Popsugar Fashion Street Style The 8 Biggest Denim Trends of 2023 Cargo, Low-Rise, and 6 More Major Denim Trends For 2023 19 December 2022 by Avery Matera Image Source: Getty / Edward Berthelot As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work. Jeans are a perfect blank canvas upon which anything is possible. But even with classic wardrobe staples, trends come and go. While denim does, indeed, stand apart with the notion that a straight fit in a true-blue colorway will remain in favour, there are certainly head-turning cuts, of-the-moment silhouettes, and specific decades-old washes that cycle in and out of style. And modern touches (for example, an asymmetrical waistband or an overly exaggerated slit) mean anything is possible. In 2023, we'll see a rise in popularity of the ankle crop and distressed treatments that range from unfinished hems to redone patchwork. Pleated trousers, dramatically pooling wide-legs, and formfitting bootcut flares are also everywhere, with these more standout shapes hailing from the '70s, '80s, and '90s. Meanwhile, the low-rise from the early aughts isn't going anywhere, with celebrities favouring the look particularly when completed with a visible logo brief or a strappy thong pulled high to achieve hip cleavage. Whether you love to mix up your denim outfits with oversize knits and statement tops or keep the combination understated in a bodysuit or simple white tee, scroll through the following categories one by one to see the top denim trends of 2023 that you can try on for size. Or feel free to skip ahead to the section you already know you're in the market for, and browse a range of washes for all different body types and budgets. Denim Trend 2023: Pleated Trousers Denim Trend 2023: Ankle Cropped Jeans Denim Trend 2023: Bootcut Flares Denim Trend 2023: Cargo Jeans Denim Trend 2023: Tapered Leg Denim Trend 2023: Low-Rise Jeans Denim Trend 2023: Pooling Wide-Leg Denim Trend 2023: Patchwork Jeans — Additional reporting by Sarah Wasilak 1 Denim Trend 2023: Pleated Trousers Image Source: Getty / Valentina Frugiuele High-rise, pleat-front trousers in denim are everywhere. With a fitted waistband, these jeans are anything but your dad's favourite pair from the '90s, giving them more leeway to be styled with slim bodysuits and bralettes alike. That said, the roomy leg makes for a fluid silhouette that has dressed-up appeal. 2 Pleated Trousers: Madewell Baggy Straight Jeans Image Source: madewell.com Go for a dark style ($98) that mimics the look of a standard wool trouser, but is crafted from good old denim instead. dark style $98 from madewell.com Buy Now 3 Pleated Trousers: Reformation Montauk High Rise Jeans Image Source: click.linksynergy.com Opt for a style ($168) with a high-waist that allows the pleats to form more of an elevated look; rather than a slightly baggier, low-rise one. style $168 from click.linksynergy.com Buy Now 4 Pleated Trousers: Nili Lotan Flora Jeans Image Source: nililotan.com For an off-duty favourite, you'll love these lower-rise, wide leg flares ($425) that allow for a slimmer fit in the waist and roomier leg. wide leg flares $425 from nililotan.com Buy Now 5 Denim Trend 2023: Ankle Cropped Jeans Image Source: Getty / Edward Berthelot Whether you wear yours with ornate, embellished heels, classic ballet flats, or casual sneakers, ankle cropped jeans expose just a sliver of skin, without going for a full-blown pedal pusher moment. What's more, this silhouette is a season-less classic that can be styled with skimpy silk camisoles and wool overcoats alike. 