Denim has long been a fashion staple since the 1800s, when Levi Strauss & Co. began producing rivet-enforced denim pants after Jacob W. Davis, a Nevada tailor, was unable to handle the size of production and demand in his small shop. Denim grew in popularity among blue-collar workers throughout the first half of the 19th century, who wore jeans for manufacturing jobs.

By the ’70s, denim had become such a part of youth culture that it was considered a fashion staple. Of course, like with all things in fashion, creative ways to reinvent it emerged. It was during this period that distressed denim appeared as a trend, thanks to the counterculture punk movement. Punk rockers would deconstruct their jeans themselves as a form of rebellion.

Eventually, fashion brands capitalized on the look. Throughout the decades, ripped jeans have been seen across the spectrum and at all price points, from Abercrombie & Fitch to Dolce & Gabbana. Now, it looks like distressed denim is back with a vengeance.

At New York Fashion Week, brands including Area, Brandon Maxwell, and Simkhai unveiled distressed denim for Spring 2026. Maxwell’s debut of distressed denim was one of the most surprising turns of events, as he is traditionally known for his classically feminine daywear and cocktail dresses. He paired distressed denim with elegant cape blouses and a blazer, proving that there are ways to dress up ripped jeans.

All eyes were also on Area this season, as the brand has a new creative director. Originally founded by Beckett Fogg and Piotrek Panszczyk, the designers left the brand earlier this year, and Nicholas Auburn was named creative director. Auburn is a highly experienced designer, having worked at major houses like Alexander Wang and Tom Ford.