Denim’s clock is ticking toward slim: cigarette jeans rise as baggy silhouettes wind down
Denim trends often feel like a giant clock, with baggy jeans on one side and skinny styles on the other. Today, the hand points past baggy o’clock and toward skinny o’clock, signaling a moment to invest in a more streamlined, slim-fit pair. The classic cigarette jean—the cylindrical silhouette beloved by Dakota Johnson—exemplifies this shift, as the actress has worn them from the streets of New York to the airports of Los Angeles across seasons. It’s not just a personal preference; the look is gaining traction among the street style set.
Cigarette jeans sit between the ultra-skinny and the loose-cut, delivering a refined shape that readers describe as timeless rather than trend-driven. They pair well with everything from knee-high boots to loafers and chunky sneakers, making them a versatile choice for year-round wear. The appeal isn’t limited to Johnson; a growing roster of fashion insiders and fans are embracing this more understated, minimalist aesthetic.
Runway and street style signals align with this turn toward slimmer silhouettes. Recent autumn/winter 2025 collections from Diesel and Dsquared2 have showcased slouchy-skinny options, while Loewe’s spring/summer 2025 lineup featured drainpipes. In the public eye, a number of celebrities have favored tighter straight-leg or slimmer fits this year, reinforcing the shift away from baggy silhouettes.
So, the era of the oversized denim might be drawing to a close, replaced by a chic, timeless slim-fit. Dakota Johnson’s go-to cigarette jean serves as a clear illustration of this trend’s momentum, blending classicism with modern versatility.
Additional notes for readers:
– Styling tips: pair cigarette jeans with knee-high boots and a tailored coat for a minimal, polished look; or with chunky sneakers and a structured jacket for a contemporary, street-ready vibe.
– Rise considerations: the traditional “two-clock” approach to denim—low rise versus high rise—remains, but slim fits often pair well with mid-to-high rises for a balanced silhouette.
Overall, the trend suggests a preference for versatility and timelessness in denim, moving away from the looser cuts toward a silhouette that feels both nostalgic and modern. If you’re weighing a denim upgrade, a cigarette/slim-fit jean offers a practical, stylish option that aligns with current fashion cues.