Denim Trends for Spring 2023 (2024)

Yesterday I rounded up the top 2023 spring fashion trends, and over the next few days, we’re going to take a deep dive into some of the most important wardrobe categories. Let’s start with denim trends for spring 2023!

First, let’s review how trends work. Most trends exist on a spectrum, gradually increasing in popularity until they peak, and then slowly phasing out over time. As each trend rises and falls in popularity, it overlaps the other trends that are also rising and falling, but they don’t rise and fall in synchrony. Older styles get phased out as newer styles arrive on the scene, and your eye will adjust as the new styles become mainstream.

What are the hottest denim trends for Spring?

These are the most popular trends, as I see it. There are some other fringe trends that may or may not make it to the mainstream, but these are the ones that are the most wearable for the everyday woman and the ones I’m seeing in the mainstream mall stores where I typically shop.

#1. Wide Leg

photo credit:Old Navy

The biggest trend in denim this season is the wide leg jean, and we’re seeing all lengths, but mostly ankle and full length styles. Light washes are the most popular, but I’ve seen some mid-wash and dark wash options as well.

I realize this is not a silhouette that appeals to everyone, nor is it flattering on every woman, but if you’re drawn to them at all, you should give them a try. You may be surprised by how much you like them.

The key to styling wide leg jeans is to wear a top that highlights the waist, whether it’s fitted, tucked in, or a cropped style. A structured jacket can also help achieve this goal.

#2. Full Length, Relaxed Leg Styles

photo credit: Nordstrom

After being on the fringe for a few seasons, full-length, relaxed styles are finally hitting the mainstream. We’re seeing floor-sweeping styles (sometimes called puddle pants) as well as traditional full length styles, and my personal favorite, the shorter full length that skims the top of the shoe and doesn’t have a break line.

I love these for showing off cute shoes, and I think they have modern vibe that is also clean and tidy. These can easily cross the line into frump territory, so make sure to style them intentionally with other modern pieces.

#3. Ecru

photo credit: Evereve

I included this in last year’s denim trends, but I didn’t really see it taking off until this year. Now it’s everywhere in the mall stores and gracing my favorite influencers.

I love how this off-white shade plays into the neutrals but can be paired with bright and bold colors as well. I will definitely be incorporating this natural wash into my wardrobe this spring/summer. If you don’t care for the newer leg styles, consider updating your spring/summer wardrobe with this natural wash in your favorite denim style.

#4. Flares

photo credit: Nordstrom

Flares are here to stay this season, and if you don’t like the drama of a flare, a bootcut style looks current as well. Bootcut jeans are universally flattering, and you can choose a rise and style that works best for your body type.

Pretty much all rises are out there right now, but a mid-rise or high rise looks most current, especially with flares and bootcut jeans. Yes, they say low rises are coming back, but they’re mostly on the more relaxed styles.

You can also find bootcut jeans and flares in all different lengths, so pick what you like best. I actually have some of each! I like full length flares with heels for going-out looks, but I also like crop flares and ankle flares for more casual looks.

#5. Barrel Leg

photo credit: Madewell

This is a fringe trend that is making its way into the mainstream this season. I noticed a lot of women wearing these when I was at the mall last week. A barrel leg fits loose in the thighs and narrows toward the ankle. They can be cropped or ankle length, and the most on-trend styles have more of a relaxed silhouette.

#6. Straight Leg

Straight styles are still very much on trend this season, in all different lengths, so if the other 2023 denim trends are too “out there” for you, feel free to stick to a more classic straight leg style. I still wear my slim straight leg jeans a lot, even though I like to sprinkle in some flares and more relaxed styles. I particularly like straight ankle jeans and cropped straight leg jeans for spring/summer.

Fringe denim trends for 2023 that you may want to be aware of include split hems, two-tone jeans, low rises, acid wash, puddle jeans, and cargo jeans. In other words, the Y2K aesthetic is strong!

Denim with excessive distressing and holes is finally on the way out. Modern denim washes are light and faded, but not the destructed styles we’ve seen so much in recent years. Darker washes are out there too, so if you prefer this more classic look, you should be able to find it as well.

In Conclusion

I can hear the protests in the comments already, so by way of disclaimer, you should always wear what you like and what feels most authentic to your personal style. Maybe you’re ready to jump right into some of these new trends, maybe you want to wait a while and see how they play out, or maybe you’re going to sit them out entirely.

Like all matters of style, the way you interpret these trends is up to you. I’m open to new trends, but I don’t like to take big risks with fashion, so I’m a bit of a slow adopter with those trends that don’t immediately resonate with me. The most important thing is to have fun with it, and wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident!