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The 8 Biggest Denim Trends of 2023

Cargo, Low-Rise, and 6 More Major Denim Trends For 2023

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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

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

Go for a dark style ($98) that mimics the look of a standard wool trouser, but is crafted from good old denim instead.

Image Source: madewell.com
dark style
$98
from madewell.com
Buy Now

3. Pleated Trousers: Reformation Montauk High Rise Jeans

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.

Image Source: click.linksynergy.com
style
$168
from click.linksynergy.com
Buy Now

4. Pleated Trousers: Nili Lotan Flora Jeans

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.

Image Source: nililotan.com
wide leg flares
$425
from nililotan.com
Buy Now

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5. Denim Trend 2023: Ankle Cropped Jeans

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

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.

Image Source: oldnavy.gap.com
jeans
$50
from oldnavy.gap.com
Buy Now

7. Ankle Cropped Jeans: Levi’s 501 Original Fit Jeans

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.

Image Source: levi.com
Levi's 501
$108
from levi.com
Buy Now

8. Ankle Cropped Jeans: Raey Crop Organic-Cotton Straight Leg

These greyed jeans ($112, originally $160) are great for morning or night. With a straight leg fit, they're easeful without being too roomy.

Image Source: matchesfashion.com
greyed jeans
$112 from matchesfashion.com
$160 $112 Now 30% off
from matchesfashion.com
Buy Now

9. Denim Trend 2023: Bootcut Flares

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

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.

Image Source: abercrombie.com
Abercrombie jeans
$89
from abercrombie.com
Buy Now

11. Bootcut Flares: J.Crew Skinny Flare Jeans

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.

Image Source: jcrew.com
flared jeans
$158
from jcrew.com
Buy Now

12. Bootcut Flares: Frame Le High Flare in Blue Stripe

Take the bootcut flare ($258) to eye-catching status with a blue pinstripe print down the leg.

Image Source: frame-store.com
bootcut flare
$258
from frame-store.com
Buy Now

13. Denim Trend 2023: Cargo Jeans

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

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.

Image Source: bloomingdales.com
slim bootcut
$98
from bloomingdales.com
Buy Now

15. Cargo Jeans: Asos Design Curve Cargo Jeans in Washed Black

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.

Image Source: asos.com
cargo jeans
$49
from asos.com
Buy Now

16. Cargo Jeans: Isabel Marant Vokayo Acid-Wash High-Rise Jeans

For a more head-turning look, shop these straight-leg jeans ($790) that have not one, not two, but nine striking pockets.

Image Source: Net-a-Porter.com
straight-leg jeans
$790
from net-a-porter.com
Buy Now

17. Denim Trend 2023: Tapered Leg

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

These black jeans ($215) offer a twist on your favourite '90s straight leg, featuring a tapered ankle that keeps them from feeling too oversized.

Image Source: Net-a-Porter.com
black jeans
$215
from net-a-porter.com
Buy Now

19. Tapered Leg Jeans: AGOLDE Luna Pieced High Rise Jeans

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.

Image Source: shopbop.com
AGOLDE jeans
$228
from shopbop.com
Buy Now

20. Tapered Leg Jeans: COS Tapered-Leg High-Rise Jeans

Style these COS jeans ($120) with a pair of loafers to draw attention to their curvature at the bottom of the leg.

Image Source: cos.com
COS jeans
$120
from cos.com
Buy Now

21. Denim Trend 2023: Low-Rise Jeans

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

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.

Image Source: rag-bone.com
classic straight leg fit
$255
from rag-bone.com
Buy Now

23. Low-Rise Jeans: Silver Jeans Co. Britt Low Rise Slim Bootcut Jeans

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.

Image Source: macys.com
low rise jeans
$94
from macys.com
Buy Now

24. Low-Rise Jeans: Kaia x Zara Straight Leg Jeans

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.

Image Source: zara.com
low-rise jeans
$70
from zara.com
Buy Now

25. Denim Trend 2023: Pooling Wide Leg

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

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.

Image Source: thereformation.com
Reformation Cary jeans
$198
from thereformation.com
Buy Now

27. Pooling Wide Leg: Abercrombie Curve Love Mid Rise Ultra Wide Leg Jean

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.

Image Source: abercrombie.com
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

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.

Image Source: matchesfashion.com
Raey style
$180
from matchesfashion.com
Buy Now

29. Denim Trend 2023: Patchwork Jeans

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

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.

Image Source: nordstromrack.com
style from Frame
$100
from nordstromrack.com
Buy Now

31. Patchwork Jeans: Good American Good ‘90s Jeans Redesign

Marry a mix of denim washes and patch sizes for an overall crafty look in these Good American jeans ($137, originally $195).

Image Source: goodamerican.com
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

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.

Image Source: shopcider.com
Cider jeans
$36
from shopcider.com
Buy Now

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