5 Denim Trends That Will Be Huge in 2022

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(Image credit: Balenciaga; Alexander McQueen; Christian Dior)

The S/S 22 runways brought us plenty of fresh new trends that are set to take over in the months ahead. As always, we've spent time digging into the shows to uncover what lies ahead in fashion, including one of my favorite categories: denim. I practically live in jeans so I'm always on the hunt for which silhouettes and washes are about to be big.

For 2022, there are five major denim trends to know about that I predict will make their way from the runways to our closets. From slouchy shapes to darker washes to a focus on tailoring, there is plenty of newness in the world of denim. If you want to start wearing these right away, they're all shoppable now, and I went on a deep dive through Nordstrom, so you can find them all in one place. Ahead, the 2022 denim trends to add to your closet now.

1. Slouchy Silhouettes

Slouchy silhouettes have been on the rise and we're seeing them continue to be popular. It's all about a wide-leg shape with a long inseam that hits the ground. Consider this the most important pair of jeans to invest in if you haven't already.

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On the runway:
(Image credit: Courtesy of Valentino)

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Balenciaga)

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(Image credit: Courtesy of MSGM)

Shop the trend:

2. Dark Washes

Faded '90s washes have been wildly popular but for 2022, we can expect to see dark indigo denim make a comeback. Spotted on the runway everywhere from Saint Laurent to Christian Dior, sleek dark washes prove that they're the coolest way to make denim feel instantly polished.

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On the runway:
(Image credit: Courtesy of Saint Laurent)

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Christian Dior)

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Emporio Armani)

Shop the trend:

3. Tailored Clothing

From nipped-in jackets to bustiers, there were so many examples of tailored denim clothing on the runways. If you're looking to dial your denim up a notch, this is the trend you'll want to get in your closet.

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On the runway:
(Image credit: Courtesy of Rokh)

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Alexander McQueen)

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton)

Shop the trend:

4. Head-to-Toe

A great pair of jeans are an amazing building block for any number of looks but look especially cool when paired with a matching jacket. There is honestly nothing easier than throwing on a coordinating set for a look that has maximum impact.

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On the runway:
(Image credit: Courtesy of Rejina Pyo)

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Balenciaga)

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Saint Laurent)

Shop the trend:

5. Midi Skirts

Hemlines get tweaked each season and the resounding takeaway from the S/S 22 collections? Midi skirts are it. Simply add a matching jacket and heels for a directional take on denim.

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On the runway:
(Image credit: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton)

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Loewe)

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Y/Project )

Shop the trend:

Next up, the 2022 fashion trends I'm already shopping.

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.