'Jeans and a nice top' are BACK! Gen Z goes crazy for the iconic Y2K going-out look - as demand for vintage denim and retro staples surges

Published: 08:00 BST, 24 September 2026 | Updated: 08:21 BST, 24 September 2026

It was the go–to look for women in the early–2000s, seen on stars including Britney Spears, Hilary Duff, and Victoria Beckham. 

Now, new figures have confirmed that 'jeans and a nice top' are back.

Data from Fleek, a global AI–powered resale marketplace, has revealed how demand for vintage denim and tops has surged. 

Compared to last year, demand for bootcut jeans is up 238 per cent, while printed blouses have soared by 146 per cent. 

And it's not just jeans and a nice top that are having a revival, with searches for brands popular in the 2000s also up.  

'Nearly half (49%) of resellers now specialise in Y2K and early–2000s fashion, rising to 60% among 18–to–25–year–olds,' Fleek explained in the report. 

It was the go–to look for women in the early–2000s, seen on stars including Britney Spears, Hilary Duff, and Victoria Beckham. Now, new figures have confirmed that 'jeans and a nice top' are back

Fleek's State of Resale Report was compiled using millions of the platform's real–time search and sales signals, alongside responses from 339 resellers in 22 countries. 

While loungewear has proved popular in recent years, shoppers appear to be moving away from this category. 

According to Fleek, hoodies are down 50 per cent, crewneck sweatshirts are down 41 per cent, and track jackets have fallen by 34 per cent. 

Instead, figures show that going–out clothes and denim are seeing some of the sharpest rises in popularity for the autumn/winter season. 

Bootcut jeans are up 238 per cent, while printed blouses are up 146 per cent.

In terms of specific brands, several labels that were first popular in the 2000s are also on the up. 

Searches for American Eagle have soared by 1,588 per cent year–on–year, ahead of searches for Hollister (1,172 per cent), Aéropostale (1,150 per cent), Bebe (1,106 per cent) and Abercrombie (899 per cent). 

Data from Fleek, a global AI–powered resale marketplace, has revealed how demand for vintage denim and tops has soared

The most popular items on reselling sites

1. Sweater
2. Plain T-shirt
3. Fleece jacket
4. Basic camisole
5. Polo shirt
6. Printed T-shirt
7. Bootcut jeans
8. Nylon short
9. Mixed jean
10. Active leggings

The news comes shortly after research revealed that wired headphones – gadgets once popular back in the early–2000s – are making a comeback. 

Data from Circana's Retail Tracking Service revealed that in the first six weeks of 2026, revenue from wired headphones was up by 20 per cent.

This follows five years of sales declines, with wireless alternatives including Apple's AirPods, Google's Pixel Buds, and Beats' Studio Pro dominating.

Several celebrities are already on board with the retro revival, with Emma Watson, Harry Styles, Bella Hadid and Charli XCX all recently spotted with wired earphones glue to their ears.

According to Dr Omar H Fares, a lecturer in the Ted Rogers School of Retail Management at Toronto Metropolitan University, wearers might be 'yearning for an idealized version of the past.'

'Y2K fashion has been steadily making a comeback over the past few years and the use of vintage technology, like disposable cameras, is on the rise,' he explained in an article for The Conversation. 

'There are a few reasons why, including nostalgia and yearning for an idealized version of the past, doing a "digital detox" and increasing privacy concerns.'