With CORFU Turning 40, we thought we'd take a look back at jeans trends throughout our history.
Jeans have been a staple in the world of fashion for the best part of a century. From their origins as workwear for miners and cowboys to their current status as a global phenomenon, jeans have undergone many transformations and shifts in style and trend. In this article, we take a journey through time, exploring the evolution of jeans fashion from 1980 to present day.
The 80s: The Rise of Acid Wash and High Waisted Jeans
The 80s saw a significant change in the way that jeans were produced and marketed. Acid wash, a treatment that involves bleaching the fabric to create a unique, splattered effect, became popular during this decade. This trend was accompanied by the rise of high waisted jeans, which were often paired with oversized tops and jackets to create a bold and daring look. The 1980s was all about colour, which was bright, often neon, and demanded classic denim colours to appear at their best. This was the first time that we saw elastic waists and an increase in demand for stretch fabrics that provided style with comfort. The global fascination with all things 1980s is inspired by the boundless optimism of the time, with colour, big hair and personal expression on the menu for the first time. The runaway success of the series Stranger Things has reinforced this fun, refreshing approach to fashion.
Of course, the 1980s refresh for the 2020s has grown up a bit, and these days we've managed to insert a bit of sophistication into the uncontrolled riot of colour!
The modern take on1980s style is very much street-ready and raring to go. And thank goodness for the demise of 'big hair'.
The 90s: Grunge and Low Rise Jeans
The 90s were dominated by the grunge movement, with its focus on distressed, rough-around-the-edges fashion. This trend was reflected in the popularity of low-rise jeans, which were often ripped and frayed for a rebellious, anti-establishment look. Think about plaid shirts, rock-band tees and sneakers. This is going to be the next big trend, but of course, it's going to go through a reinvention before it hits the shelves.There will be a 1990s revival that suits all figures and styles. The look is best worn pulled back from the super-frayed and dirty Nirvana-style and curated to include certain grunge pieces with more modern cuts. Here, Gwen Stefani shows her tribute to Kurt Cobain in a pared back version of his signature look that translates to the streets and school run.
The 2000s: Skinny Jeans and Low-Rise Bootcuts
The 2000s saw a shift towards more fitted and form-fitting styles of jeans. Skinny jeans, with their tight fit through the leg, became the go-to choice for many fashion-conscious consumers. Low-rise bootcuts, which combined the fitted look of skinny jeans with the added flare of a bootcut leg, were also popular during this decade. We're all dreading the return of the low rise - we're betting that even Britney Spears might well trade in her low rises for a pair of Mom jeans! If you're a teen or 20-something exhibitionist with washboard abs, you can probably carry this off. For the rest of us, it's a case of 'wait and see' as to how the industry makes this style of jeans just a little more wearable! We're pretty sure even Paris, Christina and Keira are nervously watching the reinvention of this particular trend. Fashion is cyclical though, so it's bound to happen. Be aware.
The 2010s: Wide Leg and Boyfriend Jeans
The 2010s saw a well received move away from tight, form-fitting styles and a return to looser, more relaxed styles. Wide leg jeans, which offer a more spacious fit through the leg, became popular, as did boyfriend jeans, which are loose-fitting and often distressed for a laid-back, casual look. Another trend that emerged during this decade was "Mom Jeans," high-waisted and relaxed-fitting jeans that harkened back to the styles of the 80s and 90s. We're just moving out of this trend, so maybe stash your old pairs away in the wardrobe, ready for your daughters and nieces the nest time this look rolls around.
The Present Day: Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Options
In recent years, there has been a growing focus on sustainable and eco-friendly fashion options. This trend is reflected in the popularity of jeans made from sustainable materials, such as organic cotton and recycled polyester. Additionally, the rise of upcycling and repurposing old clothing has led to a resurgence in the popularity of vintage and retro styles of jeans.
Conclusion: A Timeless Classic with Enduring Appeal
Jeans have undergone many transformations and shifts in style and trend over the years. However, despite these changes, jeans continue to be a timeless classic with enduring appeal. Whether it's the high-waisted styles of the 80s, the low-rise looks of the 90s, the skinny fits of the 2000s, or the wide-leg and boyfriend styles of the present day, jeans have proven to be a versatile and adaptable item of clothing that can be styled to suit any fashion sensibility.
