Ever since Kate Moss was papped in a pair of skinnies and ballet pumps way back in the late-2000s, the humble skinny jean has become the go-to fashion item in our wardrobes.
The skinny style booted the bootleg jean out of the spotlight, and despite attempts from 70s-style flares and Mom jeans to become the denim style of choice, we thought the skinny jean would reign over denim-dom for years to come.
But apparently our love affair with skinnies could be over...at least in the US.
New York-based research firm NPD have revealed stats that prove denim is dying a death in the shops, with consumers opting for "soft dressing" - otherwise known as sportswear-inspired gear like track pants and joggers - instead of skinny jeans.
Denim sales were down 6% on last year in the US, whereas sales of women's trousers grew twice as fast as the overall women's clothing sector this year. Even Canada, which is known as a big denim-loving country, is reporting that jean sales have fallen by 5%.
So why are we "over" denim, and skinnies specifically? Mainly because women are choosing yoga pants and leggings as their off-duty bottoms of choice - high end athletic brands like Lululemon are creating fashion-forward casualwear you can wear to the gym and to the shops - but their clothes are way more comfortable than tight jeans. It's also to do with wearing something that flatters everyone's size - understandable when your average pair of skinnies can give you an unfortunate case of "sausage legs".
So will the trend for ditching denim make it across the pond? With sportswear-influenced styles still on the catwalk and on the high street, we can totally see it happening - but as a self-confessed denim AND exercise addict, I hope it doesn't. Sometimes there's nothing better than slipping on a great pair of jeans. As much as I love my Sweaty Betty yoga bottoms.
SOURCE: QZ.com
