I was recently combing through racks of denim at a market appointment with sustainability-focused denim brand Still Here. After gazing at pair after pair of new silhouettes—all emblazoned with their signature paint stripe down the back—the founders Sonia and Maurice Mosseri noted there was one style they could not keep in stock. The brand has garnered a loyal following of denim heads with their classic yet modern silhouettes, but it was not a pair of jeans to which they were referring. It was a jean skirt. Their “Panama skirt,” to be more specific, an A-line denim maxi. It’s currently sold out in all sizes in both the ivory and blue washes.
Their observation reflects a larger trend in the marketplace. According to Moda Operandi Social Director Kristen Lam, “We’ve been seeing a serious appetite in the past month with over 165% increase in search terms for ‘denim maxi skirts’—driving over 180% in site traffic.” Scrolling through site after site, I was shocked by the number of times I was prompted to join waiting lists for sold out sizes. But a quick glance back to previous runway collections revealed slowly building momentum. Brands including Altuzarra, Diesel, Burberry, Givenchy, and Tibi all showed renditions in their Spring ‘23 collections. Long denim skirts proved their worth especially during subsequent fashion weeks as the street style set-- with ambassadors ranging from Vogue China’s Margaret Zhang to Tamu Mcpherson--popularized the style. Celebrity champions of the denim maxi this year include Gigi Hadid, Kate Hudson, and Jenifer Lopez. The silhouettes in question range from a structured pencil skirt to a more fluid A-line. Some have slits, others sport pleats. The washes vary even more, from deep indigo to a blanched light wash.
Photo: Clement Pascal
Pressed further, Still Here’s Sonia Mosseri posits, “This sudden obsession with denim maxi skirts [parallels] the rise of low and baggy jeans.” A product of the Y2K resurgence, the silhouette conjures up visions of early-aughts sitcoms like Friends in her mind. “I specifically picture Rachel, in a denim maxi skirt and white baby tee holding a cigarette and wearing flip-flops.” In the realm of styling potential, this is but one avenue to venture down. Lam, a personal fan of the silhouette, notes the fabric-heavy silhouette was intimidating as someone small in stature. “So I make sure to pay special attention to proportion and balance when styling,” she explains. “I’ve been wearing the skirt with slinkier tops—white tanks, cropped tees to accentuate my waist—and more feminine, pointed shoes to balance out all the fabric. For a cooler, edgier look, I’d go for a pair of boxer shorts peeking out ever so slightly from the waistline and sneakers for comfort.” In our own research, we’ve found both black and blue denim varieties paired with blazers, crop tops, and turtlenecks above. And below the hems, a similar range exists, with footwear options from sneakers to mules to Mary Janes, and even high-heeled flip flops. “I also think they're a perfect pair with the high boots we all own and can't wait to wear (not hidden under jeans)."
“I think we all want a little bit of genderless dressing contrasted with more femininity,” continues Mosseri. “Maxi skirts accomplish the latter.” They’ve encapsulated the timelessness of a great pair of jeans with an added sprinkling of girliness—what could be better? Below, we’ve rounded up our favorites that are hopefully still in stock. Fair warning, we suggest acting fast, if you’re interested.
Shop Our Edit of the Best Long Denim Skirts:
Black Denim Maxi Skirt
Tibi debuted this denim maxi silhouette in their Spring ‘23 runway collection and many washes have since sold out after recently hitting the market. The black denim rendition of this A-line silhouette is the perfect compliment to a clingy bodysuit.
Long Denim Skirt
If you’re looking for a more tailored look, we love Maje’s black denim option. The cut is akin to a pencil skirt, but the denim erases all essence of corporate dullness. The slit at the back offers just the right amount of mobility.
Lula High Rise Denim Midi Skirt
Amarium reimagines its denim skirt with a trouser-like waistline in lieu of the button-front style of most jeans. All it needs is a chambray shirt and a great belt.
Robinson Tie-waist Denim Midi Skirt
In this long midi skirt, Altuzarra added extra intrigue with self-tie embellishments–the perfect compliment to a high waist and classic blue jean wash.
Denim Midi Skirt
Goldsign offers something between A-line and pencil skirt silhouettes with the slightest hint of flair to the hem. The darker wash feels quite contemporary, especially when paired with socks and sneakers.
Rye High-Waisted Denim Maxi Skirt
For a boho vibe, opt for a light wash and a relaxed silhouette like this one from Alice & Olivia. Their front-slit, long jean skirt just needs a colorful sweater and pair of boots to complete the look.
Split Back Organic Cotton Denim Maxi Skirt
Raey kept the silhouette of their best-selling long denim skirt streamlined, but added a raw hem to finish it off. To complement the ‘90s low rise, keep things simple—all you really need is a white t-shirt.
De-Ronny Denim Skirt
Diesel’s denim midi features a pencil skirt silhouette and a dark wash with a slit at the back. With this shorter hemline, opt for tall boots to complete the look.
Carrara Midi Denim Skirt
If you’re after a slinkier effect, B Sides Carrara skirt does just that—the mid-rise feels slightly retro. They’ve also added slits at both sides instead of the front or back.
Blue Faded Denim Midi Skirt
If you aren’t ready to commit to maxi hemlines, Arch The offers a slightly shorter version, hitting just below the knees. Fear not, this style still retains the best elements of its longer counterparts: a streamlined silhouette and a dramatic slit.
Blue Soro Midi Skirt
Studio Nicholson offers a lighter wash midi denim skirt—perfect for fall boots and lighter sweaters before the weather warms up too much. The slouchy silhouette is the perfect complement to anything oversized.
Nila Long Denim Skirt
Reformation’s maxi denim skirt has a more dramatic slit and a slim-fit silhouette—a very ‘90s touch. The crossover waistband keeps the look feeling fresh and modern.
Denim Midi Skirt
If you want light-wash denim, opt for Agolde’s classic-looking button-front Hilla skirt. A slit at the back offsets the slim A-line silhouette. We suggest pairing yours with a button-down and chunky boots.
Slit Denim Skirt
For a more affordable option, Mango offers a denim skirt with a mid-rise and a slim fit. This no-frills option would complete any simple look.
Women’s Long Icon Denim Maxi Skirt
When in denim doubt, it’s always a safe bet to head to Levi’s. Their A-line maxi silhouette calls for a leather jacket and a pair of Adidas Sambas.
Tube Maxi Skirt
Good American offers both straight and plus-size options of their “tube” maxi skirt. The silhouette of which is streamlined, the perfect compliment to a simple white tank.
Bandless Denim Midi Skirt
Magda Butrym’s denim midi skirt sits snug on the hips, with a front slit perfect for knee-high boots. The raw edge on the low-rise waist? Perfect for a simple white tee.
Pleated Denim Midi Skirt
Brandon Maxwell offers a more feminine option, with his full pleated skirt. The ombre effect adds a playful energy to the dramatic ‘50s-esque silhouette.