The Biggest Denim Trend Of The Year Is A Total Throwback

Just like you have your must-have Starbucks drink or go-to Sweetgreen order, once you’ve found your favorite denim silhouette, it can be hard to stray from it. But whether your trusty jean selection is a slouchy high-rise or a dark wash skinny pair, there’s a slew of denim trends for 2022 that might convince you to experiment outside your comfort zone. Spoiler: This year’s buzziest styles are all about nostalgia.

According to AGOLDE’s Design Director Erin Meehan, there’s a strong emphasis on more directional shapes going into spring. “You’ll see lower rises with stacked straight legs, as well as relaxed silhouettes with more volume,” she tells TZR. Ultimately, the expert says people are looking to wear statement-making pieces that will provide a sense of ease and coolness. And it turns out Meehan isn’t the only one seeing an uptick in low-rise styles. Jordan Nodarse, founder of Boyish, adds, “The last few years have been pretty focused on high rises, but now we are seeing a bit more interest in lower rises which we have coming out in Spring/Summer 2022.”

Additionally, Sonia Mosseri, founder of Still Here New York, anticipates a rise in more denim on denim outfits as well as everyday, wearable jean essentials like jackets and skirts. “I think this past year we all got comfortable with the idea that the Canadian tux look has evolved from Britney and Justin to a more accessible yet editorial look,” she tells TZR. Therefore, when in doubt, you can always turn to a full denim ensemble next year.

Below, experts reveal what denim trends they think will take over this year. (Don’t worry, there are more options beyond low-rise.)

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Cool Colors

Remember when you had a bright pair of denim for almost every day of the week as a teenager? Well, Dynasty Ogun, co-founder of L’Enchanteur, is seeing colorful denim entering the scene once again. “I think we are looking at the next generation of trends where attention to detail and going beyond the standard denim supply is very present,” the expert tells TZR. “We’re at a point where we’re looking to create something fresh while pulling from a time when our attention to high-quality denim is a standard.”

Still Here’s Mosseri is in agreement with the colorful comeback, adding, “but when I say colored denim, I mean extremely specific colors, not ROYGBIV.” For example, she says a chocolate brown or a very delicate and subdued pink pair of jeans like Missoni’s slim-fit pair.

Low-Rise

Mosseri is yet another designer to confirm that this year will be filled with conversations around low-rise jeans. “I don’t think the world is 100% ready to pull the trigger and buy a low rise pair, but we may see some styles that can help us transition — especially since high rise has had a really really long moment these past few years!”

’80s & ’90s Styles

“For spring 2022, we have the throwback styles of the ‘80s and ‘90s but reimagined with exaggerated shapes, slouchy fits, super high-rises, and inseams that puddle at the hem,” ​​Tim Kaeding, creative director and co-founder of MOTHER, tells TZR. “We’re making denim more personal based on how you wear [it].”

And on top of silhouettes, Maggie Winter, CEO and co-founder of AYR, says, “We’re gravitating towards bright, happy, early ‘80s-inspired true blues and powdery soft shades that looks like you’ve owned it for 20 years.” Pro tip: Scroll through a vintage shop and you’ll find lots of these throwback denim styles.

Interesting Details

Abrasions, patchwork, and mending are starting to catch Mosseri’s eye. “There is so much hand-work and detail that goes into properly mending jeans in terms of both function and aesthetic,” the founder explains. “It’s a skill that is at the core of sustainability in denim and I think (and hope) we see more of this in denim trends in the new year.” Plus, she believes a well-mended pair of jeans is without question the coolest jean in the room.

Denim Skirts

“I’m anticipating long denim maxi skirts having a moment this year,” Mosseri says. “That look of a well-fitted denim maxi skirt, a white crisp baby tee, some midriff showing, some Birkenstocks ... Jennifer Aniston in the early-2000s vibe.” If a maxi skirt isn’t for you, shorter, mini hemlines or a midi design are also worth trying as a playful alternative.

Baggy Silhouettes

If there’s one denim style that’s taken off over the past few years, it’s a loose, slouchy fit. According to Nodarse, this on-trend silhouette will continue throughout 2022. In particular, Boyish’s Ziggy and Charley styles have been gaining lots of buzz. “They are styles with a wider leg [that are] baggy but cool, [and also] relaxed yet elevated,” he describes to TZR.