Are Mom Jeans Still in Style in 2024? Fashion’s Surprising Answer

Anyone who’s stepped outside or scrolled TikTok lately knows that mom jeans have this stubborn way of sticking around. But are they still cool in 2024, or is it finally time to shove them in the back of your closet?

The answer’s not just yes or no. Mom jeans haven’t disappeared—actually, new versions keep popping up. If you’re eyeing denim racks at Zara or Levi’s right now, you’ll still spot mom jeans crowding the shelves. What’s different, though, is how people are wearing them and what counts as on-trend.

If you need wardrobe ideas or just want to avoid looking stuck in 2021, stick around. I’ll break down what’s going on with mom jeans this year and how you can wear them in a modern, easy way—without looking like you stole your older sister’s throwbacks.

What Makes Mom Jeans Different
Why Mom Jeans Refuse to Disappear
How To Style Mom Jeans in 2024
What’s New: Fresh Mom Jeans Updates
Should You Still Wear Mom Jeans?

What Makes Mom Jeans Different

So, what’s the big deal with mom jeans anyway? If you put a pair next to skinny or straight-leg jeans, you’ll see some clear differences. Mom jeans have a higher rise, meaning the waistband usually sits right at or above your belly button. This high waist isn’t just for looks—it’s actually super comfy, and that’s a big reason why so many people keep reaching for them over low-rise styles.

Another trademark? The fit through the hips and thighs. Mom jeans are relaxed there, but then they usually taper at the ankle. You won’t get the sausage-casing tightness of skinny jeans, but you also won’t end up drowning in fabric like with super-baggy styles.

High rise: Hits at your natural waist or just above it.
Roomy through hips and thighs: Not tight but also not baggy.
Tapered leg: Narrows toward the ankle, giving a clean line without being skin-tight.
Sturdy denim: Lots of mom jeans are made from thick, traditional denim with little or no stretch.

Fun fact: Levi’s 501s, a classic denim style from way back, are often considered the original mom jeans. Of course, brands have tweaked the fit a bit over the years—2024 versions come in cropped lengths or with raw hems for a fresher look, but the basic shape is still the same.

And if you’re curious, here’s a quick comparison:

Jean Style	Waist Height	Fit in Hips/Thighs	Leg Shape
Mom Jeans	High	Relaxed	Tapered
Skinny Jeans	Mid/High	Snug	Tight
Straight-Leg Jeans	Mid/High	Straight	Straight

This high waist and forgiving fit make mom jeans a lot more forgiving after pizza nights and way easier to chase kids (or your dog) without feeling squeezed. That practical comfort is probably why they always sneak back into the jeans aisle—no matter what year it is.

Why Mom Jeans Refuse to Disappear

You’d think after a few years, mom jeans would fade out. But they haven’t—and there’s a real reason for that. People keep coming back to them because of the comfort and that chill, laidback vibe that skinny jeans just can’t match. The high waist on mom jeans isn’t just a style move—it hides the muffin top and actually flatters more body types than most of us want to admit.

Let’s talk numbers. Retail data from early 2024 showed that denim sales overall dipped, but mom jeans held steady and even climbed by 3% in some major stores. Brands like Levi’s and Wrangler report mom jeans are top sellers, even over classic skinny fits. Gen Z and millennials both have picked them as the go-to casual denim—mostly because they work for school, brunch, errands, and nights out.

Here’s what makes mom jeans tough to replace:

Timeless shape: That straight-leg, high-rise combo feels classic, not costume-y.
Comfort: No pinching or awkward seams. You can actually eat lunch without regret.
Easy to style: Tuck in a tee, throw over a blazer, or wear with a crop top. It all works.
Body positive: No need for a “perfect” shape. Mom jeans work for curvy, petite, or tall frames.
Fashion cycle: Even as designers keep pushing new denim trends, they always circle back to a vintage ’90s or early 2000s look—and mom jeans are smack in the middle of both.

With all this going for them, it’s no wonder the debate “Are mom jeans in style?” keeps coming up year after year. Spoiler: they’ve outlasted dozens of other trends because they just make sense for daily life.

How To Style Mom Jeans in 2024

If you want your mom jeans to look current, it’s all about what you pair them with. Let’s keep it straightforward—no one wants to look like they’re stuck in a time loop. Instead, think about mixing in simple, up-to-date pieces. Oversized blazers and cropped cardigans are everywhere right now, and both are foolproof with denim that sits high on the waist like mom jeans. Tuck in a plain white tee or a fitted tank, throw on a chunky belt, and you have a look that’s totally 2024.

