FASHION
THE DENIM DROP: YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE
By Flo Bellinger, 5 September 2025
BAGGY
The favoured jean of the moment can shift on a dime, but baggy denim has topped the style charts for several years now, thanks to a relaxed fit that tones down even the most elevated ensembles. With a range of quality options from firm favourite brands like Mango and Tommy Jeans, there’s plenty to kick-start your collection. The loose fit lends itself to a more cinched top half (like a tucked-in white shirt or tank), but you really can’t go wrong with an oversized look. So have fun by customising the little details – a low or high waist, cropped leg or upturned hem – to make this wardrobe staple your own.
OUR TOP PICKS:
Mango cotton oversized barrel leg jean in medium blue, £59.99
COLLUSION antifit mid rise jean in mid blue, £27.99
ASOS DESIGN high waist wide leg jeans in vintage wash, £38
COLLUSION wide leg mid rise jean in green wash, coming soon
CURVE
Denim’s durability can be unforgiving when it comes to the fit. But thankfully, the days of lacklustre sizing are behind us. Brands like Good American have revolutionised what was previously an exclusive clothing category by rolling out diverse fits and shapes for every kind of body, so finding your perfect pair is becoming easier each year. ASOS DESIGN offers a range of jeans in classic blue washes, cropped lengths and various shapes depending on your preference. But if you’re stumped, we’d suggest starting with a classic straight-leg in a timeless mid-blue.
OUR TOP PICKS:
ASOS DESIGN Curve ankle grazer barrel jeans with cinch waist in midwash, £36
COLLUSION X001 Plus antifit jeans in washed black, £29.99
Good American good 90s cropped relaxed jeans in mid blue, £147
ASOS DESIGN Curve slim fit comfort jeans in mid blue, £24
FLARE
If you fancy adding some flare to your wardrobe, bootcut jeans are making a comeback. Imbued with plenty of 70s energy, this fun silhouette is endlessly flattering and surprisingly versatile. Pair with heels to elongate the leg or opt for boots and a cropped tee for a look that leans heavily into Western territory. A black wash is a great way to tone down the more structured style, while a low-cut waist and light-wash denim will inject some vintage vibes into your roster.
OUR TOP PICKS:
ASOS DESIGN power stretch sculpt flare jeans in black, £38
ASOS DESIGN relaxed flare jean in mid blue, £36
Weekday low waist flare jeans in streaky blue wash, £57
Pull&Bear low rise flare jean in white, £27.99
SKINNY
Ask anyone born in the 90s and we’re certain they’ll have owned a pair of skinny jeans. From Topshop’s iconic Joni and Jamie styles (welcome back, btw), to spray-on silhouettes, this infamous shape has returned to recent runways with a vengeance. However tight you dare to wear, skinny jeans are the perfect companion to a loose-fitting top – from basic white tees to oversized blazers and shirts. Minimal footwear is a nice way to finish your look (think strappy sandals or trending ballet flats to step into transitional season).
OUR TOP PICKS:
ASOS DESIGN ultimate skinny jean in mid blue, £26
Miss Selfridge Petite skinny jean in mid blue wash, £23
Good American always fits good legs skinny jeans in mid wash blue, £158
Levi's 710 super skinny jeans in washed black, £70
BARREL
Compared with more classic styles like the baggy and skinny, barrel jeans have only become a wardrobe staple in recent years. But it’s easy to see why this alt silhouette is so popular. The wide-leg is balanced with a tapered hem that feels more structured than your average baggy denim – creating a curved effect you can complement with a cropped boxy tee or jacket. Opt for more structured pieces to pair with this style and consider slipping into a loafer or low-profile trainer to finish things off.
OUR TOP PICKS:
Levi's baggy dad barrel jeans in black, £100
ASOS DESIGN high waisted barrel jean in pale vintage wash, £38
Mango cotton oversized barrel leg jean in medium blue, £59.99
ARKET Amber barrel leg jeans in clean rich blue wash, £97
STRAIGHT
Pictures: ASOS
Perhaps the most versatile jean of all, the straight-leg is always worth having on hand. Low or high-waisted, cropped or bright-toned, these classics suit all sizes and styles because they’re undeniably simple. If you really want to take things back to basics, a straight-leg jean in a mid-blue wash will never let you down (whether you pair it with a white tee, blazer and chunky trainers, or heels and a structured shirt).
OUR TOP PICKS:
ASOS DESIGN wide leg dad jeans in washed black, £30
Hollister high rise baggy jeans in black wash, £39.95
ASOS DESIGN 90s straight jeans in lightwash with rips, coming soon
Miss Selfridge straight leg jean in dirty wash, coming soon
