The Great Untightening: How Gen Z Is Redefining Denim Fashion

The world of fashion is undergoing a significant shift, and it’s happening from the knees down. Skinny jeans, once a staple in closets everywhere, are officially being phased out. In their place, Gen Z is embracing a looser, more relaxed silhouette, reminiscent of the Y2K era. This trend, dubbed the "great untightening," is all about comfort, nostalgia, and a rejection of the tight, body-hugging styles that dominated the 2010s. From flare jeans to joggers, the fashion landscape is expanding to include a wider range of styles that prioritize both comfort and flair.

The Rise of the Flare: A Nostalgic Revival

The shift away from skinny jeans was starkly evident during the Super Bowl 2025 halftime show, where Kendrick Lamar rocked a pair of light-wash flare jeans. The look, which many initially thought was from Levi’s but turned out to be a $1,300 pair from Celine, sparked a wave of nostalgia for the early 2000s. Millennials and Gen Z alike flooded social media, celebrating the return of Y2K fashion, which included low-rise, boot-cut, and flares. The younger generation has been vocal about its disdain for skinny jeans, with TikTok videos dating back to 2020 urging people to ditch the restrictive style altogether.

Despite the backlash, skinny jeans aren’t entirely gone. Influencer Alix Earle’s Frame Skinny Jeans remain a fan favorite, proving that the style still has a place in the fashion world—albeit a much smaller one. For most, however, the era of skinnies is over, and the focus has turned to looser, more comfortable options. Brands like Levi’s, Abercrombie, and Good American are leading the charge, offering a variety of flare and relaxed-fit jeans that cater to Gen Z’s desire for both style and comfort.

Best Non-Skinny Jeans for Women: Flattering and Comfortable

For women, the transition from skinny jeans to looser styles has been nothing short of liberating. Brands like Levi’s and Abercrombie are offering high-rise flares and relaxed fits that flatter a variety of body types. Levi’s 726 High-Rise Flare Jeans, for instance, offer a slim fit through the hip and thigh before flaring out at the knee, creating a dramatic yet flattering silhouette. Made with a blend of cotton and viscose, these jeans provide excellent recovery and comfort, making them a wardrobe staple.

Abercrombie’s Curve Love High-Rise 90s Relaxed Jeans are another standout option. Designed with built-in stretch, these jeans offer a slimming fit at the top and a wide-leg silhouette that’s both flattering and comfortable. Commerce Reporter Miska Salemann swears by them, calling them the perfect transition from skinny jeans. “They hold you in, but they’re not restrictive,” she says. “It’s the ideal everyday pant.”

For those looking to embrace the cowboy-core trend, Good American’s Good Legs Flare Jeans are a must-try. With their vintage-inspired design and advanced stretch recovery, these jeans are versatile enough to pair with boots or dress up with a cami and heels. The thick, heavy material makes them ideal for cooler weather, and the flared legs add a touch of nostalgia that Gen Z loves.

Best Non-Skinny Jeans for Men: Comfort Meets Style

The shift away from skinny jeans isn’t just for women—men are also embracing looser, more comfortable styles. Levi’s 567 Relaxed Flare Men’s Jeans offer a casual, laid-back fit with a wide flare leg that adds a touch of attitude. Made from non-stretch denim, these jeans are perfect for everyday wear and offer a vintage light wash that’s both stylish and timeless.

For men who prefer a straight-leg style, Madewell’s The 1991 Straight-Leg Jeans are a great option. These 100% cotton jeans are extra-slouchy, offering maximum comfort while maintaining a refined look. Personal stylist Kin Moy calls them the perfect introduction to modern pant silhouettes, noting their mid-rise and slim-straight leg.

When it comes to trends, Gen Z is also bringing back dad jeans, but with a modern twist. Mugsy’s Lake Shore Jeans are the ultimate dad jeans, offering a relaxed fit, stretchy material, and a flattering silhouette. “They’re stretchy, form-fitting, flattering, and likely the first thing you’ll want to pull out of your dresser every morning,” says Matt Levy, a reporter who swears by the style.

The Comfort Revolution: Joggers and Beyond

While jeans are a wardrobe staple, Gen Z is also embracing a more athleisure-driven approach to fashion. Joggers, in particular, have become a favorite among younger generations. Lululemon’s Scuba Mid-Rise Oversized Cargo Jogger is a prime example of this trend. With their soft cotton fleece lining and adjustable drawstring waistband, these joggers are as comfortable as they are versatile.

For those who prefer a more structured look, Spanx’s The Perfect Pant offers a high-waisted design with a flared ankle and the brand’s signature control top. These pants are not only flattering but also incredibly comfortable, making them a great alternative to traditional jeans.

The Bottom Line: Fashion for All

The great untightening is more than just a trend—it’s a movement. It’s about embracing comfort, rejecting restrictive styles, and celebrating individuality. Whether you’re a fan of flare jeans, relaxed fits, or joggers, there’s never been a better time to experiment with your wardrobe. As Gen Z continues to redefine fashion, one thing is clear: the future of denim is loose, comfortable, and unapologetically stylish.

For more insights and recommendations, check out the New York Post Shopping section, where fashion meets functionality.