Remember the early 2010s when jeggings were all the rage? Well, brace yourselves because they are making a comeback! Yes, you heard that right! This controversial millennial fashion fad is back from the ashes like a phoenix, and guess what – Gen Z is not only embracing it but declaring it as the ultimate solution to their wardrobe woes.
“So jeggings are back, cool,”
one enthusiastic fashion enthusiast exclaimed on social media. It seems like a blast from the past has landed smack dab in the present. The iconic fusion of leggings and jeans known as “jeggings” is experiencing a renaissance thanks to Uniqlo’s innovative take on stretchy denim.
Uniqlo recently unveiled their $50 unisex EZY Ultra Stretch Jeans collection, featuring skinny denim available in five trendy colors with the promise of feeling as comfy as sweats. And fans couldn’t contain their excitement! Comments flooded in celebrating the return of jeggings with remarks like
“Is it 2017 again?”
and
“Welcome to jeggings, boys!”
But here’s where things get even more intriguing – this modern iteration of jeggings isn’t just about mimicking denim; it’s about blurring boundaries between style and comfort. The new jegging equivalent is more akin to sweatpants than skin-tight leggings but still offers that coveted elastic ease that made its predecessor so beloved.
Influencers like Alix Earle have collaborated with brands like Frame to launch their own versions of slim denim while celebrities such as Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski have been spotted flaunting skinny jeans on city streets. Runways too have witnessed a resurgence of skinny jeans from top designers such as Miu Miu, Balenciaga, and Alexander McQueen.
According to Luke Raymond, Farfetch’s senior menswear editor, this revival stems not only from nostalgia for early ’00s indie fashion but also from a desire to bring back versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down effortlessly. Skinny jeans are reclaiming their spotlight in wardrobes worldwide amidst this sartorial throwback frenzy.
But what’s truly fascinating is how these new-age “jeggings” are reshaping office attire norms. With hybrid styles like wide-leg sweatpant-jeans gaining traction among Gen Z employees and Gap launching baggy sweatpant jeans marketed as “jean adjacent,” traditional work outfits are undergoing a transformation.
The pandemic-induced shift towards remote work has blurred lines between casual wear and formal attire, allowing for more flexible dress codes in professional settings. Stylist Liz Teich highlights this shift by noting how workplaces now embrace comfort alongside style – making room for pants that feel like loungewear but look office-appropriate.
As we witness this resurrection of jeggings alongside an evolution in workplace fashion norms, one thing remains clear – fashion trends may come and go, but innovation always finds its way back into our closets. So next time you slip into your favorite pair of stretchy denims or cozy sweatpant-jeans hybrid, remember that you’re not just following a trend; you’re part of a style revolution led by Gen Z!
