Denim is getting to be one part rebellious teen and one part sensible dad. Wacky denim trend is not about to implode anytime soon, feel Denim Dudes founder Amy Leverton and contributor Sam Trotman. New factors like the emerging weed industry in the United States and nostalgia for Y2K are adding their own unique flavor to the table.

Sharing their Spring/Summer 2020 vision at Kingpins Amsterdam the duo said denim is oversized and layered with technical fabrics and silhouettes from the athleisure world. Practical zips and pockets, coatings and super-light-weight fabrics like nylon are among the key ingredients. Camouflage and ikat prints offer an outdoor feel. Brands can recreate these dye effects through laser printing for a more sustainable solution. The story’s color palette—soft indigos, natural indigos and natural vegetable shades—are well-suited for brands’ eco stories as well.

The overall earthy feel is enhanced with up cycled fabric remnants, Baja surfaces, textured weaves, patchwork leather, homespun quilting and deadstock fabrics. Frayed and undone finishes give a lived-in feel to new pieces. Based on last season’s Millennium Blues story, Leverton explained Ironic Oughties as the more ironic and cheesy offshoot that’s being led by youth-driven brands.

The story’s holistic side is expressed through the use of natural fibers and yarns, slow-made fashion and boutique dressing, while upsized silhouettes, refined fabrics, high-end finishing, soft layers and unstructured looks encapsulate the theme’s utility-meets-lounge styling. Draping, off-the-shoulder and conceptual cutouts elevate denim. Workwear details and A-line silhouettes add structure. Oversized twills, linen, summer blanket materials with a handloom look, feminine quilting and patchwork jacquard add texture and visual interest.