Women’s denim is having an exciting moment for consumers. Emerging designers are entering the market delivering new takes on classic styles as well as a variety of silhouettes that appeal to a wider audience. It is also a profitable time for the industry as a whole, which is valued at almost $87B worldwide and expected to reach around $95B by 2030. Once thought only to be worn after work and on weekends, denim is proving itself to be an elevated wardrobe staple that when styled properly, can take you from the office to a night out on the town.
“Women want denim that stands out and IS the statement piece,” explains Jacci Jaye, a NYC-based stylist whose roster of clients include Rent the Runway, Altuzarra, Coach, and Carolina Herrera, and many others in addition to being the founder of Wall Street Stylist, where she focuses on styling men. The biggest trends she is seeing this year are classic and retro styles of the 70s and 90s with modern edits. “We’re seeing everything from classically tailored flared leg denim, to the addition of pleats, geometric seaming, wide leg, barrel leg, cropped styles, cargo pockets, exaggerated silhouettes and cuffs. Denim on denim is also a huge trend this season.”
Jaye continues to tell me that the standouts for the season that are most on trend are wide legged, flared, and barrel legged jeans. “The brands to watch are Pistola (in my opinion this brand that does the best job capturing all of the trending styles), Paige, and Frame.”
As an avid jean wearer, I love seeing new designers entering the space, the rise in sustainable denim, and more choice when it comes to designs. With that said, here are three brands that I think hit it out of the park with a multitude of style offerings, comfort, and quality that will keep you on trend no matter where your day takes you.
Nelle Atelier
If you are petite, you already know the plight. You purchase a great pair of jeans and then must get like a foot cut from the length before you can wear them. This is one of the reasons I opt for cropped jeans. So, when I came across Nelle Atelier, a new brand that caters to petites 5’ 4” and under my curiosity was piqued.
“The reception has been amazing,” Madeleine Cohen, who founded the brand in 2023 tells me on a call when I ask her how the brand has been received. “I think people just assumed that 50% of American women would just continue to put up with clothes that don’t fit them. As everything gets more personalized, consumers’ expectations are shifting.”
When it comes to trends, Cohen points to new silhouettes that move away from the skinny jean but in the end thinks that it all comes down to personal preference. “On a macro level we are seeing the younger demographic gravitate towards the baggier jeans. Our customer is 34-55. They are excited about the new trends with fit as the focus—so we are hyper-focused on catering to them.”
“The barrel is huge right now,” continues Cohen. “We call our version ‘barely barrel’. Volume isn’t the most flattering for our customer. Our Lily jean is our take on the trend with petite proportions in mind hugging the hips, baggy through the thighs, and tapering in at the ankle.” The brand’s best seller is their wide leg style. “Legs are getting wider. But there is a time and place for a skinny jean—like during winter when you need to tuck it into a boot. Alix Earle just dropped one and it sold out immediately. We may come out with one, but it isn’t our priority.”
As for what petites can expect next from the brand, Cohen tells me, “Denim was the hardest nut to crack from a fit perspective. But I am excited to branch out. We are focused on outfit building and the entire wardrobe.”
Pistola
Back in 2013 there were only a few luxury denim brands—most of which would make a significant dent in the wallet. It was this void in the marketplace that Grace Na spotted and decided to seize on when she created her brand, Pistola. “I founded the brand with the goal of offering women a fresh, modern approach to denim — one that combines trend-forward designs, exceptional quality, and accessible pricing,” Na tells me over a call. “At the time, the market felt divided: many brands either leaned too far into budget-friendly, low-quality options or were priced out of reach for the everyday consumer. Since then, we’ve been offering denim that speaks to the contemporary woman who values both style and substance.”
Na continues to explain to me that what truly makes Pistola standout out from other premium denim brands is their unmatched fit, which is at the core of the brand. “Beyond that, we take pride in our remarkable value without compromising on quality. Unlike many other luxury and premium brands, we intentionally maintain lower internal margins, so that we can offer denim that’s both high-end in terms of quality and more accessible in terms of pricing. Perfected fits, fabrics, and washes shouldn’t be unattainable.”
“Wide legs are dominating” Na shares about the current trends. “It’s truly an exciting time for denim especially as women are embracing new fits more than ever. For Spring and summer, it’s all about bold relaxed silhouettes. People want more comfort, and this style has really resonated. When I think about myself in the 90s, we were willing to suffer pain for the look. That isn’t the case anymore. Women want to buy something that fits and moves with them throughout the day.”
Looking ahead to next fall, Na expects more tapered, classic styles to take the main stage. “We’re focusing on modernized straight legs and bootcuts for the colder months. Lots of versatility to look forward to!”
Rüdes Denim
California-based brand, Rüdes Denim offers premium denim that’s sustainable and comes in a variety of washes and styles designed to contour and accentuate the female form. Launched in 2023 by Sarah Rudes, who is also the brand’s CEO and co-founder and Creative Director, Luis Pelayo, Rüdes Denim. “Our jeans are meticulously crafted in Los Angeles using premium Italian fabrics, ensuring exceptional quality in every style and fit,” shares Rüdes over email. “By keeping production local, we deliver a premium, US-made product that empowers women and strengthens community.”
Rüdes comes from a denim legacy and represents the third generation in the industry. “We honor the legacy of my grandfather, George Rudes, who was a visionary and innovator behind iconic brands like Jean St. Germain in the 1980s, where he earned the title ‘The Jumpsuit King,’ and later NYDJ Tummy Tuck Jeans in 2003,” explains Rudes. “His pioneering spirit inspires Rüdes Denim. We carry forward his creativity and the iconic ‘Rudes Fit’, building a brand rooted in empowerment and connection.”
Another key differentiator for the brand is their sustainable and ethical manufacturing principles. “Sustainability is at the core of everything we do,” Rudes tells me. “With few brands still manufacturing in the U.S., we’re proud to offer high-quality, American-made jeans at an accessible price point. At $218 domestically made denim may seem expensive, but it delivers superior quality, craftsmanship, and durability compared to overseas produced denim at a similar price. Ethical production ensures fair labor conditions, adding significant value for many customers.”
Being a new brand, I asked Rudes what women can expect in upcoming seasons? Rudes responds, “Ready or not, skinny jeans are making a comeback. This fall, we’re putting a fresh spin on the classic skinny with our George Relaxed Skinny-a style that strikes the perfect balance between comfort and structure.” Some of Rudes’ customers had apprehension about the comeback of the skinny jean, but Pelayo and Rudes assured me that their interpretation offers a modern update. “It’s all about blending timeless favorites with innovative, contemporary touches.”
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