The denim landscape for Fall/Winter 2025-26 is getting shaped by the evolving desires of a generation that prioritises authenticity, creativity and purpose. At each edition of the International Denim Fair Kingpins, Denim Dudes offers a valuable glimpse into the future of denim. The trend report, crafted through four compelling narratives, explores the impact of Generation Z’s entry into the professional world, the rise of political expression through fashion, a nostalgic yearning for 2014 and the growing importance of individual style.
As denim continues to be a cornerstone of wardrobes worldwide, it has evolved into a dynamic canvas for storytelling and innovation. For F/W ’25-26, the spotlight is on key themes that reflect the mood of the times: the merging of digital and physical influences, the rejection of fast fashion in favour of thoughtful craftsmanship and the embrace of self-expression through bold aesthetics and unexpected details.
This report delves into these themes through trend stories such as ‘Avant Activist’, where denim becomes a medium for rebellion and narrative and ‘Reframed Archives’, which celebrates an anti-trend ethos rooted in authenticity and accessibility. ‘Terminally Online’ captures the influence of digital acceleration on style, blending nostalgic references with futuristic visions and ‘New Normal’ highlights the resurgence of creativity as a driver for innovative design.
By understanding these trends, brands and designers can craft collections that resonate with today’s discerning and digitally-savvy consumers. Denim is more than a fabric— it is a reflection of culture, politics and individuality, making it a perennial powerhouse of the fashion industry. In the following pages, explore how these trends can inspire your next collection and help define the future of denim.
AVANT ACTIVIST
The Avant Activist trend emerges as Generation Z takes the reins of cultural and fashion narratives, dismantling traditional norms and embracing a future steeped in self-expression and authenticity. This cohort, now aged 12 to 26, brings a bold, unapologetic spirit to the workplace and creative industries, championing values of transparency, individuality and purposeful design.
The industry feels the push for a new era of innovation inspired by archival revivals from brands like Sean John and Karl Kani. ‘Avant Activist’ amplifies a call for eclecticism and layered storytelling.
In denim, this translates to exaggerated proportions and a fearless approach to craftsmanship. Wide-leg silhouettes, asymmetrical cuts and deconstructed details dominate, while experimental washes and patchwork techniques reflect an era of meaningful rebellion. Denim is no longer just a fabric but a medium for storytelling— perfect for the customer craving pieces that resonate on a personal and emotional level.
The trend’s investment potential lies in its alignment with Gen Z’s psyche. This generation values individuality, sustainability and purposeful consumption, making them more likely to invest in items with distinctive character and longevity. For brands and designers, incorporating upcycled textiles, artisanal techniques and mixed-media embellishments will cater to this audience’s desire for exclusivity and authenticity.
A notable example of this trend is the Danish label Stamm, which seamlessly blends rebellious edge with thoughtful craftsmanship. Its creations resonate with Gen Z’s ethos, proving that fashion’s future belongs to the fearless. By integrating this trend into assortments, brands can create an impactful connection with a generation determined to rewrite the rules and reimagine the possibilities of denim.
REFRAMED ARCHIVES: THE ANTI-TREND MOVEMENT
Reframed Archives signals the rise of an anti-trend movement, where fashion becomes a canvas for authenticity and individuality. This evolution builds on the Low-Key Flex ethos of Spring/Summer 2025, where consumers wrestled with the pressures of capitalist excess, seeking balance in a world of overindulgence. Now, this movement fully breaks free, rejecting celebrity-driven fashion, consumerism and instant gratification in favour of personal narratives and genuine self-expression.
The denim story within Reframed Archives revolves around accessibility, comfort and relatability. Garments should invite wearers to embrace their individuality without pretense, offering versatile staples reimagined through thoughtful design. Key silhouettes include jorts paired with boots, a nostalgic yet practical combination that exudes confidence and ease. Details such as raw hems, personalised embroidery and reinterpreted brand logos infuse each piece with personality.
The essence of this trend lies in reshaping fashion’s historical narrative, with a rebellious and open-minded generation paving the way. Consumers are prioritising pieces that resonate with their values such as upcycled denim, artisanal techniques and garments with visible craftsmanship. The impact of fashion rooted in authenticity and storytelling appeals to a generation that disses mass-market sameness.
