Gen Z still hates skinny jeans — 12 alternative denim looks

According to the younger generation, skinny jeans have been officially over for quite some time. The trend was called out on TikTok back in 2020, with videos condemning the body-hugging pants and calling for their prompt removal from all closets. In one melodramatic clip, a woman instructed her 450,000 viewers to either throw the pants away, light them on fire, or cut them up into something new. At least the last option was thrifty, right?

Besides, maybe Gen Z has a point, and it doesn’t hurt to expand our pants wardrobe a bit to keep up with the times. Since skinny jeans are constricting and many are spending work at home (at least, some of the time), the Post Wanted team has decided to try on some looser and cooler options, from wide-leg denim to mom-and-dad jeans and trendy styles from Abercrombie, Levi’s, lululemon, and more.

Below, find the best editor-tested, non-skinny Gen Z jeans and pants for men and women.

Best Non-skinny Jeans for Women

Pants that show your curves: Abercombie Curve Love High Rise 90s Relaxed Jeans

Abercrombie was around for the millennials, and now the brand has undergone a major Gez Z makeover that The Post Wanted team is here for. These 90s-style high-rise relaxed jeans feature built-in stretch for superior comfort and a slimmer fitting at the top with a wide-leg silhouette for the ultimate fit. They’re also available in more washes than we can count on our fingers.

“My oh my, what would I do without Abercrombie’s Curve Love Jeans,” supposed Commerce Reporter, Miska Salemann. “When I say these are ultra-flattering, I mean it. I feel snatched in these.”

“They hold you in, but they’re not restrictive either,” she added. “I consider them the perfect pair of jeans for those graduating from skinny jeans. The relaxed shape isn’t overly baggy, but they aren’t flat either. It’s the ideal everyday pant. You won’t be counting down the seconds until you can change into sweatpants when you’re wearing these.”

Size: 23-37 | Inseam: extra short-extra long | Material: 99% Cotton, 1% Elastane | Colors: 29

Cowgirl flare jeans: Good American Good Legs Flare Jeans

Pull out your matching cowboy boots. Gen Z is obsessed with cowboy-core, which means flared, boot-cut pants are back in — big time.

These vintage-inspired jeans from Good American are a staple piece — not just for their fun, flared legs, but also for the wonderfully flexible material that smoothes in all the right spots. They’re designed with advanced stretch recovery, so they hold their shape wear after wear. 

“Like many women, I find jean shopping frustrating and anxiety-provoking. I’m lean, but I definitely have a rear, and it’s difficult finding denim that comfortably fits my waist, butt, and thighs,” shared The Post Wanted Updates Editor, Holly J Coley. “Good American is supposed to be the brand to remedy these types of issues, so I’ve always wanted to test its denim.”

Coley was shocked by how much she loved the Good Legs Flare Jeans. She says the fitted silhouette is versatile enough to wear casually with boots or to dress up with a cami, blazer, and heels.

“They’re shy of being a tight glove fit, but around the butt and thighs? Oh.my.gawd. They really lift and snatch, which is why I’ve decided to keep them and try to break them in a bit. They sort of feel like jeggings with the material being heavy and thick (ideal jeans for falls and winters in NYC), but they’re really nice,” she shared.

Size: 00-32 plus | Inseam: 33.5″ | Material: 98.5% Organic Cotton, 1.5% Elastane | Colors: 1

Comfy barrel jeans: Bella Stretch Barrel Jeans

We love the Bella Stretch Barrel Jeans from Quince, mainly for their stretchy fabric and vintage-style wash. They offer versatile styling options, too, depending on the top and shoes you pair them with.

Barrel jeans are the perfect hybrid between wide and straight denim, so they’re perfect for those who want something that feels as comfortable as joggers, but can still substitute for work pants with the right blazer.

Size: 24-33 | Inseam: n/a | Material: 73% organic cotton, 26% lyocell tencel, 1% spandex | Colors: 2

Best Levi’s flare jeans for women: 726 High Rise Flare Women’s Jeans

Levi’s iconic 726 High-Rise Flares are designed with a slim fit from the hip to thigh, before flaring at the knee for a more dramatic look. Part of the signature ‘Lot 700’ fits, these jeans are designed to flatter all forms while providing excellent built-in recovery, without sagging or bagging.

Size: 23-34 | Inseam: 32″ | Material: 65% Cotton, 21% Viscose | Colors: 7

Gen Z low-rise jeans: Levi’s Women’s Low Pro Jeans

Gen Z loves the Levi’s Women’s Low Pro Jeans, and we understand why. They’re simple enough to dress up or down, a little edgy, made with quality denim, and not completely overpriced like some other jean brands. Most reviewers agree they fit true to size, so you can save the nightmare of try-on sessions in-store, and just order yourself a pair from Amazon.

“I have had these jeans since High School. I might have been ahead of the time, because I thought these were cooler than skinny jeans back then, and I am still loving them now. They never went out of style. The low-rise has that casual street-style look that is very in right now,” shared Salemann.”If it’s not proof enough, I’m wearing them as I write this.”

Size: 24-32 | Inseam: 31′ | Material: 100% Cotton | Colors: 10

A pair of trendy jorts: EMMIOL Women Jorts

Popular with the influencer crowd, these longer denim shorts are reminiscent of the Y2K skater boi style. Hitting just above the knee and featuring a baggier fit, they’re a far cry from the tight-fitted skinny jeans and ideal for those prioritizing comfort.

