6 Summer Denim Trends That Will Last the Test of Time
Jeans are pretty much a seasonless staple, but there are a few particular denim trends that just hit harder in the summertime. As the temperatures rise and we all do a little seasonal wardrobe swapping, there are a handful of summer denim trends that you should keep in mind, and today, I'm here to walk you through each of them.
Now, there are certainly some trendy styles that are current but that didn't make the cut. That's not to say those trends aren't valuable in and of their own, but this particular roundup is honing in on the styles that will be trendy for years to come—meaning purchasing one of the many pairs below will ensure you have a solid pair of summer jeans that will last the test of time.
Keeping in mind the warmer weather, current summer 2020 style, and more, the denim staples ahead are going to incorporate themselves seamlessly into the rest of your summertime wardrobe. From long denim shorts to baggy '90s-inspired styles, the six summer denim trends ahead will have you well prepared for anything the next few months might throw at you.
Ecru
White jeans in the summer just make sense, but if the stark hue feels a tad intimidating, slip into an ecru pair instead. The softer and creamier color is easy to style and will certainly be around for the long haul.
Shop the trend:
Long Shorts
This year, denim shorts are reaching new lengths and the original ultra-short cutoffs are feeling more and more obsolete. Thanks to these more polished great lengths, the styling possibilities are endless when it comes to this particular summer denim trend.
Shop the trend:
Loose
The easiest way to stay feeling (and looking) cool this summer is via loose-fitting jeans. Not only is this baggy style a major trend right now, but it also just makes sense. I mean, who wants to be wearing skintight jeans when it's 85 degrees out? No one.
Shop the trend:
Lightwash
Summer dressing is all about feeling new and fresh, and if you ask me, nothing says seasonal dressing more than a pair of light-wash jeans. Whether you're pairing yours with a white tank or a floral statement top, this denim trend will fit the bill time and time again.
Shop the trend:
Distressed
Distressed denim is another trend that just makes the most sense in the summer. Since jeans aren't necessarily the most warm weather–friendly pants, slipping into a pair that has some ventilation will make you 10 times more comfortable for ten times as long. Plus, they look cool.
Shop the trend:
Pleated
Another iteration of the baggy jeans trend is pleated jeans. This summer, the denim trend looks like trousers but feels like your favorite pair of jeans. There's definitely an '80s inspiration here, which makes us love the style that much more.
Shop the trend:
Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Wear and has worked at the company for over nine years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. Here, she leads and manages Who What Wear's editorial team and oversees all editorial content. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Kaia Gerber, Normani, and Sabrina Carpenter. She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, Milan, and Paris, where her style has been featured on sites such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, and Elle.
-
Meghan Markle Traded Her Usual Black Skinny Jeans for a Denim Trend That's About to Be Everywhere
And you can too.
By Allyson Payer
-
These 30 Incredibly Chic Picks From the Nordstrom Winter Sale Scream Cool Girl
Time to up your fashion game.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
I'm High-Key Obsessed—Nordstrom Has the Best Basics, and They're on Sale
Top-tier basics ahead.
By Chichi Offor
-
I Know You're Stylish If You Tuck Your Jeans Into Boots Like These 5 Chic Women
Don't be scared.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
J.Lo Just Ditched Her Skinny Jeans to Wear This 2025 Denim Trend With $170 Uggs
Casual yet chic.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
These Under-$100 Winter Buys From Nordstrom Are a Pure Hit of Fashion Dopamine
These will have your friends doing a double take.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
This Cheap Shoe-Styling Trick Is How to Keep Cropped Jeans From Looking Dated in 2025
Putting this one in my back pocket.
By Allyson Payer
-
If You Want to Wear Jeans and a Tee in Paris, This Is the Only Way to Do It
It's simple yet elegant.
By Nikki Chwatt