By Cates Lyman
May 20, 1873, marked a historic day: the birth of the blue jean. On that day, Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis secured a U.S. patent for putting rivets in men’s work pants.
It wasn’t until 1934 that Levi Strauss finally made women’s jeans. This new pant didn’t take off right away, but now in 2025, denim is a staple in every woman’s closet — especially around SMU’s campus. When walking to class, you probably see just about every girl wearing a different style of jean. They are the perfect bottom to throw on and feel put together without feeling overdressed yet still feel stylish.
From bootcut to baggy to skinny, denim styles have made their mark on the fashion world. And right now, we’re seeing a resurgence of just about every silhouette.
Let’s start with skinny jeans, maybe the most controversial denim style out there. If you lived through the 2010s, you know the chokehold skinnies had. Everyone owned a pair, and they paired perfectly with boots or wedges. It was almost as if no other style existed. You want new jeans? You buy skinny. But the overconsumption of them, and their lack of versatility have now pushed consumers away from this style. In 2025, brands pushed for a revival of the skinny jean. Frame did a partnership with Alix Earle, and the resurgence of knee high boots made skinny jeans have a purpose again. But did they really make a comeback? Most consumers still decide to steer away from skinny. I asked 40 girls around campus, and less than 15% of these students said they wear skinny jeans.
So, what came next? After being in a skinny jean craze in the 2010’s, consumers turned towards wide-leg and relaxed fits. Fashion as a whole took a 180 after the skinny jean. Wide legs are comfortable, easy to style, and versatile enough to dress up or down. It’s no surprise they’ve become the most popular style, not just on SMU’s campus, but nationally. Kristina Rutkowski, a writer for Vogue, noted that “long and loose silhouettes continue to reign supreme in the denim world,” in one of her articles.
Bootcut jeans are also having a strong moment because of the blend between skinny and wide they offer. Slim fit through the leg with a wide opening at the bottom, they are perfect to highlight long legs while working well with shoes that hide under the hem. They feel just dressy enough for a girls’ night out.
Of course, that’s just scratching the surface. Straight-leg jeans are a classic, cropped boots are perfect for petites, flare makes a bold statement, and palazzo offers maximum comfort. With so many options, it’s nearly impossible to find one pair that works for everything. The old saying that “you just need one good pair of jeans” doesn’t seem to hold up anymore.
“Jeans come in so many different shapes and styles,” said sophomore Olivia Gaines. “You really need one of each style because I have been struggling to find one pair that goes with everything. I don’t think it exists. I have a different pair for each occasion, and that’s how it should be.”
That feeling is common across campus. Jeans aren’t just about cut. They also offer rise, inseam and wash that can change everything. That’s why so many boutiques and department stores now have employees trained to help customers find their perfect fit. You might love a bootcut style from one brand, but another brand might have specifications that make for a whole new jean.
Jean shopping has been known to be a burden; however, let’s take a look at AA Vintedge in Dallas. Owner Caitlin Brax, nicknamed the “denim whisperer,” has become known for pulling pairs that suit a shopper’s body and style on the first try. Other stores are adopting similar methods, but it often comes down to how knowledgeable the associate is.
Garland Barrett, a sophomore who also works at the local boutique Clover, says “Working in retail has given me the perfect opportunity to help customers find a perfect pair of jeans. Denim is difficult to shop for, so I love helping others, although I do wish I had more knowledge of denim brands to be the best help possible.”
At the end of the day, denim is tricky. Shopping for a new pair can feel exhausting, and building a collection takes time. But once you invest in a few high-quality, versatile pairs, you can start adding fun, niche styles. That’s when jeans shift from being stressful to being the most fun thing to shop for.
