Timeless, understated and versatile, mid-wash denim is a brilliant foundation on which to build your wardrobe. For spring, layer light and medium-tone denim with basics such as crew-neck white T-shirts, fine knits, cotton shirts or even with other denim pieces for effortless but on-trend style.

For classic jeans, it’s hard to beat Levi’s Original 501s, but the brand’s high-waisted ribcage straight jeans are a solid alternative as a brilliant everyday option. There are brilliant wide-leg and cropped denim styles on the high street and at luxury denim brands such as Paige. An increasing number of versatile and timeless denim staples, including skirts, dresses, boxy shirts and jackets, are perfect for layering with other denim pieces or basics for spring.

Paige Adams-Geller, co-founder and creative director at Paige says: “What I love most about mid-wash denim is that it’s for every season. When transitioning into spring, a mid-wash can be worn with winter colours as well as a spring-forward palette. Dressed up or dressed down, they are timeless and a classic staple for any wardrobe. 

“For the ultimate cool girl, the key denim items for this season are wide-leg mid-wash jeans like our Sasha jean or the wide-leg Anessa crop jean. I would style the Sasha with a sleeveless black turtleneck, belt, blazer and sleek boots for cold weather climates. Alternatively, our Anessa crop jean with a stripe cotton T-shirt or white blouse paired with chic cream loafers.” 

M&S’s new spring denim collection launches online and in stores this week, with highlights including core styles such as wide-leg jeans and midi-skirts as well as more directional styles like the denim trench coat and carrot leg jeans – all of which come in varying shades of mid-wash denim.

Emma Fox, head of womenswear buying at Marks & Spencer says: “Our contemporary product offering spans on-trend wide-leg cargos, customer favourites like the Sienna straight leg and, new for spring/summer 2024, the denim trench. We’ve worked hard to provide versatility and choice, with 25 different leg shapes available in sizes UK6–24, including short, regular and petite lengths. Last year 20% of jeans sold at M&S were our mid-wash indigo, with Google searches for ‘mid wash denim’ up by 117% in the last quarter compared to the previous quarter, it’s a clear customer favourite and timeless wash we all reach for season after season.”

Reformation’s high-rise, straight-leg Cynthia jean is another excellent day-to-night option. Finishing just below the ankle, it’s a perfect length jean that works well with a point-toe kitten heel, T-shirt and blazer.

Free People’s new spring/summer collection is pure summer holiday inspiration – a showcase of American-inspired pieces, heritage sports T-shirts, feminine camisole tops and boyish bottoms, all tied together with relaxed denim separates, including low-slung 90s denim jeans to denim waistcoats. 

Images: courtesy of brands