When the weather warms up, it may be tempting to put all of your jeans away in favor of cotton shorts and breezy bohemian maxi skirts. But, not so fast: With loose fits and leg-baring shapes dominating the denim scene this summer, there’s no reason to say goodbye to your favorite pairs for the next few months. Best of all, the season’s on-trend fashions, which range from fashionable jorts (jean shorts, if you will) to quirky flares à la Kendrick Lamar, are sure to boost your outfits tenfold. Get the inside scoop on the top ten summer denim trends to watch in 2025, with expert insights and product recommendations.
1. Long Live Jorts
“Denim shorts are making a major comeback, especially in longer, more structured cuts that feel modern and wearable,” says Lucio Mauro, Icon Denim’s creator and creative director. EB Denim creator Elena Bonvicini agrees with Mauro, telling Byrdie, “Slimmer low-rise styles, like relaxed baggy jorts, [are having a moment].” Pair it with leather knee-high boots or clunky loafers for a cool-girl summer style.
2. Vintage-Inspired Finishes
This summer, Mauro has noticed an increase in demand for vintage-inspired denim finishes. “Think naturally faded washes and minimal distressing,” he adds.” “The focus is on clean, wearable pieces that feel timeless, rather than overly distressed or heavily embellished styles.”
3. How Low Can You Go?
Baggy low-rise jeans are here to stay, according to Chelsea Parke, the founder of Parke. “They bring a relaxed energy that works so well for summer—I like to pair them with a tank or tee and flip flops, and it feels effortless but elevated,” she tells Byrdie. For a dressier, night-out-ready formula, accent the jeans with a ruffled blouse and patent leather kitten heels.
4. Summer Whites
Though white denim has become a year-round staple (read: the “no white jeans after Labor Day” rule is completely out of date), it feels especially appropriate during the warmer months. For an upcoming tropical vacation, we recommend wearing this outfit with a breezy shirt and stylish sandals. Another advantage: The adaptable jeans are a perfect alternative to your real blues, as we all need a break from our regular denim.
5. Embellished Pizzazz
If you like your denim to stand out, you’re in luck: embellished jeans are hot this season. Some designers, such as Veronica Beard, have embellished their pairs with studs, while Retrofête and H&M have rhinestones on denim. No matter which path you pick, this summer denim trend will undoubtedly lend the perfect amount of glitter to any look.
6. Funky Flares
“Flared denim, whether bootcut or full flare, continues to resonate because it is both nostalgic and fresh, and the style elongates many body types,” explains Grace Na, founder of Pistola Denim. Similarly, Spilled’s co-founders, Giselle Ambrose and Kayla Nahum, believe the style is gaining traction, with mid- and low-rise waistbands particularly popular. “A flare will always be a playful silhouette that adds movement and personality to any look,” the designers say.
7. Capri Season
To the dismay of some millennials, capri jeans are taking over the internet, from Instagram to TikTok. In the early 2000s, calf-baring bottoms were frequently worn with midriff-revealing crop tops, but this is no longer the case. Denim capris are now receiving the high-style treatment, with polished jackets, crisp button-downs, and other upgraded classics.
8. Dramatic Curved Tailoring
Last year, extremely curving denim designs, known as barrels or horseshoes, made a comeback in the fashion industry. “At Pistola, we’re pairing the structured, wide shape with pared-down, minimal basics like a crisp tank this summer,” Na said. Take her style suggestion and pair the billowy trousers with a form-fitting top.
9. Unexpected Finishes
Ambrose and Nahum are observing a trend toward brighter washes and more fun tones in summer denim. “With travel and day-to-night dressing in mind, beach-to-dinner denim is becoming more important—versatile pieces that work across settings,” the company’s founders remark. “That’s why we leaned into multicolor pigment sprays like peach and smoke, which bring a fresh, summery feel, along with bold hardware to elevate the finish.”
10. Micro Mini Skirts
After months of covering up, there’s nothing better than walking about in a denim micro little skirt—another silhouette that may evoke images from the early 2000s, most notably from Paris Hilton and Ashley Tisdale. Add a preppy knit polo or boho-approved top to the nostalgia-inducing bottoms to update them for 2025.
