By George Anderson
Baggy pants and flare cuts are out and tight-fitting jeans with straight legs are in, say fashion industry experts.
"It's been anointed as the trend of the year," Eric Beder, retail financial analyst with Brean, Murray Carret & Co., told Reuters.
Renee Roman, market analyst with The Doneger Group, added, "I think we've saturated that romantic, bohemian thing for so long. This is a major shift that's going to go through all levels (of retail)."
Some wonder, however, if the trend to tighter fitting jeans doesn't fly in the face of what's taking place in the consumer market.
NPD Group retail analyst Marshal Cohen said, "There are too many oversized people that won't be able to pull this look off."
There are also issues for consumers who are able to fit into the new tighter fashions, said Mr. Cohen.
"When you start to get tighter, slimmer and shorter, you start to say, 'Hey, I can't go to work like this!' When you get sent home from work or from school -- then you have a problem."
Many retailers from Abercrombie & Fitch to Nordstrom are expected to play it safe with the new look by continuing to offer looser-fitting styles. Others such as Bebe Stores will not have that luxury due to operating smaller stores.
"They (smaller stores) really have to run with the trend. It's a somewhat risky proposition," said Mr. Beder.
Moderator's Comment: Are retailers who plan to run with the new tighter jeans at the forefront of fashion or out-of-step with consumers? - George Anderson - Moderator