Every Single Way We Plan On Wearing Jeans in 2022

Don’t panic! We’re not about to sit here and tell you to throw out your beloved cropped straight-leg jeans, or that skinny jeans are over. Because first and foremost denim, whatever form it comes in, is a classic. Certain shapes shift up and down fashion’s most-wanted list— but then they come back around again before you know it. That’s why it pays to invest in the shapes and brands that work for you and your body, and always keep hold of the styles you love, no matter what’s ‘in’ right now.

That doesn’t mean, of course, that denim trends don’t exist. Each year brings with it some sort of newness, whether that’s subtle updates to a classic jean shape, the return of an old cut, or the introduction of a whole new fit. So while we’ll definitely still be wearing our ‘bread and butter’ classics in 2022 (you know— straight legs, Levi’s 501s, black skinnies etc) we’ll also be experimenting with some of the latest shapes.

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(Image credit: @raeannlangas)

Seeing as it's our job to keep you in the loop on fashion’s current obsessions, below we’ve made a list of 6 denim trends we’re predicting will be the biggest in 2022. We’ve had our ears and eyes to the ground for the last few months analysing the jeans we’re seeing the most influential fashion people starting to wear, as well as how they’re wearing them. Plus, we’ve scrutinised the SS22 collections and taken note of which denim styles the high street are backing in their new-in collections. 

Keep scrolling, then, to see what we found and discover the freshest ways to wear denim in 2022...

1. Loose & Ripped

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(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

Loose jeans have been creeping back into our day to day lives for a while now. This year expect to see more distressed versions for an even more '90s feel. 

2. Structured Wide Leg

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(Image credit: @monikh)

Featuring stiff denim and no rips or frayed edges, these wide-leg jeans are a smarter iteration of Gen Z's favourite loose jeans. 

3. Printed Denim

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(Image credit: @bubblyaquarius)

Reformation has already set off a micro trend thanks to their printed and patterned jeans. With more and more denim brands releasing quirky styles though, we're predicting they'll only become increasingly popular, especially for spring. 

4. Full Length

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(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)

If you're a regular cropped-jean wearer, why not try out a longer length for 2022? It's an instant way to update a simple outfit. 

5. Low-Rise

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(Image credit: @smythsisters)

Y2K fashion is taking over, whether we like it or not. And while pelvic bone-skimming bootcuts may be better left in the millenium, we're starting to come round to the idea of a low-rise straight-leg style for 2022. 

6. Dark Denim

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(Image credit: @lindatol_)

Darker rinses are a sure fire way to still look smart while wearing denim. These structured styles could even work in more relaxed offices. 

Up next: I’ve Worn This One Pair of Jeans On Repeat For the Last Year

Emily Dawes
Affiliate Editor

Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for the Who What Wear brand.

Emily has worked for Who What Wear UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely with Who What Wear UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, team Who What Wear is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.

Prior to joining the Who What Wear team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.

When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.

Emily is currently on maternity leave.