Gen Z Believes Controversial Millennial Fashion Trend is Here to Stay

The trend of jeggings, or leggings that resemble jeans, is making a comeback thanks to Uniqlo’s new line of stretchy denim. The retailer recently launched the EZY Ultra Stretch Jeans, which are tight-fitting denim pants with the comfort of sweatpants. Social media users have reacted positively to the return of jeggings, with many expressing excitement and nostalgia for the late 2000s trend. The resurgence of jeggings coincides with the renewed popularity of skinny jeans, which have been seen on influencers, celebrities, and runways. The combination of nostalgia for the early 2000s and the comfort of stretchy denim is driving the return of jeggings and skinny jeans in fashion.

Influencer Alix Earle and celebrities like Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski have been seen sporting skinny jeans, contributing to the resurgence of the style. Brands like Frame, Miu Miu, Balenciaga, and Alexander McQueen have also released their own versions of skinny jeans. The return of skinny jeans is attributed to a desire for nostalgia and the influence of the early 2000s fashion revival. Luke Raymond, Farfetch’s senior menswear editor, predicts that influential dressers will continue to bring skinny jeans back into style, especially with the current trend of indie-sleaze fashion from the early 2000s. The popularity of skinny jeans among celebrities and on runways is driving their return to mainstream fashion.

The original jeggings were a popular trend in the late 2000s and early 2010s, offering a comfortable alternative to traditional denim. The modern version of jeggings is designed with a looser, baggier fit compared to the figure-hugging style of the past. Fashion trends like wide-leg sweatpant-jean hybrids and baggy sweatpant jeans have gained popularity as comfortable alternatives to rigid denim. Rag & Bone’s wide-leg sweatpant-jean hybrid, dubbed the “Gen Z jegging,” went viral last year and was embraced as part of the new office uniform. Gap also released a line of baggy sweatpant jeans that quickly sold out due to their popularity. These new styles of comfortable, stretchy denim pants have been celebrated for their versatility as both loungewear and office attire.

The shift towards more casual work attire during the pandemic has allowed for more flexibility in fashion choices, including wearing pants like leggings to the office. Stylist Liz Teich notes that the office dress code has become more relaxed, allowing employees to wear comfortable clothing like leggings and jeggings. The versatility of these stretchy denim styles in providing both comfort and style has made them popular choices for daily wear. Social media platforms like TikTok have also played a role in promoting these comfortable denim alternatives, with users praising their comfort and versatility. Overall, the return of jeggings and the popularity of skinny jeans reflect a shift towards more casual and comfortable fashion trends in response to changing lifestyle demands.