Women’s Jean Style Guide
Denim jeans are a wardrobe staple, but what’s in style is always changing. With so many options, it can be hard to know where to start when shopping for jeans. It’s important to know how each style differs so you can find the perfect fit for your body type and personal taste. Our Fashion Experts break down the three different features to consider when buying a new pair of jeans along with helpful tips when shopping for your next pair!
Find Your Favorite Style of Jeans
Once you find a style of jeans you love on your body, it’s important to always start your shopping there. That way you’ll feel more confident and successful when shopping for new jeans. Our Fashion Experts highlight the basic style of jeans you’ll find.
Straight Jeans
The straight jean is a classic cut that flatters women of all shapes and sizes. This jean style is conservative yet stylish which makes it versatile enough to be dressed up or down. Straight jeans feature a relatively consistent cut from hip to ankle that tightens slightly around the thigh and hangs looser on the calf and ankle.
Skinny Jeans
Skinny jeans provide a feminine contour with a tight fit through the entire leg. Many women keep at least one pair of dark skinny jeans as a staple in their wardrobe. This style particularly hugs and highlights the shape of your legs with a snug fit. Skinny jeans are typically made with stretch denim material that makes them a comfortable option when you want to show off your legs. Skinny jeans can be worn with fitted tops, but they also make a great complement to oversized shirts and sweaters.
Bootcut Jeans
Bootcut jeans are a practical option for women needing to accommodate boots or those who prefer a slightly forgiving fit that still provides a complementary shape. The cut is more fitted through the hips and thighs with a wider bottom opening. The bootcut jean style features a leg opening that lands somewhere between straight and flare. Fitted shirts are the best match for bootcut jeans.
Wide Leg Jeans
Wide leg jeans are a trendy and fashion-forward option that offers a relaxed and comfortable fit. With a wider silhouette from the hip to the ankle, these jeans provide a flattering drape and a chic and effortless look. Wide leg jeans can be paired with a tucked-in blouse or a cropped top to create a balanced and stylish ensemble.
Flare Jeans
Flare jeans have been a staple in fashion for decades, known for their iconic bell-bottom shape. These jeans feature a fitted waist and hips that gradually widen from the knee down. The flare style creates a dramatic and retro-inspired look that elongates the leg and adds a touch of nostalgia to any outfit. Flare jeans can be paired with a variety of tops, from fitted blouses to flowy bohemian-inspired tunics, allowing you to effortlessly create both casual and dressy looks.
Boyfriend Jeans
Boyfriend jeans offer a laid-back and effortlessly cool style that has gained popularity in recent years. These jeans are characterized by their relaxed fit, typically sitting low on the waist and having a slightly baggy or oversized look. Boyfriend jeans often feature rolled or cuffed hems, adding to their relaxed and casual vibe. They can be paired with a variety of tops, from simple t-shirts to button-down shirts, to create a stylish and comfortable outfit. The versatility of boyfriend jeans makes them a go-to choice for those seeking a relaxed and fashion-forward look.
Mom Jeans
Mom jeans are designed to flatter every curve with a high, narrow waist and more give through the hips and thighs. Depending on your personal preference, mom jeans can flatter nearly every body type.
Consider the Jean Rise
After narrowing down to the type of jeans you like to wear, the next part is finding the rise of jeans you feel most comfortable in. There are three different types of rises: low, mid, and high. Our Fashion Experts highlight each of the rises so you can find a favorite.
Low-Rise Jeans
- This rise rests on the hips, well below the natural waist.
- It's the most casual rise and offers an easy, relaxed style.
- These jeans were popular in the 2000s and are becoming more popular.
Mid-Rise Jeans
- This rise sits between the hips and belly button, just below the natural waist.
- Mid-rise offers some tummy control and is considered universally flattering.
- It's the most versatile rise for alternating tucked and untucked tops.
High-Rise Jeans
- This rise sits above the hips, typically at the natural waist.
- It flatters natural curves and highlights the slimmest point of your figure.
- This rise provides the most tummy control and concealment.
Find the Right Length
Choosing the length of your jeans can make or break your look. Most jean lengths are based on inseam rather than outseam. You’ll typically find the length noted as short, medium, or long, but sometimes you’ll see the length in inches. If you don't know what length works best for you, there are a few ways you can measure to find your perfect inseam.
Method 1: One of the easiest ways to measure your inseam is to measure the inseam of a pair of jeans that you know fit you well. Before measuring, double-check the label on the inside of your jeans to see if the inseam is already listed. If you don’t see it on the label, you can follow these quick steps to find it on your own.
- Step 1: Fold your jeans in half lengthwise and lay them flat.
- Step 2: Use a measuring tape to measure the length from the crotch to the hem.
- Step 3: Record the measurement exactly. You can use that measurement while jean shopping and round up or down as necessary.
Method 2: Have someone measure your inseam for you. When using this method to find your inseam, it’s important to take off your shoes and wear pants that have a tight or slim fit—tights or leggings are a great option.
- Step 1: Stand up as straight as possible with your hands at your side.
- Step 2: Have your partner use a measuring tape to measure the length from your crotch to the floor. (For some women’s jean styles, you may need to tell your partner the spot on your ankle you want your jean hem to land so they can adjust their measurement.)
- Step 3: Record the measurement exactly. You can use that measurement while jean shopping and round up or down as necessary.
A Few More Jean Buying Tips
Now that you understand the different jean styles, rises, and lengths, you’re well-equipped to shop for your perfect pair of jeans. It’s important to remember that you’ll probably be wearing these jeans while sitting, standing, and moving around so trying them on is an important final step. Here are a few suggestions our Fashion Experts love to share.
- Sit or squat before you buy (or before you take the tags off). This will help you gauge how comfortable you feel moving around in the jeans. It will also help you determine if the rise is too high and cuts off circulation in the front or if it’s too low and exposes too much of your backside.
- Be adaptive with sizing. Many brands vary on sizing, and many styles fit differently even if they’re the same size. If you find a style of jeans you love, don’t assume that will be the best size in every brand or cut.
- Buy two pairs if you love them. Finding the perfect pair of jeans can be like finding a needle in a haystack. If you find a pair you love, buy two pairs or buy them in multiple washes. You never know if they will sell out or be discontinued, and you’ll thank yourself later if one pair gets worn out or lost.
If you have any questions, you can visit your local SCHEELS and one of our Fashion Experts can help you find the perfect jean fit.
