Denim Is the Fabric of 2021: See 20 of My Favorite Buys

last updated 23 March 2021

As a time-tested staple worn by people in all spheres of society (from pop stars to university professors), denim is arguably one of the most democratic fabrics to be found in our wardrobes. Who What Wear's Nell Block revealed in her 2021 denim report that an academic study by Daniel Miller and Sophie Woodward showed that, "At any given moment, more than half the world will be wearing this single textile." Now that's an impressive claim to fame.

This year has seen denim's well-established brand expand beyond its usual jeans-shaped borders, and has experimented with everything from dresses and shirts, to skirts and jackets. While each of these denim-clad items is hardly new to the fashion scene, the fact that they've all been thrust into the spotlight at the same time means it definitely feels like a "moment."

There's been something particularly playful about brands' handling of denim this season, and I have purposefully created an edit of pieces that might not conform to your usual expectations of the fabric. Rather than the traditional button-up, boxy jean jacket, I've discovered the dramatic patchworking of Stella McCartney's belted jacket and the sculptural sleeves of Arket's cropped cream iteration. The '70s-inspired A-line midi is also experiencing a spike in popularity, and it's an item that will look oh-so-chic with a tucked-in polo top and knee-high boots this spring. So if you fancy mixing-up your denim offering this year, scroll down to see and shop the styles that I'm bookmarking right now.