by Clutched.
A History in Denim
The story of denim starts in the 1870s with riveted work pants designed for miners and labourers. Cut from hardy indigo twill, early jeans were straight-legged and built for graft. But in the 1950s, everything changed. James Dean wore them in Rebel Without a Causeand teenagers followed, sensing the attitude stitched into every seam. Some schools banned denim altogether, afraid of what it represented. That only added fuel to its fire.
By the 1970s, denim had fully crossed over into culture. Bell-bottoms and flares became the unofficial uniform of protests and festivals, from Haight-Ashbury to Glastonbury. Then came the 1980s, and jeans found their way into fashion glossies. Fitted, high-waisted and designer-labelled, denim was suddenly dressed up. The 1990s favoured acid washes and grunge-era distressing. The 2000s squeezed everything into skinny jeans. And now? It’s a denim free-for-all. From barrel legs to flares, anything goes, as long as it’s worn with conviction.
Styles of Denim Jeans
From wide-leg to slim, denim cuts have never been more varied. Wide-leg jeans are loose from hip to hem, offering a tailored feel with a sharp look. Straight-leg styles keep things classic, with clean lines that work with almost anything. Bootcut jeans add a subtle flare below the knee to balance proportions, while flared cuts go bolder, leaning into their 1970s roots. Slim-leg jeans offer a streamlined shape without the squeeze of skinnies, and baggy styles go deliberately oversized, prioritising comfort with impact.
*Prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
FRAME
The Mellow Elixir Raw After Denim Jeans – £300
Rag & Bone
Featherweight Logan Wide-Leg Orian Denim Jeans – £300
Citizens of Humanity
Ayla Baggy Cuffed Crop Claremont Denim Jeans – £340
Jean Vintage
Rockstar Distressed Straight-Leg Blue Denim Jeans – £195
AGOLDE
Mid-Rise Kick Boot Stretch Curve Denim Jeans – £330
Valentino Garavani
Frayed Hem Straight-Leg Denim Blu Lav Chiaro Jeans – £1,030
KHAITE
Viv High-Rise Slim-Leg Dark Denim Jeans – £450
Miu Miu
Brand Patch Straight-Leg Denim Jeans – £880
7 For All Mankind
Dojo Distress Authentic Mid Waist Flared Denim Jeans – £220
Good American
Soft-Tech Good Classic Slim Bootcut Denim Jeans – £170
How Denim Gets Its Colour
The colour of denim comes down to the wash, with shades ranging from deep indigo to pale, worn-in blue. Raw denim is unwashed and untreated, with a rigid feel and rich tone that softens and fades over time. A rinse wash is gentler, removing excess dye while keeping the fabric dark and smooth. Stone washing gives denim its faded, vintage finish, while acid wash takes things further, creating a high-contrast look straight out of the 1980s. Bleach wash strips the colour right back to pale blue or almost white, and enzyme wash uses natural enzymes for a softer touch and slight fade, often the more eco-conscious option.
Gucci
Wide-Leg Mid-Wash Blue Denim Jeans – £1,050
Saint Laurent
High-Rise Bootcut Mid Denim Jeans – £755
JW Anderson
Twisted Workwear Light Blue Denim Jeans – £450
Alexander Wang
EZ Mid-Rise Vintage Light Indigo Denim Jeans – £515
Loewe
Anagram Barrel Washed Denim Jeans – £725
Mother
PETITES Lil Hustler Roller Skimp Heirloom Denim Jeans – £250
Paige
Anessa 31” Wide Leg & Raw Hem Upstream Denim Jeans – £280
Self Portrait
Embellished Wide-Leg Blue Denim Jeans – £380
Polo by Ralph Lauren
Contrast Panel Flared-Leg Boyne Wash Denim Jeans – £325
Veronica Beard
Taylor Wide-Leg Jean with Chaps in Blue Glare Denim – £428
*Prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
When Celebrities Made Denim Iconic
Some of denim’s biggest moments weren’t on catwalks, but in front of flashbulbs. Marilyn Monroe wore them on set. James Dean made them a statement. Britney and Justin doubled up at the 2001 VMAs and created a red carpet legend. Today, Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber and Harry Styles have brought baggy cuts, oversized jackets and 1990s references back into rotation. The details change, but the cultural power doesn’t fade.
Styling Your Denim Jeans
Think of denim as a foundation. The key is proportion, get that right and the rest follows.
Wide-Leg
Try with a fitted turtleneck and heeled boots. Tuck everything in. Let the shape speak.
Straight-Leg
Go with a white shirt and loafers. Add a leather jacket to shift the tone.
Bootcut
Lean into the Western roots with boots and checks or sharpen it up with a tailored coat.
Flared
Channel bohemian with a vintage blouse and stacked heels. Or contrast with sharp outerwear.
Slim-Leg
Slim tee, cropped jacket, low-profile trainers.
Baggy
A tight tank or tucked tee keeps the look clean. Add bright sneakers or a sharp loafer.
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