2018: The year in denim - watch out for jogger jeans, over-washed indigos

By Rishi Vasudev

From the time denim was introduced in India in 1986, the industry has evolved continuously, witnessing a healthy positive growth especially in the past decade. Denim has been a preferred choice of clothing in the Indian market.

The fashion-forward man has ditched the classic blue jeans and is now opting for coloured denims. White jeans picked up as a trend in 2017: with 8 per cent of all denim sales coming from non-standard colours, led by white. Colours like red, dark green, mustard and unique shades of blue are gaining traction.


Denim is considered the most versatile fabric for men with multiple applications over casual wear, work wear and everyday wear. Till a few years ago, denim was popular only in the urban cities, however, it has now gradually become popular in the semi-urban and rural markets as well.

(Image: Instagram/kourtneykardash)

Gone are the days when men were all about the relaxed fit, boot cut jeans and pleated khakis. The modern man is more fashionable than ever and is now looking for trendy styles like ripped jeans and slim fits.

Trends like these contributed to over 75 per cent of all sales in 2017. Delhi was followed by other metro cities when it came to the most fashion-forward men.

Among women, the boyfriend jeans gained traction in 2017 while skinny and slim fits remained an overall favourite.

Looking Ahead

2018 will see denim styles and silhouettes being revived, in both the domestic and international market.

The New Year will see men experiment and voice their sense of style with unique looks.

Jogger jeans and pants for men are an upcoming trend that is on the rise in 2018. Flipkart has registered a growing adaptation and demand of this style in both metros and non-metro cities.

Jogger jeans. (Image: Flipkart.com)

This year, jeans will go back to their roots, offering classic silhouettes and over-washed indigo dyes for a timeworn vintage appeal.

Skinny jeans for men from the rock and roll era of Elvis Presley, Rolling Stones, and The Beatles will make a comeback.

Denim will continue to dominate the jackets, shorts and dresses categories too.

Denim jackets were huge in 2017 and will continue to rule this year.

Embroidered and embellished denim in another trend picking up for women and is popular across the country. The growing awareness and an increasing affinity for global fashion has affected people's sartorial choices.

One style that is quickly gaining popularity is jeans with exposed stitching. The distressed look is here to stay and men are going beyond the casual blue to opt for colours like mustard, red, and green.

Laser techniques, offering a fresh take on surface design, are being used to create prints and embossed patterns, distressed effects and intricate cutwork on a variety of jeans.

Another trend that will carry forward from 2017 is the denim-on-denim look.

- The author is the Head of Flipkart Fashion.

* Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of www.economictimes.com.