6 Ankle Cropped Jeans: Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Button-Fly Sky-Hi Image Source: oldnavy.gap.com Go '80s with a light, slightly acid washed treatment. You'll love these slim ankle-crop jeans ($50) for their off-duty vibes and lower price point. jeans $50 from oldnavy.gap.com Buy Now 7 Ankle Cropped Jeans: Levi’s 501 Original Fit Jeans Image Source: levi.com There's nothing like a Levi's 501 ($108) fit when it comes to the classics, and the American brand has crafted its forever favourite in a flattering ankle crop, offered in nearly every denim wash under the sun. Levi's 501 $108 from levi.com Buy Now 8 Ankle Cropped Jeans: Raey Crop Organic-Cotton Straight Leg Image Source: matchesfashion.com These greyed jeans ($112, originally $160) are great for morning or night. With a straight leg fit, they're easeful without being too roomy. greyed jeans $112 from matchesfashion.com $160 $112 Now 30% off from matchesfashion.com Buy Now 9 Denim Trend 2023: Bootcut Flares Image Source: Getty / Streetstyleshooters When it comes to this '70s throwback style, search for a slight flare from the knee down to the toe. A bootcut length means a peek at your shoes, so whether you opt for a pointed-toe flat; an early-aughts look with sporty sneakers; or platform boots to elongate your legs, you'll depend on your footwear for ultimate outfit balance. 10 Bootcut Flares: Abercrombie Ultra High Rise Flare Jean Image Source: abercrombie.com Between the ultra-high-rise of the waist and the slight flare of the slim leg, you'll feel taller in height wearing these Abercrombie jeans ($89), whether you're in heels or off-duty sneakers. Abercrombie jeans $89 from abercrombie.com Buy Now 11 Bootcut Flares: J.Crew Skinny Flare Jeans Image Source: jcrew.com These flared jeans ($158) feature a traditional five-pocket design, but what's not visible to the naked eye is that they're made from polyester recycled from plastic — which would have otherwise gone to landfills. flared jeans $158 from jcrew.com Buy Now 12 Bootcut Flares: Frame Le High Flare in Blue Stripe Image Source: frame-store.com Take the bootcut flare ($258) to eye-catching status with a blue pinstripe print down the leg. bootcut flare $258 from frame-store.com Buy Now 13 Denim Trend 2023: Cargo Jeans Image Source: Getty / Daniel Zuchnik The '90s are back in full force, including the utilitarian trend of cargo pants. This season, allow the off-duty look to infiltrate your denim collection, shopping everything from tailored high-waisted styles to slouchy baggy silhouettes with a nostalgic fervour that is unmatched. 14 Cargo Jeans: Aqua x Maeve Reilly High Rise Image Source: bloomingdales.com Keep it classic with a slim bootcut ($98) and a single cargo pocket on either side, just like you did in the '90s. You might even want to mix in a sweet pointelle baby tee to really get into the mood. slim bootcut $98 from bloomingdales.com Buy Now 15 Cargo Jeans: Asos Design Curve Cargo Jeans in Washed Black Image Source: asos.com Go for a casual look with a pair of mid-rise cargo jeans ($49) that also boast oversize pockets, but can be worn with a wide range of tops thanks to a dark and versatile wash. cargo jeans $49 from asos.com Buy Now 16 Cargo Jeans: Isabel Marant Vokayo Acid-Wash High-Rise Jeans Image Source: Net-a-Porter.com For a more head-turning look, shop these straight-leg jeans ($790) that have not one, not two, but nine striking pockets. straight-leg jeans $790 from net-a-porter.com Buy Now 17 Denim Trend 2023: Tapered Leg Image Source: Getty / Mauricio Santana If you're looking for a looser leg through the thigh that comes to a polished nip at the ankle, consider another vestige from the '90s by way of a tapered leg jean. This slightly bow-legged style adds intrigue to your overall outfit, and pairs nicely with combat boots. 18 Tapered Leg Jeans: Ganni Stary Cropped High-Rise Tapered Jeans Image Source: Net-a-Porter.com These black jeans ($215) offer a twist on your favourite '90s straight leg, featuring a tapered ankle that keeps them from feeling too oversized. black jeans $215 from net-a-porter.com Buy Now 19 Tapered Leg Jeans: AGOLDE Luna Pieced High Rise Jeans Image Source: shopbop.com These heavyweight AGOLDE jeans ($228) can be balanced with a lightweight crop top for an effortless daytime look that feels even more relaxed with a distressed hem. AGOLDE jeans $228 from shopbop.com Buy Now 20 Tapered Leg Jeans: COS Tapered-Leg High-Rise Jeans Image Source: cos.com Style these COS jeans ($120) with a pair of loafers to draw attention to their curvature at the bottom of the leg. COS jeans $120 from cos.com Buy Now 21 Denim Trend 