Blast From the Past: Skinny Jeans Return

Once cast aside for looser silhouettes, skinny jeans are reclaiming their spotlight in the fashion world thanks to celebrity collections, elevated styling, and a shift toward sleek, versatile wardrobes.

by Kailey Correa

Photo by Anna Wojeck

For nearly a decade, fashion insiders had all but declared the skinny jean dead. Wide-leg, straight, flare, and even cargo pants took center stage, pushing the once-dominant silhouette into fashion exile. But in 2025, the tides are turning—skinny jeans are making a sleek and confident comeback, and the evidence is everywhere, from TikTok influencers to celebrity launches and runway nods.

One of the most visible signs of the skinny jeans revival comes from influencer Alix Earle. Known for her GRWM TikTok videos and Miami party girl lifestyle, Earle recently dropped a capsule collection featuring "Frame x Alix Earle" skinny jeans. Known for its LA-meets-Europe aesthetic, FRAME elevates classic silhouettes with luxe stretch denim, clean lines, and zero distressing, making them the ultimate wardrobe staple for today’s off-duty girls. Earle styled the collection making it easy to wear “The Alix” in almost every setting—pairing the jet black option with corset tops and sleek heels for date nights, throwing on oversized crewnecks and sneakers with washed blue denim option for airport runs, and creating effortlessly cool brunch fits with clean indigo styles and crisp button-downs. Even her casual looks—light vintage jeans with a hoodie and platform UGGs—prove that comfort and style can absolutely coexist. The response was instant: sold-out sizes, waitlists, and thousands of TikTok try-ons. 

Alix Earle isn’t the only one betting on the return of skinny jeans. Designers like Saint Laurent, Mugler, and Celine have all brought slim denim back into their 2025 ready-to-wear collections. What stands out this time is how they’re styling them. Instead of casual or overly trendy pairings, the jeans are matched with tailored blazers, clean-cut bodysuits, and bold footwear, like knee-high boots or sharp heels. The result is a more sleek and intentional look that feels fresh without trying too hard. It’s clear that skinny jeans are being reintroduced not as a trend but as a versatile piece that can easily fit into a more put-together wardrobe.

Another driving force behind the comeback is practicality. As Gen Z enters the workforce and Millennials dominate leadership roles, fashion is tilting toward polished, streamlined pieces that work across settings. Skinny jeans, especially in dark washes or coated finishes, offer a put-together alternative to baggy styles in professional or transitional environments. They tuck into boots, layer well under coats, and lend themselves to both minimalism and bold accessories.

Retail data also supports the trend. According to Edited, a retail intelligence platform, sales of skinny jeans rose 18% in Q1 2025 compared to the same period last year. Brands like Zara and Abercrombie have quietly reintroduced skinnies across their new arrivals, while premium denim labels like Paige and AG Jeans have expanded their skinny lines with modern fits that prioritize comfort and stretch.

Social media has played a crucial role as well. The “skinny jeans are back” conversation has been trending on TikTok, with users sharing their old pairs, thrift finds, and styling inspiration. What was once a fashion faux pas is now being reframed as "classic" or even "anti-trend," appealing to a generation increasingly skeptical of microtrends and fast fashion.

In fashion, what goes around inevitably comes back around. But this time, skinny jeans aren’t returning as a nostalgic throwback—they’re being reimagined for a new era. Whether you're excited that skinny jeans are finally coming back or rather reluctant, 2025 is shaping up to be the year skinny jeans come back into your closet.