Why Everyone Will Be Wearing Indigo Denim in 2025
Smart, sharp and sophisticated, deep-blue denim is both an off-duty staple and an effortless after-dark option, too, says GRACE COOK
Denim is a mainstay in closets no matter the season. So enduring is its appeal, and so recurrent is its relevance, that denim trends tend to focus on the silhouette – gentle tweaks in fit that keep every denim collection current. But that all changed this season. For 2025, denim comes with an aesthetic jolt that renders it all anew. This everyday essential feels completely revamped and reimagined when proposed in a rich indigo dye – it looks striking and feels almost daring, after several seasons of wearing classic pale blue hues on repeat.
Deep, richly dark, and deliciously wearable, indigo denim is perfect for the winter months. With its inky, midnight hue, it elevates this everyday workwear textile into a polished proposition for work and the weekend. It’s a refreshing switch-up from black denim, which has long been the easy solution for after-dark looks. In contrast, indigo is unexpected and, crucially, is also warmer on the eye than classic black – it’s a subtle statement that can turn an understated outfit into one that exudes contemporary cool. These deep blue hues, proffered by brands from Citizens of Humanity and Agolde to Bottega Veneta and Toteme, feel undeniably chic.
Naturally, one of the most notable ways to step out in this all-new denim is to wear it from head to toe. The Canadian tuxedo has been a fashion favorite for a while, which only ramped up last year thanks to Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album and the aesthetic boom in Western style. But in this season’s indigo, double denim feels more refined. It’s less casual and outdoorsy, and more effortlessly office-worthy. Vests feel smart and sexy, while button-up shirts in boxy styles offer a cooler take on the classic blazer co-ord. Frame and Agolde each offer the perfect version, with patch front pockets finished with contrast gold stitching. Pair with wide-leg jeans from Citizens of Humanity or Slvrlake – the latter’s waist-tie ribbon style from our NET SUSTAIN edit brings an elegant twist to classic belt loops. For extra layers, style the shirts undone and pair with a heavyweight cotton T-shirt in black.
Looking to triple it? Shrug on Loewe’s denim jacket, finished with a leather-trimmed monogrammed patch. With tie-ribbon sides, this is anything but your average utilitarian jacket. It’s ideally matched with tailored silhouettes from Bottega Veneta or Another Tomorrow (a highlight from our NET SUSTAIN edit and crafted using organic cotton), which balance out the gently oversized silhouette.
The vast majority of indigo dye is made from petroleum-based dyes, which have an environmental impact. But there is a better method. The Citizens of Humanity group, which includes Citizens of Humanity and Agolde, is leading the charge on more mindful indigo-dye producing techniques. In partnership with French biotech company Pili and denim mill Orta, the group has rolled out a groundbreaking ‘Eco Indigo’ in its spring 2025 collections – this bio-based dye is made using an innovative hybrid process combining fermentation and sustainable chemistry. In true Citizens of Humanity style, the denim is crafted from regeneratively farmed cotton.
Far from feeling starched and structured, this season’s indigo pieces are buttery soft, with a worn-in feel you’d ordinarily only achieve after years of on-repeat wear. They’re better for your closet and made more consciously – and therefore, have all the hallmarks of becoming future wardrobe icons, no matter where you’re heading. From dawn until dusk, work or weekend, they are sure to become forever pieces in your closet.
RELATED READING
The 4 denim trends to love for 2025