In 2020, stay-at-home orders allowed us to ditch the office attire [1] and embrace loungewear, athleisure, and pyjamas [2]. Although it's been a comfy year (clothing wise, of course), we have been itching to dress up a bit, and what better way to do it than with a good pair of jeans [3]? 2021 will bring us great jeans that are not only stylish, but comfortable as well.
One trend we'll be seeing a lot of is eco denim. As more consumers develop a stronger desire to care for our planet [4], retailers are creating collections of stretch biodegradable denim, made of plant-based materials that can decompose, producing a minimal environmental impact. We first saw this introduced at Stella McCartney's autumn/winter 2020 show [5], and expect to see more brands adopting the new technology.
We're also seeing nostalgia continue to play a big role in 2021 with the straight leg getting a bit of an upgrade into a '90s wide leg - think Rachel Green's denim in Friends [6] - and an '80s pleated high waist. Ahead, learn more about the biggest denim trends for the upcoming year and shop our favourite selects. You can also jump ahead to your favourite trend below.
— Additional reporting by Kara Kia
Patchwork Jeans
Patchwork denim is a fresh take on jeans with personality. The trend first came onto our radar with Victoria Beckham [12]'s spring/summer 2021 collection for London Fashion Week, and has quickly become a mainstay at brands like Jaded London, Monki, and Closed.
Closed Renton Jeans
Closed Renton Jeans [13] (£245)
Monki Mozik Block Jeans
Monki Mozik Block Jeans [14] (£40)
Reclaimed Vintage Inspired The '91 Mom Jean in Patchwork Blue
Reclaimed Vintage Inspired The '91 Mom Jean in Patchwork Blue [15] (£40)
Pull & Bear High Waist Straight Fit Patchwork Jeans
Pull & Bear High Waist Straight Fit Patchwork Jeans [16] (£30)
Eco-Denim
As much as we love jeans, they can be quite damaging to the environment. Excessive water usage and toxic dyes and chemicals are just a few of denim's negative side affects. Responsible Italian denim company Candiani developed biodegradable denim in 2019 [17]. Made completely of plant-based materials, the denim gives back to the environment by breaking down post-use and releasing nutrients into the soul to help with the growth of plants and trees. Biodegradable denim is great because it shrinks your waste footprint. Oh, and it looks good too.
Lucy & Yak Dana Classic Mom Jeans
Lucy & Yak Dana Classic Mom Jeans [18] (£42)
Sézane Augusto Trousers
Sézane Augusto Trousers [19] (£110)
People Tree Flora Wide Leg Jeans
People Tree Flora Wide Leg Jeans [20] (£95)
Tommy Hilfiger Harper High Rise Jeans
Tommy Hilfiger Harper High Rise Jeans [21] (£90)
Balloon Silhouettes
If you fancy puff sleeves, then balloon or "cocoon" shaped jeans might just be your new favourite silhouette. Featuring a high-waist, cropped length, and curved leg, balloon jeans are an eclectic medium between straight-leg and wide-leg jeans.
Bershka Twill Balloon Trousers with Rips
Bershka Twill Balloon Trousers with Rips [22] (£25)
Agolde Balloon Curved Jeans
Agolde Balloon Curved Jeans [23] (£137)
Lee x H&M Balloon Ultra High Waist Jeans
Lee x H&M Balloon Ultra High Waist Jeans [24] (£30)
Levi's Balloon Leg Relaxed Fit Jeans
Levi's Balloon Leg Relaxed Fit Jeans [25] (£95)
'90s Wide Leg
'90s wide leg jeans are making a serious comeback. Wearing them is one of the easiest ways to create a polished look, paired with either a cable knit, tank top, breezy blouse, or t-shirt. Channel your inner bohemian queen and complete them with a clog or platform boot. A lot of the styles come in a stretch denim, too, so if rigid denim's just not for you, you're in luck.
Totême High-Rise Wide Leg Jeans
Totême High-Rise Wide Leg Jeans [26] (£220)
Universal Standard Sava High Rise Flare Jeans
Universal Standard Sava High Rise Flare Jeans - Black [27] (£88)
Lee x H&M Wide Ultra High Waist Jeans
Frame Le High Flare [28] (£35)
Ganni Denim Wide Pants
Ganni Denim Wide Pants [29] (£180)
Pleated '80s Denim
A blissful ode to the '80s, pleated high-rise jeans are a sleeker, more stylized take on the mom jean. We've spotted them on Chrissy Teigen, Hailey Bieber, and more. They can be easily paired with turtlenecks for winter and fitted tanks or plain muscle tees for hotter months. If you really want to go all out '80s, opt for an acid wash.
Monki Cares Front Pleat Jeans
Monki Cares Front Pleat Jeans [30] (£40)
One Teaspoon High-Waisted Tapered Jean
One Teaspoon High-Waisted Tapered Jean – Double Bass [31] (£129)
Citizens of Humanity Leona Pleated Pants
Citizens of Humanity Leona Pleated Pants [32] (£140, £200)
Benetton High-Rise Relaxed Stretch-Denim Jeans
Benetton High-Rise Relaxed Stretch-Denim Jeans [33] (£40, £80)