Models Nikki McGuire and Brennan Aldred show off good denim jeans from luxury brands styled by Celia Azoulay in images by Laurie Bartley [IG] for ELLE France[IG], out today October 10, 2025. / Makeup by Emilie Green; hair by Stephanie Farouze

Growth in Denim Sector

Denim brand Levi Strauss raised its 2025 forecast this week, buoyed by strong online sales with a 16% revenue increase and strong consumer demand for wide-leg denims in Europe and the Americas.

The good news is being largely ‘eaten up’ by Trump’s tariffs, as Levi management searches for the best balance between consumer price increases and protecting profits for shareholders.

Sustainable, Ethical Practices

The Global Premium Denim Jeans market was valued at USD 9.80 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to USD 12.67 billion by 2030 with a CAGR [compound annual growth rate] of 4.43% during the forecast period.

Multiple sources agree that sustainability is a strong component in increased luxury denim demand. The umbrella of sustainable and ethical business practices today includes treatment of workers.

With Italy manufacturing much of luxury brand denim, the challenge of monitoring subcontractors is key. Tod’s is the latest brand to go under the court’s hammer this week for failing to adequately monitor subcontractors in its business.

Denim Styling

While long and slouchy styling predominates today, AOC assumes the Ozympic effect will also influence denim styling with luxury customers generally wearing smaller sizes and having disposable income to slim down further, even if their insurance doesn’t cover drug costs.

WhoWhatWear writes that French women prefer mid-rise and high-rise jeans that aren’t ‘distressed’ but ‘yes’ on frayed hems. Levi’s 501s rigid denim that is comfortable is a perfect example of denim desirability.