SS27 denim trends: maximalism is back

With September 2026 fashion weeks now behind us, it’s the perfect moment to take a look at the denim trends we can expect in Spring/Summer 2027. This upcoming warm season is set to introduce a refreshing take on denim, featuring light-washed jeans, bright colors, and more relaxed fits. These trends mark a notable shift from the darker styles we’ve seen in recent seasons. Let’s explore the reasons behind this change.

SS27 jeans fits will be baggy and low-waisted

Will maximalism replace minimalism in jeans trends? This is a question that many are pondering after observing the SS27 denim collections. They certainly seem to highlight exaggerated silhouettes, creative washes, heavy distressing, sculptural shapes, and extreme embellishments.

While timeless denim will always have its place, the upcoming spring/summer season is likely to showcase baggy and often low-waisted jeans that drape loosely around the legs. We can also expect barrel-shaped jeans, which feature a rounded shape around the knees thanks to a slightly narrower hem. Palazzo jeans will continue to trend, offering a wide leg from the hip to the ankle while maintaining a polished appearance and allowing for comfortable movement.

The jeans industry has been heavily inspired by the 1990s lately but is now nodding toward the early 2000s and 2010s. This means we’re seeing a resurgence of slimmer straight-leg and cigarette jeans, often paired with tailored pieces like blazers of various colors, as highlighted at recent Paris fashion shows. Of course, warm weather calls for denim jorts, shorts, capris, and skirts in various lengths, as well as for denim jackets and shirts.

It’s also worth noting that this wave of early 2000s nostalgia is bringing back ultra-thin models and ultra-skinny jeans. What we truly appreciate about denim is its inclusivity and role in promoting body positivity. While low-rise, slim jeans may suit slender figures, the wide array of relaxed and tailored fits ensures there is something for everyone, regardless of body type, style, or preference. Ultimately, the key with denim is to have fun and wear what you love, irrespective of societal norms.

New finishing techniques are shaking the industry

Next season’s denim trends showcase a diverse color palette, featuring classic indigo jeans alongside grey shades that capture a rustic, worn-in quality, replicating the fabric’s natural aging. Light-washed jeans with noticeably faded and irregular effects are also prominent, echoing either the natural wear of denim or distinct artistic patterns.

Brightly overdyed denim in shades like green and red also made waves on the runway. Additionally, innovative finishing techniques, including shiny, glossy, and metallic treatments, have given denim a unique edge, creating looks that approach a plastic-like aesthetic.

For those who prefer a more traditional style, there’s no need to worry. Classic darker washes remain a staple, ensuring that heritage denim is always in vogue. Timeless pieces are essential in any collection, blending vintage inspiration with modern elements. Upcycling continues to thrive in high fashion, while authentic denim styles maintain their appeal.

Embellishments and 3D elements will be everywhere

In the upcoming SS27 denim collections, the standout feature is undoubtedly the vibrant use of embellishments and 3D elements, which appear to be setting the tone for the season. These collections showcase a variety of colorful floral designs, intricate embroidery, sculptural cutouts, romantic lace details, sparkling crystals, and vivid feathers. Designers are skillfully combining these elements with bohemian or multicolored tops and accessories, regardless of the jeans’ fit.

Milan Fashion Week highlighted the importance of finishing treatments, showing that they’re just as crucial as the jeans’ cuts. Designers are exploring a diverse palette of colors and materials to enhance denim, resulting in striking results.

Another notable theme is the embrace of imperfection. Heavy rips and raw hems create a worn-in aesthetic. Still, these rugged features are often juxtaposed with luxurious embellishments and jewel-like details. This contrast captures a dialogue between decay and elegance, fascinatingly blending wear and allure.

The nostalgic era is not over yet

In recent seasons, we’ve seen a significant resurgence of 1990s-inspired denim, particularly with clean silhouettes like bootcut and cigarette styles. While this trend is still alive, the jeans industry is now embracing influences from more eclectic decades, featuring bolder designs.

On the runways, we’ve spotted striking finish treatments, eye-catching embellishments, low-rise cuts, and even skinny jeans, reinforcing the idea that the nostalgic wave in denim isn’t finished yet. Styles from various decades are being blended with modern interpretations, often enhanced by new technologies that not only elevate aesthetics but also aim to lessen environmental impact.

The 1980s denim scene was famously defined by acid washes, which historically utilized chlorine and water to create a lighter bleached effect. This style echoes the stone-washed jeans trend, initially crafted to mimic the aged look achieved by surfers using seawater and sunlight. Acid-washed jeans evoke a laid-back, casual vibe that brings to mind sunny California beaches.

Interestingly, bold bleached washes made a comeback in the early 2000s when standing out was essential. Today, we’re seeing them again, available in classic indigo or playful hues like pink. Additionally, elements from the 2000s and 2010s are resurfacing, such as studs, large prints, and skinnier, lower-waisted cuts, which contrast with the more relaxed styles prevalent in the 2020s.

Candiani’s SS27 trend: linen-cotton denim

Our Spring/Summer 2027 denim collection emphasizes the use of alternative fibers to cotton and the creation of lightweight fabrics that respond to increasing temperatures. We are committed to incorporating linen, blending it with cotton to craft comfortable, soft, and fresh denim that combines the qualities of traditional jeans with the ease of summer linen.

We focus on sourcing European raw materials, using French flax along with Greek and Spanish regenagri®-certified regenerative cotton. Regenerative agriculture is designed to restore the natural functions of soil, enhancing its health and helping to rebalance ecosystems.

Flax is recognized as an environmentally friendly, low-impact fiber that requires little irrigation and produces no waste. In addition to being lightweight and soft, linen offers a lustrous appearance. It is known for its hygienic properties, hypoallergenic nature, odor resistance, and breathability.