Jeans and denim jackets are a mainstay of men’s fashion. Whether it’s to go to the office, work from home, do errands, go on a date, or have a night out at the club, there’s almost no setting where these items don’t belong.
Thanks to its versatility and resistance, denim continues to dominate catwalks and wardrobes worldwide. Once a robust type of workwear, denim has since been continuously reinvented, adapting to the needs and tastes of each era after its founding.
Today more than ever, denim is the protagonist in a stylistic evolution that looks to the future without forgetting its roots. Here, we’ll explore the trends likely to define men’s denim in 2025, helping retailers to provide their customers the best styles.
Table of Contents
Denim now and then
Men’s denim trends in 2025
Conclusion
Denim now and then
Denim is a 100%-cotton fabric with a very high resistance to wear and tear thanks to each weft (horizontal) thread passing under at least two warp (vertical) threads to create a diagonal “twill” weave.
Alongside cowboy hats, denim and blue jeans have long been considered symbols of American culture. However, the history of denim starts before its adoption by the States.
Italy and France
The history of denim began in Italy in the 15th century, more precisely in the Italian city of Genoa, which had a flourishing economy with trade as its cornerstone, driven mostly by its large port.
At that time, Italians produced a type of blue moleskin in Turin, which was exported via Genoa to other countries in the region, including France. It is here that the term “blue jeans” is believed to have originated, being derived from “blue de Gênes,” or “blue from Genoa,” in French.
Another theory states that the resistant indigo work trousers worn by sailors in the port were produced with canvas from the French city of Nîmes, or “de Nîmes” in French, leading to what we now know as denim.
The birth of modern US denim
In 1853, Levi Strauss founded his first factory in San Francisco to create clothing for the gold miners of California. He helped to replace their previously uncomfortable blue uniforms with denim, which was much heavier and more resistant to wear, yet breathable enough that it was comfortable throughout the year.
At the turn of the 1960s, Levi’s began to market its jeans in Europe, and within a few years, new brands that are still famous today, such as Wrangler and Lee, would appear. Jeans would then become a defining feature of this era of explosive social protest and outspoken counter-culture, in part thanks to towering figures such as Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, and Marlon Brando.
Denim becomes fashion
With the end of the Vietnam War and the decline of social protest movements at the end of the 1970s, famous fashion houses moved in to start putting their own spins on denim, helping to popularize the fabric to a more mainstream audience and further spreading its popularity. By the 1980s, jeans had become the most popular type of pants among young people by far.
Then, in the 90s, with the discovery of elastane, skinny jeans took hold, hugging the body to better show off the wearer’s figure and legs. A variety of jean prints and colors, or “washes,” also started to appear, and soon everyone was pairing them with sneakers and shirts.
Today, according to Statista, the value of the worldwide denim market is forecast to be around USD 95 billion by 2030, up from USD 64.5 billion in 2022.
Men’s denim trends in 2025
The year 2025 promises to be another boon for denim purveyors and male patrons all over the world. Emerging trends reflect a fusion of comfort, functionality, and style, continuing in denim’s promise of offering versatility across different wearer preferences and settings.
Below, we’ll dig into what look to be the main men’s denim trends in 2025, highlighting the items that store owners, buyers, and managers should stock to drive sales.
Relaxed, loose-fit jeans
In 2025, long, baggy jeans with a focus on loose fits and styles that prioritize comfort and functionality will continue to dominate the fashion scene.
Relaxed or loose-fit jeans represent a return to looser and more comfortable cuts, following similar street style trends. These models offer greater freedom of movement and a casual look perfect for informal occasions.
Meanwhile, sporty, spliced jeans, basically straight-leg jeans that combine sporty design elements with contrasting stitching, inserts in technical fabrics, and functional details, will also speak to customers who seek a more dynamic, avant-garde look.
Modular utility jeans, inspired by cargo pants and integrating multiple pockets and functional details, are ideal for those looking for a versatile and practical garment suitable for leisurewear and more demanding activities.
Baggy denim shorts
Denim shorts will be a must-have in 2025, with a particular focus on long-line and baggy models inspired by ’90s skater culture.
These shorts offer a fresh and relaxed look that is perfect for summer days, while the longer length and loose cut ensure comfort and freedom of movement. They match well with a blazer for a more formal look or can be paired with a graphic tee for a casual, everyday style.
Workwear blazer
The denim blazer is one of the most interesting denim innovations that took over the runways of many well-known brands, from COS to Carhartt, and designers from Valentino to Louis Vuitton, ahead of 2025.
The denim blazer elevates the classic chore jacket by adapting it into boxy, oversized garment shapes with pockets, tailored lapels, and sewed details. Perfect for a sophisticated yet informal look, deconstructed denim suits are incredibly versatile and suitable for various contexts.
Sporty vest
Denim sporty vests, combining laid-back design elements with the practicality of denim, also look to make it big in 2025. This revamped styletakes inspiration from denim hoodies and the functionality provided by zippers, adjustable trims, and pockets.
Conclusion
Denim continues to reinvent itself, all the while keeping its timeless charm intact. Men’s denim trends in 2025 look to reflect a fusion of comfort, functionality, and style, offering versatile options that suit different needs and preferences.
For retailers, it is essential to stay up to date on the latest trends and offer customers items that combine innovative elements. Investing in emerging denim trends helps to meet customer expectations and stand out in an increasingly competitive market.
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