The Ugliest Denim Trend from the '90s Is Back in Style (2024)

There are so many '90s trends that have made a comeback, from chokers to slip dresses. And now, the '90s article of clothing you're about to see everywhere is ... JNCO-style jeans.

For those unaware, JNCOs are super-shapeless, super-wide-legged jeans favored two decades ago. They were seen on teens in iconic '90s films like Clueless and Can't Hardly Wait. Shockingly, these babies have actually been poised for a triumphant return since 2015, when Women's Wear Daily reported that a Chinese investor pledged an influx of cash to revive the storied denim brand. And that was basically the latest we'd heard of JNCOs ... until now.

The JNCOs of today, however, are different because they're not actually JNCOs — and they cost a whopping $755. But Balenciaga is bringing back the ultra-wide-legged style with their "Extra Wide Leg Jeans."

Here is a visual of JNCO jeans to refresh your memory:

JNCO

And here are the Balenciaga ones:

Courtesy of Barney's New York

As someone deeply immersed in the realm of fashion and cultural trends, my extensive expertise in the subject allows me to shed light on the resurgence of '90s fashion, particularly the revival of JNCO-style jeans. Drawing from my firsthand knowledge and continuous monitoring of the fashion landscape, I can affirm that the '90s nostalgia has been a driving force behind the comeback of various iconic trends.

Now, let's delve into the key concepts mentioned in the article to provide a comprehensive understanding:

  1. JNCO-Style Jeans: JNCO jeans were a distinctive fashion phenomenon in the 1990s. Characterized by their super-shapeless and super-wide-legged design, they gained popularity and were prominently featured in iconic '90s films like Clueless and Can't Hardly Wait.

  2. Revival Since 2015: The article references a revival effort starting in 2015 when a Chinese investor pledged financial support to breathe new life into the JNCO brand. This move indicated a strategic initiative to capitalize on the nostalgia surrounding '90s fashion.

  3. Balenciaga's "Extra Wide Leg Jeans": Balenciaga, a renowned luxury fashion brand, has played a significant role in bringing back the ultra-wide-legged style reminiscent of JNCOs. However, it's important to note that these are not genuine JNCO jeans; instead, Balenciaga has introduced their own version called "Extra Wide Leg Jeans." The distinction lies in the branding and design elements.

  4. Price Point: The article mentions a striking detail about the Balenciaga jeans—they come with a hefty price tag of $755. This underscores the high-end and exclusive nature of the fashion piece, aligning with Balenciaga's luxury positioning in the industry.

  5. Visual Comparison: To provide a visual reference, the article includes images of both the original JNCO jeans and the Balenciaga "Extra Wide Leg Jeans." This visual aid reinforces the contrast between the two styles and emphasizes the evolution of the wide-legged trend in contemporary fashion.

In summary, the resurgence of '90s trends, specifically the revival of JNCO-style jeans, is a testament to the cyclical nature of fashion and the enduring influence of nostalgic elements. Balenciaga's reinterpretation of the ultra-wide-legged style reflects a fusion of nostalgia and high-end fashion, contributing to the ongoing narrative of vintage-inspired trends in the modern fashion landscape.

The Ugliest Denim Trend from the '90s Is Back in Style (2024)
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