Sayonara, Skinny Jeans!

Skinny jeans have left their mark on the 2000s. Low rise, mid rise, apple-bottom, they’ve been through it all; however, I believe the time has come to set aside these relics and make way for some more style conducive alternatives. Primarily, it’s time for wide-leg and flare jeans to have their moment in 2020.

Surveying the Berkeley demographic, and frankly the majority of college-aged individuals in general, it appears as though mom jeans have taken over the pant scene by storm -- and not just among the granola CNR kids. Their high-waist combined with slightly baggier fit have catalyzed a desire to combine both design and comfort. Whether you like it or not, the high-waist is here to stay, for not only does it accentuate your waistline, alluding to a “coke bottle” shape, but it also leaves room for the stomach and thighs to breathe -- not having to worry about eating to your heart’s content.

Furthermore, the mom jean specifically has revolutionized a movement for a looser, less constricting silhouette and demands for more fabric to play around with. And, it appears as though the next step in this ongoing evolution is taken toward the wide/flare jeans. These versatile pant styles combine mid 2000s vibes with a touch of whimsy and frankly allow women some freedom from the unwanted attention that tight-fitting jeans entail; the loose, relaxed fit of a wide-leg jean stands in defiance to an overtly sexualzed gaze.

Additionally, it already seems as though big-name retailers are taking notice of this shift in the tide and have started highlighting their selection of wide/flare jeans. Madewell, a mid/higher-end retailer known for their stunning denim has an entire online section devoted to their wide-leg and flare jeans. From light wash to “tile white” to an eye-catching paperbag-waist, Madewell’s gone above and beyond to introduce a number of styles women can incorporate into their day-to-day attire.

If you’re looking for a more affordable price point, one of Target’s most on-trend and sustainable brands, Universal Threads, has already begun marketing their new spring styles and as you can probably guess, the main item of choice is their high waisted, wide-legged jeans.

So, to do some first-hand investigative journalism (not because I secretly wanted a pair and saw that sweet affordable list price) I snagged a pair and wore them out on the town. To set the scene, picture an adorable Indian gal -- me, obviously -- strutting around campus with some light wash wide-leg jeans, a pink button up cropped top, and some high-top white converse to top it off. Right off the bat, not only did I just have more fun wearing this outfit, the swish-swish of my jeans making me smile on my way to class, but it was infinitely more comfortable. My jeans weren’t this constricting force, trapping in heat and sweat like an unwanted sauna. No, they were light, airy, and made me feel as though I was floating to class whilst beating the California heat.

So, I implore you, thrift or buy a pair of wide-legged jeans, for once your legs and thighs feel that inkling of freedom, you’ll never want to go back to those archaic skinny jeans.

Words by Sumati Wadhwa