Do Gen Z Still Wear Skinny Jeans? Here’s What’s Actually Happening

• posted by Elliot Marwood
• 25 May 2025
• Comments [ 0 ]
• jeans

Skinny jeans used to be everywhere — I mean, you couldn’t walk through a mall without seeing legs wrapped tight as sausage casings. But now, if you scroll TikTok or look around high schools and colleges, things look different. Baggy, loose jeans rule the racks, and a lot of teens and twentysomethings wouldn’t be caught dead in the spray-on fit that dominated the early 2010s.

But here’s the thing: just because everyone says “Gen Z hates skinny jeans” doesn’t make it totally true. Some still wear them, especially if it fits their vibe or if they inherited jeans from big sisters or cousins. Fashion for Gen Z moves lightning fast — one week it’s cargos, the next it’s patchwork denim. Skinny jeans aren’t the hot pick, but they’re not extinct. If comfort and that classic silhouette matter to you, Gen Z isn’t likely to judge.

• Skinny Jeans: Did Gen Z Cancel Them?
• How Social Media Shapes Gen Z’s Denim Choices
• The Baggy Jean Takeover: More Than a Trend
• Gen Z’s Real-Life Closet: What They Actually Wear
• Mixing Skinny Jeans With Today’s Outfits
• Tips for Choosing Jeans That Feel Right Now

Skinny Jeans: Did Gen Z Cancel Them?

So, what really happened with skinny jeans and Gen Z? For a while, it looked like skinny jeans were king. Millennial fashion turned them into the standard, but then social media caught fire with a new vibe around 2020. TikTok and Twitter filled up with Gen Z users clowning the super-tight fit, calling them “cheugy” (translation: not cool). Some videos even had teens saying they’d rather wear pajamas in public than skinny jeans again.

But that doesn’t mean everyone tossed their jeans in the trash overnight. Retail sales started to dip; Levi’s, for example, shared in 2021 that their looser fits were selling faster than skinny styles for the first time in over a decade. Walk past the denim wall in most stores today and you’ll see way more baggy, straight leg, and wide jeans than pipe-thin ones. Even celebrities and style influencers who used to live in skinny jeans now pick relaxed fits for street style pics and red carpet events.

If you look closer, though, some Gen Z folks still rock skinnies—usually in all-black, punk-inspired looks, or with boots during the winter. That “cancelled” label for skinny jeans isn’t 100% real. It’s more like most of Gen Z just got bored and moved on to something different. Jeans aren’t a one-size-fits-all thing, after all.

In short, Gen Z didn’t really “cancel” skinny jeans the way social media loves to claim. They just stopped making them a universal uniform. If you like skinny jeans and they work for you, there’s no hard rule that says you have to give them up.

How Social Media Shapes Gen Z’s Denim Choices

Forget fashion runways—social media is where Gen Z decides what’s cool. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and even Pinterest are more powerful than any old-school magazine ad. One viral video can change what’s trending overnight. When the #GenZJeans tag exploded on TikTok back in 2023, baggy jeans went from ‘mom vibes’ to absolute must-have in just weeks.

Creators and influencers have a huge say in what everyone wears. A single outfit posted by a favorite TikTok creator can kick off a wave of similar looks across thousands of feeds. Ever notice how everyone suddenly starts wearing carpenter jeans, or those oversized cargos? That’s because it trend-hopped from a few viral TikToks straight into store shelves.

Here’s some actual data on what gets shared and liked:

What does this mean for skinny jeans? Honestly, you’ll only see them trending when someone makes a joke, tries a ‘Millennial throwback,’ or flips them in a thrift flip. Gen Z tends to skip the skinny jeans format on their main pages, even if a few outliers style them ironically. The influence loop is fast: see it, like it, copy it, wear it. If skinny jeans aren’t popping on social feeds, they won’t show up much in real life either.

• Want to test what’s trending? Search denim hashtags and see how much loose styles outnumber skinnies.
• Follow a few creators who share outfit videos—they give away fresh ideas for what’s in and how to wear it.
• If you’re hunting for jeans, check brands’ TikTok shop videos; they often demo just-released fits and colors.

Social media isn’t just a highlight reel; it’s become Gen Z’s way to vote on fashion in real-time. If you want to know what jeans to get or how to put together a look, a couple of scrolls on TikTok or Instagram will give you all the hints you need.

The Baggy Jean Takeover: More Than a Trend

Gen Z’s switch to baggy jeans isn’t just following a random phase—there are solid reasons behind it. Comfort tops the list. After months (or years) of quarantining in sweatpants, tight jeans aren’t as appealing. Baggy jeans offer room to breathe, to move, and honestly, to snack. TikTok, Instagram, and streetwear culture turned relaxed-fit jeans into the denim trend everyone’s watching. Scroll social media and you’ll find countless “OOTD” (outfit of the day) clips featuring oversized jeans styled with everything from chunky sneakers to vintage band tees.

Here’s a quick look at the numbers. According to a report from Levi’s in early 2024, sales for loose and relaxed jeans shot up nearly 30% over just two years, while skinny jeans dropped 9% in the same time. Thrift stores are restocking wider-leg denim all the time because demand is so high. Big names like Hailey Bieber, Billie Eilish, and even some Marvel stars have been spotted rocking baggy fits and influencing millions to ditch skinny styles.

The baggier styles are actually easier to experiment with. You can size up for a slouchy look or pair with a crop top and make it feel on-point. For anyone who wants to show off unique sneakers or layer up with sweaters and hoodies, the extra space is a win. And since Gen Z is big on thrifting and sustainability, looser jeans are easy to find second-hand, unlike the more tailored skinny cut.

