The Biggest Trends For Men in 2023

The Biggest Trends for Men’s Denim in 2023

Even something as historic and seemingly steadfast as denim isn’t immune to the passing of time. As the years tick by, certain styles drift in and out of favour, and denim trends are still on the move.

In recent years, skin-tight fits have been eclipsed by 2000s-throwback bagginess, distressed denim got so holey it disappeared entirely, and high-rise waistlines returned from their decade-long slumber. But what’s next for jeans? Let’s take a look at some of the new years’ biggest denim trends.

• Stacking Up

Cropped and pin rolled jeans are still prevalent in modern menswear. So much so that it’s easy to forget there was ever a different, lengthier way of doing things. But there was, and in 2023 it’s set for a comeback.

The re-emergence of jeans with longer legs that stack above the ankle is symptomatic of something larger taking place in all areas of menswear. Styles popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s are making a comeback, and stacked legs is one way that’s manifesting in denim.

How To Wear It

It’s pretty simple, really. Just uncuff your jeans or buy longer ones. But pay attention to the fit of your jeans before giving this a go. It’ll work great for relaxed or regular-fit denim, but not so much for anything overly skinny or slim. In terms of the rest of your outfit, avoid anything too fitted or tight as it will look jarring next to the looser-fitting legwear.

• Blue Is the New Black

For many years now, grey, and black jeans have been ever-present, but they’re becoming less so as we move into the new decade. Blue is back in a big way and there are enough shades of it to cover pretty much every conceivable occasion.

Mid-wash indigo denim is becoming increasingly popular, marking a shift away from lighter stonewash styles. Raw indigo denim is, as always, still a great option and has the added benefit of being smart enough to cope with smart casual duties.

How To Wear It

Blue jeans are most at home with casualwear. Indigo denim has its roots in workwear and will always look great with other pieces that are cut from similar cloth, so to speak. Stick to laid-back favorites like flannel shirts, plain T-shirts, casual outerwear and boots or sneakers and you can’t go too far wrong.

If you’re in need of something a little smarter, simply dial up the darkness.

 

• GoWorkwear Inspired

Menswear’s love for manual labour is nothing new. It’s one of the most common places from which designers delight in taking inspiration.

Jeans, and denim in general for that matter, have their roots in practical applications. It was a fabric favoured by blue-collar workers for its heavy construction and robustness. But it’s not just the material we’re talking about this season.

 How To Wear It

Get The Look

Carpenter jeans are never going to be an easy garment to get right, but your best bet is as part of a workwear-style outfit, if you want to avoid looking like a 13-year-old skateboarder from 2002. For a less divisive option, stick to that denim chore coat, teamed with either contrasting jeans or trousers and topped off with a sturdy pair of boots.

• (Always) Slim Cuts

While skintight silhouettes have all but disappeared from menswear, slim cuts are still alive and well. It’s a timeless fit that’s flattering and versatile, making it well worth adding to your rotation (if it’s not already a cornerstone of it).

It may not be a trend so to speak, but slim-fit jeans are always going to look good, regardless of year or season. Think of this style as one of the fundamental building blocks of your wardrobe. It’s simple, modest and – perhaps most importantly – won’t leave you cringing when you stumble upon photographs of yourself 10 years from now.

How To Wear It

Slim-fit denim is best worn with other fitted clothing. Other than that, it can be worn in any way you choose. Take a smart casual approach by opting for black and combining with black leather shoes and a collared shirt. Or dress it right down with a crew-neck sweatshirt and some trainers.

• Get Faded

We all know raw denim is all about achieving beautiful fades and interesting finishes over time. The trouble is, not everyone likes the idea of living in a pair of dirty jeans for a year while the process takes place.

Thankfully, pre-faded denim is trending hard this year and with the quality of washes on offer, nobody will know the difference.

How To Wear It

Faded denim looks great, there’s no disputing that, but it’s far from smart. Unless you want to wind up looking like Jeremy Clarkson, we’d suggest picking a different shade of denim for smart-casual affairs and keep the faded stuff for casual looks and weekend duties. Cuff them just above the ankle and pair them with suede boots or a pair of throwback runners.

• The Repair Job

Ever ventured home in ripped jeans only to have some witty relative offer to sew a patch onto them? Well they’re going to love the latest distressed denim trend to have hit stores and street-style galleries across the globe.

Featuring strategically (and sometimes not-so-strategically) placed decorative patches, a new breed of distressed jean has come to fill the hole left by the torn and tattered denim of the mid-2010s. Yes, it’s an acquired taste, but it’s not impossible to make it work as part of a cohesive outfit.

How To Wear It

As with most aspects of menswear, it’s best to go with the “less is more” approach. Avoid full-blown patchwork monstrosities and opt instead for tastefully executed cut & sew detailing and sparingly used patches. Much like any statement garment, patched-up jeans benefit from being surrounded by simple, stripped-back pieces, but keep things slouchy and relaxed as opposed to crisp and pristine.