Denim Trends For Fall 2010 and Spring/ Summer 2011

Sandeep Agarwal

Denim is Hot !During the first 6 months of 2010, denim demand soared in US and imports of jeans increased by over 16% over same period last year.

Lets have a look at denim trends in •Fabrics

•Styles and Silhouettes

•Finishing

Fabric Trends – A) Super Stretch Denim Fabrics -1

Usually in lighter ounces around 9-10oz. Traditional 10-12 oz the next weight category in demand.

Super stretch fabrics are in great demand due to popularity of styles like Jeggings.

Even men’s denim is using a lot of stretch.

Super soft touch with stretch is a great combination.

Super Stretch Denim Fabrics-2Some challenges

Problem of recovery is there sometimes in high stretches.

As stretch is increased , potential for higher shrinkage and growth is also increased.

Heavy washes and vintage finishing can cause damage to these fabrics.

Fabric Trends B) Coated Denim Fabrics

Usually dark coatings on the fabrics : 11oz -12oz Can go down to about 9oz depending on construction.

Helps to Accentuate fabric properties after finishing .

Already being used by big brands eg Guess. Getting popular in middle and lower segments too.

Fabric Trends C) Shiny looks on Denim

Shine in fabrics through achieved throughfinishing and fabric constructions

Fabric constructions could be 4/1 also topped with shiny coatings.

Premium Glossy finish being given using Polyester Tencel Lyocell , Rich Indigos etc in lighter weights.

Fabric TrendsC)Color Denim

A Rainbow of Colors and Hues .Smaller runs.

Mainly used in Women;s denimwear.

Likely to remain strong in S/S 2011

Fabric TrendsC)Color Denim -2M

ills need a lot of flexibility for this product

This trends pops up every few years.

Not likely to remain very strong for long.

Fabric TrendsD) Subtle Slubs

Slubs •Heavy Slubs are a no no ..

Slubs •Subtle slubs are in – with dark colors..

Slubs •Flat finish is important with subtle slubs

Fabric TrendsE) Color Weft YarnsW

eft in various colors

Helps darken the fabric

Brings out interesting hues after wash.

Trends in Silhouettes and Styles

Trends in Denim StylesA) Jeggings – Leggings in Denim

Hot trend in women’s denim. Extension of Skinny jeans trend.

Very tight fits . Need very soft and super stretch fabrics which have good recovery.

Even indigo dyed knits fabrics and pseudo denim fabrics are used for Jeggings.

Trends in Denim StylesA) Jeggings -2

Lighter ounces with tighter construction fabrics. Normally around 9oz

Dark Indigos and Blacks are preferred colors for Fall. Almost all top denim brands have introduced Jeggings.

Denim Mills will need to innovate to bring more fabrics to support this trend.

Trends in Denim StylesB) Mens’ Skinny Jeans

Surprising trend in Men’s Jeans. However,

not expected to last long.

Tight but lot looser in crotch and waist.

Celebrities like Justin Timberlake, Kanye West, Zac Efron 

endorse the trend

Trends in Denim StylesC) Double DenimM

eans wearing top and bottom articles of denim only.

Difficult to carry off and needs a good mix of colors , washes , weights and styles.

Can be seen on catwalks by brands like Ralph Lauren. Supported by celebrities like David Beckham

Trends in Denim StylesD) Denim Trousers

Trouser looks in

denim esp for Women.

Good for work and

then party!

Will need clean

looking fabrics with flat finishes.

Trends in Denim Finishing

And Washing

Trends in Washing & FinishingA)Vintage Looks Taken Forward

Vintage going to remain strong for next couple of seasons – may get subtle

Staining, grease and paint marks adding authenticity

Uneven tearing at knee, back pockets and coin pocket

Dusty and Dirty looks , laser whiskers

Trends in Finishing and WashingA) Patchwork and Repair

Patchwork was popular in 60s

Came back after celebrities like Cameroon Diaz , Nicole Ritchie endorsed it.

Patches can be used on the exterior or the interior of the garment. Hand repaired or even laser used.

Mix colors, types of fabrics to get interesting Combinations. Gives strength to jeans.

Trends in Washing and FinishingB) Panelled Denim

Mixing panels different fabrics together in a denim garment.

The other fabric could be denim or even knitted fabrics

Is like an extension of Patchwork trend.

Stability of the garment will be the most imp. when mixing other fabrics with denim.

Trends in Finishing & WashingC) Acid washes

Return to the 80s trend of acid washes. However, now more sophisticaed looks than 80s

The trend has been going strong since last year .

Both blue and black colors are being used

Combines well with tie- dye meth0d of washing

Trends in Washing & FinishingD) 3D Resin Finish

Permanent 3D whiskers or other effects on the garments.

Dark resin wash and subtle 3D looks on various parts. Mix laser finish.

Laundries finding it difficult to fulfilDemand for resin finish.

There is no end to innovation in denim – whether related to production, styling or finishing.

Leon Keyworth – a designer from London – is experimenting with boiling denim with vegetables to get interesting looks !

While he may or may not succeed , it goes on to show that denim is the “ MOST INNOVATIVE FABRIC EVER”And we can safely say that ‘innovation is the key trend in Denim’ …..

Check out our site for more trends in denim or simply subscribe FREE to get our denim newsletter.

THANKS