A few years ago, if you weren’t a fan of skinny jeans, there wasn’t one obvious alternative to the form-fitting cut that harboured the same mass appeal. Now, however, that’s a different story. Over the last few years, straight-leg jeans have become a hero silhouette for many brands, from Khaite to Frame, to high-street denim trend-setters like Nudie Jeans. The cut’s popularity soared, and it’s all but eclipsed skinny jeans ever since.
Years on and the vintage-style jean—think of the ones Bruce Springsteen wore on the Born in the USA album cover—still feels incredibly current. It’s ’90s roots appease those who grew up in the decade, as well as new gens who are discovering the style through their throwback fashion journeys. Weekday’s creative director, Louise Lasson, previously explained to Who What Wear UK that the most popular denim style are vintage-wash light-blue denim with straight legs, and the market reflects that. Blue jeans with an aged fade dominate the shopping offering. However, there are plenty of variations getting our attention, from those with subtly-pressed front seams to cropped hemlines.
I myself have worn straight-leg jeans exclusively for years—even in the face of the trending styles that have come through this season. Below, I’ve shared my favourites that I’ve tried, as well as some pairs I’m impressed by and tempted to try also. Scroll on to see them.
Up next: Editor Tested: High-Street Jeans That Look and Fit Like Expensive Pairs
Opening Image: @sylviemus_