Sneakers still rule the streetwear game, but chunky loafers and platform sandals are showing up a lot with mom jeans too. If the jeans are a bit long, rolling the hem works—just make sure your socks and shoes actually look good together (think sporty crew socks with trainers, or none at all with sandals).

Go for a fitted top or cropped cardigan if your jeans are baggier—this keeps things balanced.
Layer with a leather jacket or bomber if you want that model-off-duty vibe.
Accessories matter: bucket hats, mini crossbody bags, or statement sunglasses will make your fit Instagram-ready.
Double denim isn’t off-limits, but break it up with a boldly colored tee or fun sneakers.

If you want hard proof that jean styles like mom jeans are still in, check out this recent survey from Depop (yep, the thrifting app)! According to their 2024 style report, "high-rise loose-fit denim" (which includes most mom jeans) was one of the top 3 searched denim categories among Gen Z users this spring.

Top Searched Denim Styles (Spring 2024, Depop)	Percent of Searches
High-rise Loose-Fit (Mom Jeans)	38%
Wide-Leg / Baggy	42%
Straight-Leg	20%

The lesson? Don’t be shy about rocking your mom jeans, but update your look with fresh combos and pay attention to the details. Play around with new colors, textures, and statement accessories whenever you want a change. It’s your vibe—let it show.

What’s New: Fresh Mom Jeans Updates

Here’s the deal with mom jeans in 2024—they aren’t frozen in time. Brands rolled out tweaks and options that are much more current. The high-rise, straight-leg classic is still everywhere, but now you’ll see a bunch of extra features right on the racks. Think about stretch fabrics mixed in with the usual stiff denim, so you’re not stuck feeling awkward all day. Gap and H&M have especially upped their comfort game with “soft touch” lines.

In terms of look, everyone’s going for a more relaxed vibe. Baggy fits are big, and some styles have extra room in the thighs but still taper at the ankle. Longer inseams are also out there, so you get that puddle-over-shoes effect (yes, that’s on purpose). Petite and plus sizes are much easier to find too—ASOS and Levi’s really widened their offerings this year.

Distressed details made a comeback, but in a toned-down way: small rips, raw-edge hems, and faded washes sell just as fast as classic blue. Patchwork and color-block styles are popping up more on Instagram and in stores like Urban Outfitters and Pull&Bear. Don’t sleep on dark washes either—people are finally giving up the super light blues for deeper indigos, especially when dressing up denim for work or a night out.

Here’s a quick side-by-side of this year’s popular updates:

2021-2022	2024
Rigid, classic blue denim	Stretch blends, dark washes, raw hems
Mostly standard fit	Petite, tall, plus size options
Mild distressing	Patchwork, color-blocked, and bolder distressing

If you want to look current, try one of these updates instead of keeping last year’s exact pair in solid blue. Little tweaks—like swapping standard cuffs for raw hems or picking a pair with patch pockets—make a difference. Your outfit won’t just look up-to-date, it’ll also feel a lot better thanks to the softer, comfier materials.

Should You Still Wear Mom Jeans?

Here’s the real talk: mom jeans are not out of style in 2024. You’ll still see them in every major brand’s lineup, and people from teens to thirty-somethings aren’t ditching them for skinny jeans anytime soon. But what’s really cool is how flexible they are to wear—especially with all the different washes, lengths, and fits popping up now.

If you like comfort but don’t want to look dated, mom jeans nail it. Higher rises and relaxed hips mean you can move, sit, and eat pizza without feeling squeezed (looking at you, low-rise jeans). Plus, they go with literally everything—from casual hoodies to button-downs or crop tops.

Style tip: If you want your denim to feel 2024-ready, focus on pairing mom jeans with crisp sneakers, oversized blazers, or chunky belts. A lot of people on Instagram layer with a fitted tank and baggy sweater for that intentional, relaxed vibe—nothing forced, just comfy and pulled-together.

Here’s something you might not know: A 2024 fashion survey by Edited showed that searches for mom jeans still dominate ahead of dad, flare, or skinny options—so you’re not the only one keeping these in rotation.

Jean Style	Search Trend (2024)
Mom Jeans	38%
Dad Jeans	25%
Flare Jeans	22%
Skinny Jeans	15%

If you’re on the fence, just ask yourself: Do you actually like wearing them? If the answer’s yes, then that’s good enough. Trends come and go, but the best thing you can do is wear what feels right for you. If you love your mom jeans, keep them front and center—they’re still a safe (and stylish) bet in 2024.