2023: Low-Rise Jeans Image Source: Getty / Edward Berthelot The low-rise denim trend from the early aughts isn't going anywhere. While some celebrities are utilising this fit to reveal briefs and thong straps, you can easily work the slouch with an oversize sweater or bodysuit to give it a more easygoing, covered-up look. 22 Low-Rise Jeans: Rag & Bone Piper Low-Rise Straight Image Source: rag-bone.com Just because your jeans are a low-rise doesn't mean that you're forced to lean into a loose '90s hang. You'll love this classic straight leg fit ($255) that simply boasts a slightly lower rise than the rest. classic straight leg fit $255 from rag-bone.com Buy Now 23 Low-Rise Jeans: Silver Jeans Co. Britt Low Rise Slim Bootcut Jeans Image Source: macys.com The '00s are calling in a big way with the subtle bleaching at the pockets of these low rise jeans ($94). The slim bootcut also works nicely with a block heel for a more polished look. low rise jeans $94 from macys.com Buy Now 24 Low-Rise Jeans: Kaia x Zara Straight Leg Jeans Image Source: zara.com You can easily bare a hint of skin when you rock low-rise jeans ($70) with a matching cropped denim jacket. Add a sturdy Western boot, and your coordinated outfit will feel easier than ever to construct. low-rise jeans $70 from zara.com Buy Now 25 Denim Trend 2023: Pooling Wide Leg Image Source: Getty / Christian Vierig If you're going to go big, go big. This season, jump head first into the ultra-wide leg with jeans that drag behind you and almost entirely cover your shoes. You might even want to size up in your favourite pair to really lean into the look with a fit that's already trustworthy and familiar, since this exaggerated look is for the bold. 26 Pooling Wide Leg: Reformation Cary High Rise Slouchy Jeans Image Source: thereformation.com The addition of studs at the seams of the Reformation Cary jeans ($198) make them feel even more timely. Even though they're baggy, they're made from rigid material, so they won't over-stretch. Reformation Cary jeans $198 from thereformation.com Buy Now 27 Pooling Wide Leg: Abercrombie Curve Love Mid Rise Ultra Wide Leg Jean Image Source: abercrombie.com Many reviewers say these Abercrombie jeans ($60, originally $110) come with the perfect amount of bagginess, helping to achieve the model off-duty look they've become synonymous with. Abercrombie jeans $60 from abercrombie.com $110 $60 Now 45% off from abercrombie.com Buy Now 28 Pooling Wide Leg: Raey 90s Organic Cotton High-Waisted Jeans Image Source: matchesfashion.com This Raey style ($180) features a wide leg that isn't overwhelming, and the hem puddles without feeling frumpy. What's more, the waist is a flattering high cut that looks great with slim bodysuits and tucked-in tees alike. Raey style $180 from matchesfashion.com Buy Now 29 Denim Trend 2023: Patchwork Jeans Image Source: Getty / Christian Vierig Go artsy this year with jeans that feature a patchwork design, oftentimes clad with mixed material panels that incorporate cotton or faux-leather. It's a one-and-done way to play with texture wearing nothing but your true blues. 30 Patchwork Jeans: Frame Le Original Patch Mending Jeans Image Source: nordstromrack.com If you want the patchwork look without too much complication, opt for this style from Frame ($100) with a single contrast denim patch in the middle of each leg. style from Frame $100 from nordstromrack.com Buy Now 31 Patchwork Jeans: Good American Good ‘90s Jeans Redesign Image Source: goodamerican.com Marry a mix of denim washes and patch sizes for an overall crafty look in these Good American jeans ($137, originally $195). Good American jeans $137 from goodamerican.com $195 $137 Now 30% off from goodamerican.com Buy Now 32 Patchwork Jeans: Cider Patchy Straight Leg Jeans Image Source: shopcider.com If you're a fan of coloured denim, you'll love the '70s influence of these Cider jeans ($36) with contrast pockets at the back. Let them fully own the spotlight by coordinating with a fitted white T-shirt. Cider jeans $36 from shopcider.com Buy Now Street StyleFashion TrendsFashion ShoppingPantsDenim