Mom jeans are much more than just jeans. Over time, the most essential ’80s-inspired item in any capsule wardrobe have become a favorite style for many women—and this season, their loose fit and high-waisted silhouette are making a comeback.
Typically a light blue denim with a tapered leg, mom jeans are considered an icon of ’80s fashion. As their name suggests, they were named after the women who wore them, and teens at the time will probably remember their moms pairing them with a white tee, a blazer with shoulder pads, and thick socks.
So, how do you wear 80’s mom jeans in spring-summer 2025? With nostalgic trends dominating this season’s must-haves, the best mom jeans prioritize comfort, making them the perfect pairing with a host of other spring trends: from platform sandals and bohemian blouses to white sneakers.
Whether you’re looking to revamp your collection or just get inspiration for new looks, here’s how to pull off mom jeans in spring and summer 2025.
Mid-rise mom jeans and slingback shoes
We start with this Ralph Lauren look, in which casual denim meets all-American elegance with a pair of slingback shoes, a crisp white shirt, and a double-breasted tailored jacket. However, the true star is the mom jeans in a faded wash, which adds a relaxed air to this otherwise classic and understated ensemble. These pants, vital to the contemporary woman’s wardrobe, quickly reaffirm their power on and off the runways.
Baggy mom jeans with a plaid blouse
Since their introduction to everyday wear, the best thing about ‘80s mom jeans is their ability to transform and adapt to the different aesthetics that mark the passage of time. In their most casual form, as seen in Rentrayage’s spring 2025 ready-to-wear collection, they leave the ankles bare to show off comfortable platform sandals. This interpretation offers grunge accents and a casualness that predates the decade that inspired them by completing the outfit with a blouse that reinterprets the classic plaid flannel.