The global denim industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 6.5 per cent from 2015 to 2020. Jeans is growing in the US, China and Mexico. In the United States, jeans showed slight growth both in volume and current value terms in 2016, after declining over the previous two years. In China, jeans registered value growth of five per cent. In Mexico, standard and premium denim saw the fastest growth in 2016, increasing eight per cent in current value terms.

Denim has continued to adapt to changing trends with new innovations in fabrics and adoption of new silhouettes not typically designed for denim. Fabric mills keep up with the demand for more performance, functionality and comfort with the development of innovative fabric blends and weaves.

Denim makers are increasing denim’s comfort as it helps them compete better against the athleisure influx. Stretch denim fabrics are relied upon from all three regions. The latest advancements in stretch technology allow greater recovery than previously experienced. This is important for consumers looking to achieve control and comfort without losing shape. Meanwhile men’s skinny jean purchases have increased year-over-year in the US, following their success in the EU. Consumers are no longer as interested in over-washed and processed jeans. The desire for real vintage jeans has begun to overshadow the factory-washed looks.