While many of us consider jeans a year-round staple, it’s understandable if you’re a little tired of wearing them by the time summer rolls around. Personally, I live in jeans during winter and spring, switching out knitwear for milkmaid tops when the weather allows. So by summer, I often find that jeans take a back seat to dresses and skirts.
This, however, is something of an injustice. After all, which wardrobe item is as reliable as a pair of jeans? Whatever your sartorial dilemma may be, they’re there for you—all you need do is pull them on. So with the intention of showing them the appreciation they deserve this summer, I’ve charted the trending styles that’ll make you fall in love with your jeans all over again.
This summer’s jeans trends go way beyond fashion’s favourite straight-legs.
Let it be said: A pair of straight-leg jeans will never falter in the eyes of fashion, but if you’re looking to push your denim boundaries and embrace something new, I’ve whittled down the need-to-know summer 2022 jeans trends for you—all eight of them. From the colour to try to the small details, which, trust me, make all the difference, scroll on to see the jeans that should rightly dominate your outfits for the next few months.
Style Notes: While turning up the hemlines of our jeans is something many of us do instinctively, brands are taking the look to the next level with OTT turn-ups built into their designs.
The distressed colouring on these jeans looks so authentic.
These went straight into my basket.
Dark denim always looks so sleek paired with tan accessories and white shirting.
Style Notes: While we’ve established that straight-leg jeans will never go out of style, recently I’ve been seeing more and more fashion types opting for barrel-leg jeans—jeans that balloon on the thigh then taper towards the ankle—over the past few weeks.
This COS pair boasts the perfect barrel silhouette.
White jeans feel so fresh for summer, but more on that later…
If black jeans are more your thing, I really rate this cropped pair from Gap.
Style Notes: Cargo trousers have been trending for a while now. Though, we typically see them coming through in khaki cotton. Now, suddenly, cargo jeans seem to be a thing, winning over influencers and editors alike with their Y2K fashion appeal.
Look for low-rise pairs like Mango’s to really nail that Y2K aesthetic.
That’s right: Even high-end designers are backing denim cargos for summer.
Tick off two trends in one with a wide-leg pair.
Style Notes: While we’re on the subject of wide-leg jeans, let’s take a moment to appreciate them in their oversize glory. Wide-leg jeans first started tracking post-lockdown, when we wanted our denim to be just as comfortable as the joggers we’d gotten used to. Rest assured they’re not going anywhere this summer.
A grey pair will make your pure-black separates pop.
This shade of blue is perfect for summer and will wear just as well with bright clothes as it will neutrals.
This frugal M&S pair comes in four versatile denim colours.
Style Notes: The ’70s were a major influence on the S/S 22 runways, with patchwork being one of the most prevalent trends we saw come through in the designer collections. Naturally, one of the easiest ways to wear it is by way of a pair of patchwork jeans.
Stick to two complementary tones if you’re tentative about trying patchwork.
Once you’ve found your patchwork confidence, try this trick-colour pair.
I love the placement of the different denim washes on these patchwork jeans.
Style Notes: Now, let’s pivot to a different kind of patch. Patch pockets keep cropping up on the best jeans of the season—another signifier that we’re reliving the best of ’70s fashion in 2022.
Flared hems only add to the retro appeal.
The trend also comes in lighter jean styles, too.
The front seams and flared leg really add to the retro feel of these patch-pocket jeans.
Style Notes: They may have once been considered a fashion faux pas, but white jeans are now one of a fashion insider’s favourite things to wear come summer. Avoid skinnies and instead channel the trend in straight-leg silhouettes for an up-to-date feel.
I’ve have my eye on these.
Paper-bag waistlines are hard to come by but give the most flattering silhouette.
I’m here for the entire styling of this look.
Style Notes: Rounding off our summer 2022 jeans trends is a style that has long been favoured by French women and has gradually started to take over our wardrobes, too. Flares are back and sleeker than ever.
You know a trend is noteworthy when Totême gives it its seal of approval.
