I Live in My Basic Jeans, But I'm Eyeing These 6 Controversial Denim Trends for My Wardrobe

By Kevin Harson12 April 2025

Influencer Aimee Song wearing printed denim jeans style.

Just when we thought denim had settled into a quiet, classic groove, spring 2025 showed up to stir the pot. While I'm constantly living in my French girl–inspired straight-leg pants, I'm eyeing a change this April and May. This spring's most controversial denim styles are anything but subtle. Think high-water hems that hit well above the ankle, two-tone washes that look intentionally mismatched, and drawstring waistbands that blur the line between loungewear and streetwear.

I've been keeping tabs on what's popping up on the runways, on celebrities, and, yes, on my Instagram Explore page, and it's clear that controversial denim is having a moment. Some of these styles are bound to be divisive, and that's exactly what makes them interesting.

Ahead, I'm breaking down the controversial denim trends that are turning heads—for better or worse—and why you might want to try them anyway. Even if you're loyal to your straight-leg staples, there's a chance one of these might surprise you.

Skinny Jeans

They never really left, but this season, skinnies are sneaking back into the spotlight—this time styled with oversize layers and sharp accessories. Love them or loathe them, they're proving they still have range (and stretch). Consider it a quiet comeback, not a full-blown takeover… yet.

MOTHER

The Mid-Rise Rider Flood Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans

PAIGE

Gemma High Waist Skinny Jeans

MOTHER

The Rascal Frayed Ankle Slim Jeans

ZARA

Sculpt High Waist TRF Jeans

Printed Jeans

From subtle florals to full-on brand logos, printed jeans are having a moment that's hard to scroll past. They add instant personality to your look—no styling gymnastics required. Whether you go abstract or classic, they're the statement piece you didn't know your closet needed

Reformation

Cary High Rise Slouchy Straight Leg Jeans

Loewe

Anagram Appliquéd High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans

Marimekko

Maridenim Unikko Loose Fit Jeans

Free People

Good Luck Floral Print Barrel Jeans

Drawstring Jeans

Equal parts comfy and confusing, drawstring jeans are the unexpected mashup of loungewear ease and denim structure. Think of them as the fashion world's version of soft pants with ambition. Sure, they're relaxed, but when styled right, they can still look pulled-together.

Mango

Wideleg Denim Pants With Belt

Citizens of Humanity

Brynn Drawstring Trouser

Gap

Mid Rise Knit Easy Baggy Jeans

Aligne

Ida Tie Waist Jeans

Madewell

Low-Slung Baggy Jean: Airy Denim Edition

Two-Tone Jeans

The denim equivalent of Gemini, two-tone jeans are bold, unexpected, and strangely versatile. Whether it's a patchwork effect or a sharp contrast at the seam, they give your outfit a built-in edge without trying too hard. Pair them with a simple white tee to let the jeans do all of the talking.

Gap

High Rise Patchwork Barrel Jeans

Grlfrnd

Vera Seamed Tonal Flare

Getty Paneled Wide Leg - Twilight Shadow

Rails

Getty Paneled Wide Leg in Twilight Shadow

Levi's

Baggy Dad Pieced Jeans

Embellished Jeans

Grommets, sequins, florals—denim is dressing up this season. Embellished jeans are ditching subtlety for sparkle, and somehow, it works. Worn with basics or clashing prints, they're proof that your jeans can party harder than your going-out top.

Alice + Olivia

Roxie Embellished Jean

Reformation

Cary High Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans

We the Free

Tennessee Low-Rise Shine Boyfriend Jeans

High-Water Jeans

Model on the runway wearing cropped jeans controversial denim trend.

Say goodbye to full-length styles. Cropped jeans are cutting it short this spring—much like their hemmed counterpart, cuffed jeans. Whether you're showing off ankle boots or chunky sandals, they're all about putting your footwear on display. They're slightly awkward in length but effortlessly cool in effect.