Capri pants in the 2000s were back and better than ever
Capri pants were a popular trend in the early 2000s and the resurgence of capri jeans and capri leggings began back in 2020, as both styles started to gain more visibility. These cropped pants bring to mind a sense of nostalgia for many, as it lives in memory as a popular garment for younger years during the late 90s and early 2000s.
Independent designers such as Helena Manzano, Charlotte Knowles, Gauntlett Cheng, and DAISY played around with capris, experimenting with different fabrics and outfit pairings to breathe new life in the 2000s trend. Even major designers tested the trend: Chanel presented a digital version of the garment in their Chanel 2021 Resort collection.
Capri pants styling guide
In the past, capris were often worn loose, in near-gaucho fashion, but in the past year, trendsetters are opting for form-fitting, legging silhouettes. In 2024, capri leggings, in particular, saw a notable spike in popularity among EU women, recording a +20% increase in visibility throughout the year. Capri leggings offer a more fitted silhouette and a high level of comfort and versatility compared to Capri denim. They’re often styled with a matching top and kitten heels for a sleek look, or paired with an oversized sweater or jacket and flat-soled sneakers for a more casual, sporty vibe.
However, as we move into 2025, Heuritech’s forecasted data suggest that this growth will reverse, with a decline expected across the European market.
Image: Heuritech Market Insights Platform
Capri leggings in the US market in 2025
Although European interest is predicted to cool, the US fashion market tells a different story. Between April and June 2025, capri leggings are expected to see a +16% increase in visibility. Even though the magnitude is small it’s still considered being defined as a fashion comeback. On the women’s SS25 Fashion Week in New York, a few brands featured the cropped pants trend on the runway. Designers like Tommy Hilfiger embraced a sporty aesthetic with utility pockets, pairing an oversized T-shirt and cap in a sleek monochrome ensemble. On the other hand, Carolina Herrera took a more chic and elegant approach, pairing the capri trousers with pointed heels and a V-neck blouse made from delicate materials like tulle.
1. Nensi Dojaka 2. Tommy Hilfiger 3. Carolina Herrera
Capri pants remain a strong wardrobe option
Capri pants can still be considered as a great fashion option and base for outfits, although the visibility for the EU is slowing down, it is increasing in the US. Capri leggings are stepping into the spotlight, gradually surpassing capri jeans in visibility and appeal. This shift highlights a preference for a more fitted silhouette that offers flexibility in both fabric choices and styling possibilities. Modern capri leggings are being reimagined in materials ranging from classic cotton to performance fabrics, allowing them to dance between athleisure-inspired outfits and chic, dressier looks.
Trend forecasting allows brands and retailers to gain a macro perspective of trend behavior months in advance, ensuring they provide their customers with their fashion choices.
Conclusion: collection strategy
The resurgence of capri pants highlights the importance of understanding fashion trend cycles at a granular level. While visibility for capris is slowing down in the EU, the US market presents an opportunity for brands to capitalize on their renewed popularity, particularly in their fitted, legging-style iterations. Fashion collection planning must reflect these shifts—adapting silhouettes, fabrics, and styling approaches to match consumer interest across regions.
The journey of Kelly Green serves as a textbook case of how a fashion trend rises, peaks, and eventually wanes, offering valuable lessons in timing and adaptability. Just as brands needed to anticipate the shift away from Kelly Green and toward emerging color trends, the same strategic foresight applies to capri pants. By leveraging trend data, brands can fine-tune their collections, ensuring they not only capture fleeting moments of popularity but also make informed, long-term decisions in an ever-evolving fashion landscape.
