The Trendiest Denim Shades For 2025 (& The Ones That Are Outdated)

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We already know 2025's outdated ultra-high waisted denim has been replaced by lower rise jeans, while wide-legged jeans are a huge denim trend we're seeing everywhere. But what colors should we be wearing? With Technavio estimating the global jean market will grow by a massive $26.61 billion between 2025 and 2029, and with more Americans turning to denim brands manufactured in America amid tariff threats and rising prices, it's important we get our shades right to stay trendy for as long as possible.

To find out the hottest hues for the year, we spoke to Tina Loyd, CEO and owner of Terry Costa, and Donna West, vice president and buyer at Londo Mondo. The fashion experts gave us the lowdown on the color trends you want to be seen in (plus the outdated ones you don't), sewing up some good news for dark denim lovers.

Two of the trendiest denim shades for 2025 are mid-wash blues and deep indigos. Mid-wash garments are hot because they're so versatile (making them ideal for those on the go) and can easily be paired with so many other colors. "They effortlessly complement warm neutrals like camel, rust, and ivory," Tina Lloyd said. So try jeans with a neutral t-shirt for a classic look, or a denim jacket with linin pants.

As for deep indigo denim pieces, Lloyd recommended reaching for darker blue garments if you want your outfit to have an air of sophistication. "[Deep indigo pieces] could easily dress up a casual look for Friday office wear with a crisp button-down," she said. LookbookStore's Short Sleeve Button Down Flowy Tiered Babydoll Denim Dress in A4 Twilight Blue will hit the deep indigo trend, while Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans in Dial Up The Music from Levi's work for the mid-wash look.

As expected with the return of mid-wash blues and deep indigo denim, bleached, super light garments are best avoided in 2025. "The fashion world has, in its evolution, long left those kinds of washes behind due to their very dated look, armed with an appetite for cleaner aesthetics with diversified looks that consumers are actually loving," Tina Lloyd explained. "With that goes their desire for timeless things that can take them through the seasons."

However, if you really love the light denim look, there is a way to incorporate the vibe into your 2025 outfits and still be on trend. Donna West confirmed two-tone denim is popular, so to keep the look in your modern wardrobe, try pieces like BLANKNYC's Luxury Clothing Denim Trucker Jacket in Patch It Together or the Lainey Wilson Patchwork Blazer from Wrangler to get the best of both worlds. You could even add your own patches to your favorite denim piece to get in on the customization trend that was previously outdated, but is back with a vengeance in 2025. Just remember to keep the rest of your outfit simple when styling two-tone denim, or your look can be too busy. "[Pair it with] a solid colored top and pair with a crisp white sneaker," West recommended.

Slightly faded black denim is another hot denim hue for the year, bringing some edge to our wardrobes. "Washed, black denim carries that comfortable cool, slightly edgy vibe," Tina Lloyd told us. "[It] pairs beautifully with monochrome or muted palettes; think charcoal, sage, or even dusty pink ... To keep these washes feeling trendy, go with clean silhouettes, very minimal distressing, and layer up with textures such as chunky knits, tailored outerwear, or structured blazers," she added. Donna West also championed dark hues for the year. "[They] are very fresh this season and add a touch of sophistication to an outfit. Dark washes pair well with an oversized blazer and heels," she said.

But ensure you keep your black denim matte. Though there's a strong temptation to dress up the dark shade with a shiny finish, that's not the way to go. At least not this year. "Excessive distressing or shine diminishes their staying power," Lloyd explained. Dokotoo's Oversized Denim Jacket in Black or the Allegra K Summer Casual A-Line Short Button Down Jean Skirt in Black fit the on-trend aesthetic. You could even try the trend via a versatile bag, such as the Washed Black Casual Washed Denim Shoulder Bag from YeFine.

Bold color denim pieces, including neon, became officially outdated in 2024, and that's continued in 2025. So push your bright pink, deep green, and sunny orange denim jackets to the back of your closet for now.

The reason we're seeing saturated pinks in particular take a back seat is because the Barbiecore trend that dominated 2023, popping up in everything from jackets to skirts, is finally saying, "Bye, Barbie!" When breaking down the hottest fashion trends of spring 2025, fashion stylist and lifestyle expert Joseph Katz exclusively told WOMEN that earthy hues have replaced the fun and feminine shade, bringing a little more elegance to our 'fits.

Instead of turning up the saturation on your denim shade in 2025, you'll be more on trend if you turn that dial down. Donna West told us neutral denim shades are popular, with olive and ecru shades taking a front seat. Allimy's Mid Rise Barrel Leg Vintage Jeans in Olive Green feature the trendy barrel-leg to put you super on-trend, or The Drop Rowan Flared Denim Short in Ecru could work on hotter days.

It can be tough to know how to style this modern take on colored denim, so West recommended wearing the shade via jeans with a trench coat or cropped trench jacket. "[Add] a soft print silk scarf around your neck or tied to your tote bag," she added. The colors also pair well as jeans styled with a classic, white, button-down shirt or a denim jacket over a white, linen shirt dress.