SUMMER’S TOP DENIM TRENDS—AND HOW TO WEAR THEM

Denim is a universal fabric. It can be worn casual and cool or elevated and chic. The denim-everywhere-all-at-once vibes of the past few years continue, and the spring/summer 2025 runways were no exception. You might have seen models wearing low-slung, wide-legged jeans at Stella McCartney, Versace and Gucci, taken note of the embellished and maximalist takes on the Canadian tuxedo at Chanel, Libertine and Marques’ Almeida or been drawn to the distressed denim at Balenciaga, Ann Demeulemeester and Philipp Plein. Presented in washes ranging from bleached blue to dark indigo to faded black, denim has fully entered its high-fashion moment—and we are here for it. While there are some trends we’d rather upcycle (looking at you, skinny jeans), certain styles dominated the catwalks and would make worthy additions to your wardrobe.

SUMMER DENIM TREND: GO WIDE

Although barrel and bubble fits continue to be popular, the must-have jeans of the season, according to Sarvi Ghahremanpour, buyer and manager at Toronto denim shop Over the Rainbow, are the “loose straight fit.” They’re your classic wide-legged style but updated with a lower rise, an extra-long inseam and fresh details like wide cuffs or eye-catching embroidery. Loose but not baggy, these floor-grazing jeans—mostly in classic- or vintage-blue denim—work as a versatile and comfortable trouser alternative for all occasions. On the Chanel runway, a light-blue version was paired with heels and a feathered cape, while Gucci’s medium-blue-hued jeans were worn with tank tops and oversized coats.

Canadian stylist Leila Bani, who has worked with everyone from Lori Harvey to Pamela Anderson, suggests pairing these wide-legged styles with chunkier shoes or ones that are pointy enough to peek out beyond the hem. “When the shoe disappears, it makes me a little sad,” says Bani. And you may want to balance the wideness of the jeans with a more fitted top or something with a defined shoulder.

SUMMER DENIM TREND: DOUBLE DENIM

Like so many other ’90s trends, head-to-toe-denim looks are bigger than ever right now. (How could anyone forget Britney Spears’ and Justin Timberlake’s matching outfits at the 2001 American Music Awards?) On the catwalks, it was all about sets, with jeans and skirts worn with a top or jacket in a matching denim fabric. The rigid, darker denim duos at Sportmax and Toga read as modern and minimalist, while the lighter-blue printed pieces at Marques’ Almeida and Philipp Plein felt more summery and informal. Off the runway, Ghahremanpour suggests being flexible when it comes to mixing denim weights and colours. “It used to be that it had to be the same wash denim—it had to match perfectly,” she says. “[Now] you could do a mix and match. I love a dark-blue denim with a charcoal [one].”

SUMMER DENIM TREND: DISTRESS TEST

A perfect companion to the season’s boho mood, artfully distressed blue jeans are also making a strong comeback. At Ann Demeulemeester, hand-distressed denim offered a visual counterpoint to diaphanous blouses and sharply tailored coats. At Balenciaga, faded black jeans and skirts were paired with matching fitted jackets, and at Philipp Plein, light-wash baggy jeans had shredded legs and trench coats sported a distressed patchwork pattern. Here, for maximum impact, Bani suggests leaning into the trend—and making a stronger fashion statement—by combining multiple pieces of distressed denim in one look. “Commit to the bit,” she says.

Read more: 

Canadian Denim Brands to Try Now

The Top 2025 Fashion Trends to Work Into Your Wardrobe

The 2025 Swimwear Trends Making a Splash this Summer

The post Summer's Top Denim Trends—And How To Wear Them appeared first on Elle Canada.

2025-06-16T13:40:11Z