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Trying to keep up with the circus of denim trends is no easy feat. Are skinny jeans finally back in fashion? Or should we be wearing Y2K-style baggy jeans only? And what about waistlines? We’re constantly hearing hip-bone grazing cuts are back, but so far, we’re yet to see anyone wear them to the office.
Given jeans are an everyday staple, the idea of a single trend truly taking hold is unlikely in 2025 — especially as many of us are sceptical of TikTok’s microtrend cycle. Ultimately, denim is too tied to comfort and personal style to jump on every bandwagon; we’ll wear what we like. However, some styles have indeed climbed back from obscurity to popularity, and baggy jeans are one of them. And for good reason. Once the remit of 90s skateboarders, they’re now regulars in Hailey Bieber’s and Dakota Johnson’s dinner-date wardrobes. Indeed, the popularity of baggy jeans reached such heights that The Independent investigated the phenomenon of Gen Z men finally switching to baggy jeans in 2024. No, their girlfriends hadn’t staged an intervention; apparently, baggy jeans are a happy medium between the COVID-driven athleisure craze of the early 2020s and the skinny jeans of decades past. Sleek, comfortable, and office- or WFH-appropriate.
The sociological answer, according to the piece, is that they’re comfortable, versatile, and the silhouette dresses up or down more easily than skinnies. Throw on heels for a nonchalant night-out look; pair them with boots or sneakers for a tomboy feel.
Loose cut denim is just as chic in the warmer months as it is in the dead of winter, and with images of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy walking the streets of New York in her favourite loose cut GAP jeans and thongs, we’re keener than ever to hop on the baggy bandwagon.
Below, find our favourites.
How To Wear Baggy Jeans
One of the most contentious topics when it comes to styling jeans — what do you do with the hem on a looser cut? If your https://www.theiconic.com.au/baggy-dad-barrel-jeans-2609466.htmlhem sits too low-slung, you’ll be tripping over it or dragging it behind you. When in doubt, cuff it.
In terms of proportions, while traditional wisdom says you should balance baggy jeans with a tight white T-shirt or a going-out top, increasingly we’re seeing them worn with rugby shirts on the streets of Copenhagen or oversized white collared shirts layered over tanks.
ELLE’s Edit Of The Best Baggy Jeans:
- Barrel Leg: Levi’s, Baggy Dad Barrel Jeans, $159.95
- Affordable: Cotton On, 91 Straight Jeans, $69.99
- Cropped: Agolde, Low Curve Crop High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans, $455
The Best Baggy Jeans To Shop In 2025
Levi’s, Baggy Dad Barrel Jeans, $159.95
Masters of the dad jean, you’ll find your perfect baggy fit at Levi’s, and they’ve brought out their classic Baggy Dad Jean in the trending barrel style. Expect the brand’s three-meat-and-veg non-stretch, loose denim fabrication with a mid-rise waist and a perfectly arched leg. Perfection.
Cotton On, 91 Straight Jeans, $69.99
If you’re after denim that pools at the ankle, at an affordable price, look no further. These soft denim jeans from Cotton On have a relaxed, comfortable fit and slouchy, super-soft fabrication. Size up and wear with a crop top for a relaxed, loose at the waist fit.
Agolde, Twist Low Slung Baggy Jean, $492
Perfect for wearing with a heeled sandal a la Bieber, the Agolde Low Slung Baggy Jean is constantly selling out. With an oversized fit (we recommend sizing down), the denim sits lower on the waist and drapes downwards, pooling slightly at the feet. Proof that baggy denim can still feel polished.
Citizens Of Humanity, Miro Relaxed Wide Leg Jeans, $449
If you’re interested in the barrel leg jean, this is one of the more elegant styles we’ve come across and will make any outfit look effortlessly cool. Cut from recycled denim, these jeans feature a stitch detail at the knee, a mid-rise and a generous, wide leg. Also available in black and white.
Calvin Klein, 90s Loose Fit Jeans, $179
Calvin Klein’s loose denim feels so 90s; the jeans could be straight out of the set of a Harmony Korine movie. Luckily, if you’re into grunge, you can find them at the iconic and enjoy their faded powder blue colour, perfectly soft crumpled texture and high rise all to yourself. Sizing runs large, so if you like a close fit, size down.
Marle, Wide Leg Jeans x The Iconic Exclusive, $130 (usually $260)
It’s tragic when a perfect item of clothing is limited edition, which is why you should rush on these simply perfect, affordably priced and roomy jeans. Featuring rigid, pure organic denim and a five-pocket design, this collaboration worn casually with ballet flats or thongs. Available in Indigo or navy blue.
Agolde, Low Curve Crop High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans, $455
If you’re looking for a softer take on the barrel leg jean, consider the Agolde Low Curve Crop, which features the brand’s “crushed” wash mid-weight denim, perfect for warmer weather. Curved without being cartoonish, these are ultra chic options.
Reformation, Cary Low Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans, $310
Wear the Cary Low Rise with flats and you’ll feel like you understand what Avril Lavigne was singing about in Sk8r Boi, wear it with heels and it has a satisfying, almost 70s polish. Ultra flattering with a very long leg (you may need to hem), this is a classic that constantly sells out on the Reformation.
Henne, Valentina Jean, $229
Is there a best jeans list Henne Valentina doesn’t appear on? The Valentina proves the benefits of being a fence sitter. With a flattering and fitted high waist, the jean features a wide leg that curves slightly outward, giving a hint of a barrel for those not cool enough actually to wear one (the writer in question). Ultra comfortable and available in every shade of blue under the sun (plus black and white), this is for the Goldilocks denim shoppers.
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