If you’re feeling iffy about baggy jeans, try starting with a straight or relaxed leg. They’re less dramatic but still totally current. The big takeaway—baggy jeans don’t just look cool, they fit with how Gen Z actually lives day-to-day.

Gen Z’s Real-Life Closet: What They Actually Wear

If you peek inside a Gen Z closet, you’ll see way more than just one style of jeans. It’s not a sea of wide legs, but it’s definitely not stacked with skinny jeans either. Gen Z likes to mix it up. They want to wear what feels right, not just what’s trending. Some days, it’s 90s mom jeans. Other days it’s baggy cargos. Every now and then, you still spot skinny jeans — just not as the default anymore.

Shopping stats back it up. In 2023, data from Levi’s and Depop showed that straight-leg and baggy jeans were the top sellers for shoppers ages 18 to 25. But about 17% of Gen Z denim sales still involved skinnier cuts. That means while “skinny is dead” gets a lot of likes on social media, plenty of young folks still buy and wear them when they want a tighter look for concerts, nights out, or layering with big sweaters.

Here’s a peek at what you’ll really find in Gen Z’s jeans drawer:

• Gen Z loves high-rise jeans with a relaxed fit, especially when paired with short tops and sneakers.
• Distressed and patchwork jeans are huge right now—customization matters.
• Baggy and cargo styles show up everywhere, from streetwear to campus outfits.
• Skinny jeans make an appearance for dressier events or when someone wants a sleeker look under a coat or with boots.

Take a look at this quick breakdown from an online store survey in fall 2024 about what Gen Z customers actually bought:

The takeaway? Skinny jeans didn’t just vanish. Gen Z’s closet is about variety, not a strict rulebook. It’s about having the right pair for the right mood or event. If you still like a slim fit, you’re not alone—even in 2025.

Mixing Skinny Jeans With Today’s Outfits

If you’re not ready to ditch your skinny jeans, good news: you don’t have to. Gen Z is all about mixing old and new. The trick is to keep everything else updated so your look feels current, not stuck in 2014.

Here’s what actually works when adding skinny jeans to today’s fits:

• Think Oversized Up Top: The big thing now is balance. Pair skinny jeans with a baggy hoodie, slouchy sweater, or even an oversized button-down. It tones down the "spray-on" effect and makes the outfit chill instead of try-hard.
• Go for Chunky Shoes: Ditch ballet flats; swap in dad sneakers, boots, or classic Converse. Bigger shoes ground the skinny look and make it feel 2025, not 2012.
• Borrow From Y2K Trends: Baby tees, cropped tanks, or even a statement belt can give skinny jeans a totally new life. Gen Z mixes retro with what’s trending now, so throw on something nostalgic if you want those "main character" vibes.
• Accessories Matter: A bucket hat, trucker cap, or chunky jewelry can flip the whole energy of your outfit. Details make the difference.

Want a quick look at popular ways Gen Z is styling skinny jeans today? Here’s a breakdown based on recent street style content and store displays from brands like Urban Outfitters and H&M:

If you want to keep your look feeling fresh (and like you belong in 2025), just make sure you update what you pair with your skinny jeans. And don’t stress about the “rules”—Gen Z is breaking them all the time anyway.

Tips for Choosing Jeans That Feel Right Now

The denim aisle is jam-packed with options, but picking jeans that actually fit the Gen Z vibe in 2025 takes more than guessing your size. Styles come and go, but here’s how to land a look that’s current without feeling like you’re stuck in a time warp.

• Fit matters way more than the label. Gen Z leans toward looser styles, like straight leg, boyfriend, or even carpenter jeans. If you’re not ready to totally ditch skinnies, go for something with a relaxed leg or a bit of stretch so you don’t feel stuck.
• Denim color is huge right now. Lighter washes, acid wash, and even colored denim are big on TikTok and in streetwear. Classic dark washes are less visible in Gen Z wardrobes lately.
• Check for details. Patch pockets, double knees, embroidery, and raw hems are everywhere—the more unique, the better. Even the major brands like Levi's, Zara, and American Eagle have ramped up their variety thanks to demand from younger shoppers.
• Ignore gendered labels. A lot of Gen Z shops the men’s or women’s section based on the fit they want. Baggy jeans often fit looser in the men’s section, while women's fits sometimes have more stretch. Try both and see what works.
• Read reviews or watch try-ons before you buy. TikTok and Instagram are jammed full of real people giving honest feedback, and you’ll catch stuff stores never mention (like weird waist gaps or scratchy fabric).

Here’s a quick look at what’s trending most right now with real numbers from recent retail surveys:

One last thing: don’t let old trends box you in. If you like how you look, you’re already winning. The biggest fashion rule in 2025 is personal comfort—nobody wants to feel trapped by denim just because it’s supposed to be trendy. Try on a couple of styles, mess around with tops and shoes, and remember that the Gen Z crowd loves mixing it up. There’s no real wrong answer, as long as your jeans work for your life.

about author Elliot Marwood

I am an expert in shopping trends and spend my days writing about the latest in clothing and footwear. My work allows me to explore how style evolves over time and its impact on consumer choices. I love diving into the details of fabric and fit, always curating advice that helps readers make informed shopping decisions. My writing aims to not just inform, but also inspire deeper appreciation for fashion aesthetics. When I'm not writing, I'm either scouting for new styles or delivering insights at fashion events.

Write a comment