2021 Denim Trends to Look Out For!

The enduring appeal of denim is that in the 140-odd years of its existence, it’s become one of the most popular fabrics in the world. The fabric remains a favourite among young designers, experimenting with cut, wash and finish to take familiar denim jackets and jeans to surreal new heights and consumers who are accepting these variations positively. 

Fashion-conscious consumers want clothes with a strong identity that can help them define themselves. Experimentation and an envelope-pushing attitude are a means of making clothes that become an extreme want instead of an essential need. Beneath the excessive embellishment is an appreciation of individuality. A redefining of aspirational dressing will cater to young consumers who wish to express themselves through clothing with a personalised approach that allows them to stand out from the crowd. 

Ideas around age are changing; 30 is the new 20, and 40 is the new 30 – and with this, a new, youthful focus permeates fashion, with broad appeal across generations. The line between ‘grown-up’ and ‘youthful’ clothes is blurring. Street inspired collections and street wear fashion is on a rise. This displays in clothing that overlaps the line between casual and smart. Nostalgia will always play an important role in fashion. 

The renewed interest in vintage denim, both in fit and fabric, has taught consumers the value of authenticity. There will be a growing appreciation for more considered wardrobes built with future-proof items over the instant gratification of throwaway fashion. There will be a more artful approach to product and design, going beyond high-quality basics to ensure both the enduring appeal and identity defining character of their signature items.

Denim this season takes indigo to a whole new level through a gamut of washes and techniques. Washes like Ice wash,  bleached blue wash, ombrés add fluidity and summer lightness to the collection. There will be an emphasis on  clean and mild washes with a raw touch while distressed and authentic used look denim will be there as  high fashion products. We could see the introduction of relaxed fits, which are ideal for easy-breezy summer days. The old-school relaxed fit is precisely the kind of denim that fashion conscious consumers are looking for.

A portion of the trend this spring-summer is retro and 80s inspired. Fabric plays a very crucial role as the styling gets minimal this season.

Classic jeans are revamped this season. Denim basics and workwear are fine-tuned in an artistic way. Artfully updated denim assortments with subverted design details and concept cuts that give classic items an edgier appeal. Denims are embellished with patches in embroidered and print form. Craftsmanship is key, as younger consumers become infatuated with time-proven classics.

Love of retro style from the late 80s develops a global influence. Inspiration is taken from Native American culture, military clothing and vintage denim style, and melded with contemporary Japanese design to form a distinctive Japanese-American aesthetic. Hand-painted prints further enhance this story's tasteless aspect.

Casual looks become more directional while paying homage to country styling. Simplicity and comfort rule the day in this deconstructed and unfussy trend. Workwear classics are updated with new design details and silhouettes, while rich burnt tones add a subtle nuance. A new type of uniform emerges that is utility-inspired but decidedly non-military in presentation. Standard-issue styles get a street-wear update with exaggerated pockets, functional straps, and anti-fit silhouettes. Utility greens are contrasted with oranges, while washed blues keep this look grounded and signal the coming of summer. Manufacturing advancements blur the line between product categories, where lightweight layers blend shirts with jackets and outerwear. Specialised treatments and utility details are as important as the items themselves. 

Beach-inspired casualwear is updated, with retro references from the 70s inspiring striking graphics and textures, while hybrid styling with global crafts and Eastern influences adds sophistication. Resort-inspired trend focuses as much on how we feel in our clothing as how we feel about it. Easy tailoring and smart casualwear are inspired by 80s leisurewear and country club styles. Denims in striking blue or stark white are teamed with formal shirting and lightweight outerwear for a slick take on off-duty style. 

Different kinds of colour dyes and dyeing techniques are gaining popularity, and this story goes one step further by using dyes on denim products. Over dyed and tinted jeans are some of key fashion products this season. Classic stripes are spliced in this story, and solid denim is interrupted with flashes of global craft patterns in striking tones.

High functionality and utility details will be a popular trend this season. Versatile products crafted out of rigid and stretch fabrics with functional details will be looked upon. Ergonomic patterning and construction will be added to the product. Consumers will be looking for multi-purpose jeans, which can be worn at different occasions, and a single pair can solve dressing complexities of the entire day.