Jeans are a year-round wardrobe staple, but each season brings new ways to wear the timeless fabric. While you may have a favorite pair you always reach for, it's fun to occasionally step out of your denim comfort zone. Now's the time to experiment, too: there's been no shortage of cool but polarizing trends to choose from lately, including Y2K signatures like low-rise fits and hip cutouts. Whether you gravitate toward controversial looks or prefer practical options, you'll find a trend that suits your personal style on the market the season.
The baggy slouch, for example, comes in several different styles this year. You can invest in a pair with rips throughout or a swingy leg that offers more movement when you walk. While the acid-wash finish is decidedly '80s-inspired, the bleached-out look actually goes as far back as the '60s. Either way, this style will help you add some edge to your wardrobe.
If you like denim styles that command attention, consider the deconstructed trend. With a raw-edge finish, this look is not only stylish, but it's also a nod to the handmade, repurposed approach of eco-friendly brands; think Sami Miró Vintage with its iconic Porterhouse style or E.L.V. Denim, a line that's fully produced from postconsumer waste. Of course, for this look, you can always take matters into your own hands by DIYing your old jeans with a scissor or razor.
Two more denim trends that will be everywhere in 2022? Slits and cargo pants. Side slits often feature zippers and are sometimes placed at the front of the pants for a bold look. As for cargo pants, the classic '90s style is getting an updated look this season with oversize pockets or contrast stitching.
Ahead, scroll through for our favorite styles from the best denim brands. You can also hop directly to the category you're ready to shop, knowing it's time to fill that hole in your denim drawer once and for all.