Size: XS-3XL | Inseam: n/a | Material: 60%Cotton,26% Chemical fiber,14%Viscose| Colors: 13

Best Non-Skinny Jeans for Men

Anything that’s not jeans: lululemon ABC Jogger

The lululemon ABC joggers are the ideal transitional pants for the guy who is heading from work right to the gym, and then dinner on the couch, or date night (take it from us: they can do anything)

Frank Massaro, Manager of Commerce Partnerships, owns a pair, and our Deals Writer P.J. McCormick, can’t ignore the fact that he sees them all over the place.

“In years past, millennials loved to flaunt their shape,” said McCormick. “Billie Eilish and other fashion icons have since moved the needle towards the baggy trends of the 90s, and Gen Z has taken note. However, everything comes back. Some members of Gen Z are beginning to flirt with the idea of a ‘skinny renaissance,’ and these joggers are proof!” McCormick pointed out.

Trends aside, Massaro says he likes his ABC Joggers because they are exceptionally adaptable to city life.

“Living in New York City, I am always on the go and my environments are always changing. I need clothing that can handle the transitions from Work to Central Park and date night. The ABC joggers look versatile enough to dress up or down, which feels like a style cheat code,” he explained.

Size: XS-5XL | Inseam: 28′-32′ | Material: 52% Recycled polyester, 48% Elastomultiester | Colors: 10

Straight, but not skinny jeans: Madewell The 1991 Straight-leg Jeans

Make room for Madewell in your closet. These 100% cotton, extra-slouchy jeans are a favorite among Gen Z men. They have just enough room in the hips and legs for maximum comfort all day long, and they’re not dipping on style points either. They’re handsome enough to dress up, but equally suited for casual events.

“It’s hard to talk about jeans without mentioning Madewell — specifically their 1991 Straight Leg jeans,” Personal Stylist, Kin Moy, told the Post.

“This is the perfect pant for recovering skinny jeans aficionados and a great introduction to modern pants silhouettes. Mid-rise, slim-straight leg, and a variety of options in terms of fabrics and colors.”

Moy loves the combination of rugged and refined and is certain these will be sticking around for a while.

Size: 28-40 | Inseam: 30′-34′ | Material: 98% cotton, 2% elastane. | Colors: 9

Best Levi’s flare jeans for men: Levi’s 567 Relaxed Flare Men’s Jeans

The 567 Relaxed Flare jeans flaunt a relaxed, casual fit, making them an easy, comfortable go-to for everyday work or play. They offer a wide, flare leg that delivers a touch of attitude and makes a nod to the millennial fashion sense. Made with non-stretch denim and available in a vintage light wash.

Size: 28-38 | Inseam: 30″, 32″, 34″ | Material: 100% Cotton | Colors: 2

Secretly stretchy dad jeans: Mugsy Lake Shore Jeans

You might be looking at these jeans, thinking, ‘Wait, aren’t those skinny jeans?” News flash! They are not. These are the ultimate, tried-and-tested dad jeans, which Gen Z has suddenly deemed cool again. Mugsy jeans are far from the ridged, tight-fitting skinny minis of the past. In fact, they’re not even skinny jeans at all — they’re tapered.

Our Live Experiences Reporter and dad-of-one, Matt Levy swear by his Mugsy pair for every occasion.

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“Mugsy Jeans aren’t built like your standard, stuffy pants,” said Levy, who loves his pair of Lake Shores Jeans.

“They’re stretchy, form-fitting, flattering, and likely the first thing you’ll want to pull out of your dresser every morning since they’re so damn comfortable,” he said. “In fact, these pants are so relaxed around the waist, that you might even forget you’re wearing jeans.”

Size: 28-44 | Inseam: 30′-36” | Material: 68% Cotton, 19% Rayon, 11% Polyester, 2% Spandex | Colors: 22

Colorful jeans: Bonobos Extra Stretch Travel Jeans

Gen Z is not afraid of adding some color. Fashion is a form of expression, and pants don’t have to be uniform. Bonobos offers denim in a sea of color options, from blue to red. You’ve probably already seen these work-ready and travel-friendly pants all over your #foryoupage, and even the personal stylists agree — they’re pretty solid pants.

“As much as I rail on about the Mainstream Style Zeitgeist and what silhouettes are ‘in,’ style is a personal matter,” shared Moy. “Some of my clients have been sticking to their guns and are adamant about keeping their jeans slim and their rise low. In which case, I point them to Bonobos. Their travel jeans in particular have great texture and a few elevated colorways that make them look almost like chinos.”

As for styling, that’s up to you.

“Wear them with an untucked button-down, a polo sweater, or a heavyweight tee for an effortlessly smart-casual vibe,” he suggested.

Size: 28- 46 | Inseam: 29′-36′ | Material: 94% Cotton, 4% PBT, 2% Elastane| Colors: 5

Unisex, Gen Z baggy jeans: A.P.C New Standard Jeans

For a modern, trend-forward look, consider these straight-leg pants from A.P.C.

These simple, understated unisex jeans are made with real, Japanese selvage denim and are Gen Z adored — even by some of the toughest critics like our very own Deals Reporter, P.J. McCormick. They’re on the baggier side, but not completely loosey-goosey.

“I’m not usually really a jeans guy,” noted McCormick. “Typically, I’ll go for a looser look.”

But, something about A.P.C jeans sits very well with McCormick, “I’ve been totally charmed by these jeans from A.P.C. Dark wash jeans go with everything and look as good on a hungover trudge to brunch as they did paired with a blazer the night before. Better yet: they’re incredibly comfortable. I love a pair of jeans that feel more like a set of pajama bottoms.”

Size: 24-36 | Inseam: N/A | Material: 100% Cotton | Colors: 1

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