Every day, social media finds new ways to remind us of our age. Just joined TikTok? Probably a millennial. Wear your hair in a center part? Must be gen Z. Own a house? OK boomer.
This generational divide is especially clear in fashion, particularly when it comes to jeans. Younger people prefer them low-rise, long-hemmed, and ultra-baggy, while millennials favor high-waisted, cropped styles, often called “mom jeans.” TikTok is filled with videos of gen Zers mocking millennial denim choices, and even millennials are starting to question their allegiance to the trend. But what happens when the generations swap jeans? Could a millennial handle dragging hems? Could a gen Zer tolerate the chill of an exposed ankle?
A millennial accustomed to high-waisted, structured denim might struggle with the excess fabric of gen Z’s ultra-baggy styles. These jeans are designed for ease and comfort, but they come with challenges such as the sheer weight of the denim and the risk of tripping over hemlines. Still, they bring a nostalgic familiarity for those who remember the oversized styles of the late 90s and early 00s. The return of baggy jeans aligns with a broader fashion movement toward relaxed silhouettes, fueled by the desire for comfort over restrictive styles.
On the other hand, a gen Zer stepping into millennial jeans might find them uncomfortably rigid. With high waistbands and cropped hems, they can feel restrictive compared to the looser fits many younger people now prefer. The emphasis on a defined waist and structured shape reflects an era when body-conscious silhouettes were more mainstream.
Beyond comfort, this denim debate highlights shifting beauty standards. Millennials, having grown up with the pressure of “flattering” fits designed to “hold it all in,” may gravitate toward structured jeans. Meanwhile, gen Z, influenced by the body positivity movement, embraces looser styles that prioritize ease over traditional notions of shaping the body.
Fashion cycles continuously, and denim trends are no exception. Skinny jeans, once the defining style of the 2010s, are showing signs of a high-fashion resurgence. With designers incorporating them into runway collections and influencers experimenting with their return, the pendulum may be swinging back. Still, many remain hesitant to revisit the super-tight fits that once dominated wardrobes.
Despite the internet’s portrayal of a generational denim war, the reality is more nuanced. When exchanging styles, both generations found aspects to appreciate whether it was the comfort of a looser fit or the structure of a high-rise cut. While baggy jeans may seem impractical to some and cropped styles outdated to others, personal comfort and confidence remain the ultimate deciding factors.
Rather than chasing every microtrend, the best approach is to wear what feels right. Fashion evolves, but individuality never goes out of style.
