Top Denim Moments of the 1990's (2024)

Light wash, oversized, double denim, even triple denim... The 90s thew denim into the forefront of our wardrobe with our favourite stars and fashion icons owning the look. This got us remembering some of our favourite 90s looks and inspired us to take a look at some of the countless, unique denim items we have at Beyond Retro, so we've narrowed it down a few of our favourite denim looks of the 1990s.

Double Denim

The story of four Edinburgh heroin addicts remains a classic and has had us feeling nostalgic of one of the greatest 90s trends of all time, Double Denim. Back in 96, before the high street clocked back onto drainpipe jeans and washed out denim jackets, Ewan Mcgregor’s character Mark, made heroin chic a thing.

Top Denim Moments of the 1990's (1)

The 'Mom' Jean

The mom jeans in the light wash denim was a classic laid back look worn best by supermodels such as Kate Moss. The original Levi 501 still remains a wardrobe staple!

Top Denim Moments of the 1990's (2)

Oversize Denim Jackets

Denim jackets were everywhere in the 90s, worn oversized and usually teamed with even more denim, they add a fresh sense of youthfulness to a look. A look that reminds us of our favourite 90s sweethearts who wore them oh so well. From Leonardo Dicaprio in Basketball Diaries to a fresh-faced Drew Barrymore and Winona Ryder, they knew how to rock the denim jacket.

Top Denim Moments of the 1990's (3)

Denim Dungarees

Another way 90s denim made a statement was with the full dungaree, probably rocked best by Rachel Green from friends and the coolest of girl bands, TLC, dungarees are a 90s denim staple which is hard to forget and will most certainly not be forgotten by us anytime soon.

Top Denim Moments of the 1990's (4)


Reminiscing on 90s denim has got us remembering its timeless stylistic quality. Whether its worn with polo shirts and bomber jackets like our favourite Edinburgh boys in Trainspotting or doubled up like the superstars of that day and age, it works and it can work now too.

There's so much denim out there to be re-owned, reworked and mixed up to fit your own unique style and with all this 90s nostalgia in the air now may be the perfect time to test it out and try some DIY on your new-to-you denim pieces.

Delve deeper into denim, and check out our full edit on the history of denim!

Words: Bethany Powers

January 25, 2017—Alana Doyle

As a seasoned fashion enthusiast with a deep understanding of denim trends and the cultural impact of 90s fashion, my extensive knowledge in this domain is evident through years of following fashion history, studying iconic looks, and staying abreast of current trends. From the resurgence of vintage denim to the nuances of styling, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise to this discussion.

Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about 90s denim trends:

  1. Double Denim:

    • Context: The article mentions the resurgence of the Double Denim trend, attributing its popularity to the iconic portrayal by Ewan McGregor's character Mark in a 1996 film about four Edinburgh heroin addicts.
    • My Insight: Double Denim, a quintessential 90s trend, involves pairing denim jeans with a denim jacket or shirt. This bold style gained prominence in the 90s, creating a lasting impact on fashion.
  2. The 'Mom' Jean:

    • Context: Describing the mom jeans in light wash denim as a classic laid-back look worn by supermodels like Kate Moss.
    • My Insight: Mom jeans, characterized by a high waist and loose fit, were indeed a defining style in the 90s. Kate Moss and other supermodels contributed to popularizing this comfortable yet stylish denim choice.
  3. Oversize Denim Jackets:

    • Context: The article highlights the prevalence of oversized denim jackets in the 90s, often paired with more denim for a youthful look.
    • My Insight: Oversize denim jackets were a staple in 90s fashion, worn by celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, Drew Barrymore, and Winona Ryder. The jacket added a fresh and casual vibe to various outfits.
  4. Denim Dungarees:

    • Context: The article mentions how denim dungarees made a statement in the 90s, rocked best by Rachel Green from "Friends" and girl bands like TLC.
    • My Insight: Denim dungarees were a signature 90s look, embraced by both celebrities and music icons. The mention of Rachel Green and TLC emphasizes the versatility and widespread appeal of this denim style.
  5. Nostalgia and Stylistic Quality:

    • Context: The article reflects on the timeless stylistic quality of 90s denim, suggesting that the fashion trends from that era continue to inspire and remain relevant.
    • My Insight: The enduring appeal of 90s denim lies in its ability to evoke nostalgia while remaining adaptable to contemporary styles. The article encourages readers to embrace this vintage aesthetic and experiment with DIY approaches to make it their own.

In conclusion, the 90s denim trends discussed in the article showcase a rich tapestry of styles ranging from Double Denim to Mom Jeans, Oversize Denim Jackets, and Denim Dungarees. This era left an indelible mark on fashion, influencing how denim is perceived and worn to this day.

Top Denim Moments of the 1990's (2024)
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