stylists suggest balancing the sleek fit of skinnies with looser, oversized, or eye-catching pieces. Gone are the days of tight T-shirts and flats—now it’s about mixing things up for a fresh, personal vibe. Here are some ways to make skinny jeans feel up-to-date:

• Go for oversized tops: Throw on a slouchy sweatshirt, boxy blazer, or chunky sweater. Let your jeans be the slim base, and keep everything up top relaxed or playful.
• Add chunky sneakers or boots: Bulky shoes help modernize skinnies. Combat boots or thick-soled trainers look intentional, not like you’re stuck in 2015.
• Try a cropped, layered look: Crop tops or cropped sweaters work with high-waist skinny jeans and let you layer with an open shirt or oversized denim jacket.
• Play with bold accessories: Think statement belts, crossbody bags, or wide sunglasses to give the outfit a 2024 feel.
• Mix textures: Pair your jeans with something unexpected—like a leather jacket, a satin top, or a fuzzy vest for extra interest.

It’s not just about fashion—comfort has a big role, too. A recent survey by NPD Group showed skinny jeans still make up about a quarter of women’s denim sales in the U.S. last year. And a lot of athletic and stretch denim brands now offer super-soft, figure-hugging options that don’t pinch or restrict.

If you’re shopping for new skinny jeans, look for styles with a bit of stretch, higher waists, and maybe even an ankle crop. That hits just above your shoe instead of bunching around it. One more tip—don’t be afraid to cuff your jeans or show a bit of sock with fun shoes. It’s a little trick that makes even old jeans feel right at home in 2024.

What’s Next: Finding Your Personal Denim Style

Let’s face it—there’s no single "right" way to wear jeans in 2024. The days of everyone following the same style are over. Right now, personal comfort and self-expression matter more than ever. Studies from large retailers, like Levi's 2023 denim trend report, show that people are mixing it up: straight-leg and relaxed fits are grabbing most sales, but a steady 24% of women still buy skinnies when they shop for jeans. That’s a pretty big chunk, considering all the hype about new shapes.

If you want to figure out your own denim look, start by trying on a few different styles—straight-leg, wide-leg, flare, cropped, and yes, even a classic skinny jeans cut. See which ones match your vibe and how you like to move. Keep in mind, a good fit will always look better than chasing trends that don't feel right for you.

Here are some easy steps to build your own denim style without feeling lost:

• Take note of which jeans you reach for most often and why—comfort, confidence, how they work with your shoes?
• Try on new fits with tops you already own. Sometimes a new shape can make your favorite shirt look brand new.
• Don’t forget about length and rise. Cropped and high-rise jeans are big sellers right now for a reason—they show off shoes and flatter lots of body types.
• Keep your lifestyle in mind. Chasing after toddlers? You may prefer jeans that move with you. Desk job? Look for stretch blends for all-day comfort.

If you’re interested in what’s on racks this year, here’s a quick snapshot from recent retail data:

This just proves there are fans for almost every fit out there. The trick is picking what works for your life and your taste, not just what’s trending. Don’t worry if your go-to shape isn’t the loudest on social media. What works for you does matter most—and honestly, mixing things up keeps your closet way more fun.