Are Skinny Jeans Really Out of Style in 2020?

This post was originally published on January 16, 2019 and updated on January 10, 2020.

We all worried that our skinny jeans were going away in 2019 and while there were definitely more fit options made available, your skinny jeans were safe and available at most retailers. However, a new year ushers in new rumors that this is the year skinny jeans are truly on their way out. So whether you’ve spent the past ten years or so stocking up your closet with skinny jeans or more recently become a convert, that fear of changing out your wardrobe is once again looming. Truth is, the thought of buying a whole new pants wardrobe is about as appealing as trying on swimsuits in January.

But should you really get rid of all of your skinny jeans and start over? Or is all of this a ploy by the fashion industry to convince you to part with your beloved skinnies and your hard-earned dough in the process.

Once again I went back into research mode and did a little digging to find out what’s really true and if skinny jeans are out in 2020 once and for all. Here are some clues I found:

1. Retailers are still showing us more models wearing loose fit jeans.

Why does this matter? Because when we see a trend in mainstream retail, that means it’s trickling down from runway fashion to real life. It also creates a gradual transition in our psyche. The more we see looser fit jeans in ads and on social media, the more comfortable we get with the idea of wearing them. Before the shift to the looser fit was generally targeting younger demographics, however, we’re now seeing looser silhouettes in denim from most retailers yet instead of replacing the skinny jean, they are just another option in addition to the skinny jean. Retailers like Loft and Old Navy are still predominately featuring skinny jeans.

Photo Credit: @nordstrom

Photo Credit: @loft

Photo Credit: @oldnavy

2. The most bought pair of jeans by GYPO Pretties in 2018 was bootcut.

Wit and Wisdom Itty Bitty Bootcut Jeans

Why does this matter? It shows that the transition is reaching mainstream fashion wearers like GYPO readers.

But are you actually wearing them? I bought a pair of flare jeans and baby bootcut in the fall of 2018 and I can now maybe count on two hands the number of times I’ve worn both. While I do like to switch it up once and a while, I’ve still been sticking to my skinnies. They are so much more versatile with footwear options. Plus, it’s still true that my closet is just stocked more with tops that work well with a slimmer fit silhouette on the bottom. I will say this past year that I have ventured more into some of the high waisted options.

In all honesty though, I still think it’s because I can’t get over feeling like I’m back in the 90’s again.

3. Wide legs and high waists were popping up in Spring 2020 ads (and stayed relevant all year long)

Photo Credit: @nordstrom

Why does this matter? Because now is when many of us are starting to think about what gaps we have in our wardrobes for the upcoming season as well as what trends we want to try. By giving us trend previews for the season ahead, retailers are hoping to convince us that we need to update our wardrobes and spend some money with them in the process. While many of us played with the other available silhouette options, we tended to stick to the skinny jeans.

Bottom Line: Skinny jeans are a new classic. Don’t completely transition your closet over but DO have fun with some new silhouettes.

Even with evidence to the contrary skinny jeans ARE an instant classic and they aren’t going anywhere. Although this silhouette gained its highest popularity during the past decade, it’s also one that’s here to stay. If skinny jeans go away, that means leggings won’t be too far behind. Given the popularity and versatility of both, it would be shocking to see this happen in the next 5 or even 10 years.