Designers like Dries van Noten and Tommy Hilfiger have already set the tone, showcasing collections that celebrate wearability without sacrificing sophistication. Denim plays a critical role in this narrative, offering a blend of timeless utility and fresh reinterpretation. From oversized jackets with patchwork details to loose-fit jeans with nostalgic washes, the possibilities for innovation are endless.
By creating collections that prioritise wearability and individuality, brands can tap into the psyche of a generation redefining fashion as a personal, meaningful experience. This trend is not just about garments— it’s about empowering people to craft their own stories, proving that the true value of fashion lies in its ability to resonate and inspire.
TERMINALLY ONLINE: WHERE NOSTALGIA MEETS THE FUTURE
This trend blurs the lines between digital influence and tangible design, reflecting an ‘anything goes’ approach to personal style. In this hyperconnected era, trends no longer emerge solely from the runway but are born and proliferated at lightning speed across social media platforms. The result is a melting pot of aesthetics where futuristic designs seamlessly coexist with nostalgic revivals.
Denim takes centre stage in this narrative, bridging past and future with boldness and edge. Mid-2000s influences resurface, with iconic low-rise jeans and skinny silhouettes making a strong comeback. These are elevated with futuristic details, such as curved seams that add an architectural element and statement washes or metallic finishes for a tech-inspired twist. Denim, under this trend, becomes a medium of self-expression that thrives on individuality and experimentation.
Terminally Online reflects the accelerating pace of the trend cycle, yet it paradoxically leans on history for inspiration. The revival of mid-2000s swag aesthetics— graphic T-shirts paired with slim denim— captures a playful and rebellious energy, offering consumers a sense of familiarity while embracing innovation. Acne Studios, with its archival explorations, provides a fitting example of how this balance can be achieved, blending nostalgic designs with contemporary relevance.
For brands and designers, this trend offers a wealth of opportunities. Think denim pieces with hyper-digital aesthetics: laser-cut patterns, iridescent coatings or QR code-inspired embroidery. Incorporating bold contrasts, like mixing glossy finishes with distressed elements, allows for designs that resonate with the digitally native audience.
The appeal of Terminally Online lies in its adaptability. It aligns with a consumer psyche that values versatility and creative freedom. By tapping into this dynamic, designers can craft collections that cater to a generation unafraid to mix, match and reinvent their wardrobes daily.
NEW NORMAL: CREATIVITY TAKES THE LEAD
The ‘New Normal’ trend celebrates a return to the art of slow fashion, where quality and craftsmanship take precedence over quantity. This movement reflects a growing consumer awareness on time, effort and creativity required to produce exceptional garments. Young designers are championing this ethos, pushing the industry to prioritise thoughtful design and personal expression over mass production.
Denim in the ‘New Normal’ embodies deconstruction and sculptural innovation, blending practicality with artistic flair. Key elements include playful volumes, layered constructions and unexpected textures. Fluffy details like brushed denim surfaces or tactile embellishments redefine the material’s traditional ruggedness. Layering, whether through asymmetrical panels or multi-tiered skirts, adds depth and dimension, creating pieces that are as visually intriguing as they are wearable.
Brands such as Sacai and Diesel exemplify this trend with their forward-thinking designs, merging avant-garde concepts with everyday functionality. Sacai’s signature deconstructed pieces and Diesel’s fearless experimentation with volume and texture set the tone for this narrative. These brands demonstrate how denim can transcend its utilitarian roots to become a medium for creative exploration.
For designers and brands, the ‘New Normal’ offers an opportunity to reconnect with a discerning audience seeking individuality and artistry. The focus is on timeless pieces that feel personal and intentional— garments that tell a story. Exploring innovative techniques such as fraying, quilting or sculptural draping allows for the reinvention of core denim styles while maintaining their practicality.
From oversized denim coats with exaggerated sleeves to trousers featuring asymmetrical layers and fluffy accents, the possibilities are endless. This trend appeals to consumers who value craftsmanship and authenticity, making it an ideal direction for brands looking to forge deeper connections with their audience.
