The Denim Rise That's Totally Outdated In 2025

Denim, the perennial fabric of reinvention, has experienced yet another surge in relevance in 2025. After a 32% spike in popularity from 2023 to 2024, the fabric has become even more popular this year because of a return to bohemian silhouettes, according to Data But Make It Fashion – the Instagram account of data scientist Madé Lapuerta, who applies quantitative analysis to the otherwise mercurial world of fashion trends. 

At the Super Bowl Halftime Show, Kendrick Lamar's choice to pair his deconstruction of American mythology with a set of Celine flare jeans didn't go unnoticed. In fact, according to Lapuerta's fashion forecasting feed, the brand enjoyed a 294% increase in average popularity in the following month, in large part due to this high-profile appearance. But while everyone's looking left, there's a death happening stage right: ultra-high rise denim.

As designers and shoppers alike embrace softness, preferring wide legs and structured slouch, the ultra-high rise waistline has slipped from favor and now feels fatigued. Jeans that once sat confidently above the navel, promising contour and comfort, now feel oddly out of sync with the cultural current. There's a new comfort being sought, one that does not cinch or compress, but instead drapes and moves. In 2025, it's all about a looser attitude and a lower rise. Wearing a waistband anywhere near your rib cage is a signal you missed the memo.

If your waistband has been rising, it might be time to come down to earth and embrace the silhouette du jour. There's no need to ditch denim altogether, just give it a little breathing room. Loose denim styling tips all point in one direction this year: toward comfort without compromise.

Alongside flared jeans, which are among the hottest denim trends staging a surprise comeback in 2025, the most up-to-date cuts advocate for ease. With the return of relaxed tailoring and '80s nostalgia, they're the perfect counterpoint to uptight, ultra-high rise structure. Wide-leg denim is another denim trend you'll be seeing everywhere in 2025. But for those who still love that sculpted shape, try pairing looser jeans with a fitted top or slim-knit sweater to keep your proportions balanced.

The denim maxi skirt is another strong contender that shouldn't be underestimated. This wildcard silhouette, tipped once again by Data But Make It Fashion, saw a 393% surge in popularity in March 2025. Some of our favorite style muses have already been spotted working the trend, including Sarah Jessica Parker, Bella Hadid, and Sasha Obama (a prime example of how the Obama sisters have transformed since leaving the White House). Style the skirt with a boxy tee or a sharp blazer, and you'll get both coverage and cool without the squeeze.