The Glossy Podcast The new rules of denim
Oct 31, 2025
Jill Manoff, Editor-in-chief of Glossy, dives into the ever-evolving denim landscape. She highlights how consumer preferences have shifted towards more diverse styles, with everything from high-waisted jeans to rhinestone embellishments capturing attention. Gen Z's nostalgia for Y2K fashion and their love for thrift is reshaping trends, while plus-size shoppers demand better fits. Jill also touches on how brands like Levi's and emerging DTC labels adapt to these changes, emphasizing the importance of personal expression in denim shopping.
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Newness Revived Denim Demand
- After a lull, denim regained momentum through visible newness: high-waist and wide-leg dominated assortments.
- Multi-brand retailers now buy large shares of high-waist and wide-leg styles.
Consumers Want Distinctive Denim Pieces
- Consumers prefer unique or vintage-feeling denim and expect brands to offer differentiation or customization.
- Retailers respond with embellished, printed, and personalized denim to avoid commoditization.
Youth Culture Dictates Denim Trends
- Gen Z/Gen Alpha drive denim trends through cultural influence despite lower purchasing power.
- Their nostalgia and resale habits shape broader market demand and brand revivals.