Different Types of Jeans (Plus, Expert Styling Tips)

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A thorough guide on women’s & men’s jeans styles
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Nothing feels better than finding the perfect pair of jeans, but with all the fit and style options out there, it can be tough to choose. That’s where we come in! We’ve compiled a thorough guide on all the different types of women’s and men’s jeans, so you can find the right pair for you. We’ve also included advice for picking the right jeans for your body type, as well as styling tips from professional stylists and image consultants. Keep reading for everything you need to know!

Types of Jeans

Some popular jean styles include skinny, straight-leg, bootcut, flared, wide-leg, mom jeans, boyfriend jeans, high-waisted, mid-rise, low-rise, jeggings, and more.

Section 1 of 3:

Types of Jeans for Women

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  1. 1
    Skinny jeans Skinny jeans have a tight, form-fitting look, with the denim hugging your legs from your waist down throughout the hip, thigh, calf, and ankle. They’re often made of semi-stretchy fabric for comfort, and they’re also pretty versatile. You can pair them with loose, oversized tops for a more flowy look, or tighter tops to lean into the sleek, polished aesthetic. [1]
    • Styling tip: According to professional stylist Susan Kim, pointed-toe boots pair super well with skinny jeans. “You can tuck the skinny jeans into the pointed-toe boots to create the illusion of really elongated legs,” she says. [2]
    • For warmer weather, Kim recommends pairing skinny jeans with wedges . “Wedges give height to your look, and skinny jeans are very tight to your figure, so wedges will really add to that slim and elongated look,” she explains. [3]

    Meet the wikiHow Experts

    Susan Kim is a professional stylist and the owner of Sum+Style Co., a Seattle-based personal styling company. She has over 5 years of experience in the fashion industry.

    Lana Blanc is a Personal and Fashion Stylist and the Founder of The Blanc House, a full-service styling company. She specializes in helping others look and feel their best.

    Elle Monus is an image consultant with over 11 years of fashion industry experience, and she is the co-founder of True Image Group. She specializes in holistic approaches to branding, size-inclusive image consulting, and personal styling.

    Paul Julch, MA is a personal wardrobe stylist with over 25 years of experience in the fashion industry, and he is the founder of Urbanite

  2. 2
    Straight-leg jeans Straight-leg jeans have a consistent fit from the hip down to the hem, without being too tight or too loose. They have a clean, classic vibe, and they’re flattering on every body type. [4]
    • Styling tip: What shoes work with straight-leg jeans? According to personal and fashion stylist Lana Blanc, anything goes! “Straight-leg jeans are incredibly versatile, and I love styling them with everything from sneakers to sandals to Chelsea boots to pumps,” she says. [5]
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  3. 3
    Bootcut jeans “ Bootcut jeans are generally jeans that are wider at the bottom than they are at the knee,” says personal Wardrobe Stylist & Speaker Paul Julch. [6] They tend to be fairly tight and fitted throughout the waist and hip area, and then they flare out slightly below the knee.
    • Styling tip: “Bootcut jeans work for a lot of people, but one specific body type they work super well for is curvy. Adding that little bit of volume and flare at the bottom of your leg balances out a curvy figure,” Julch says. [7]
    • Julch also cautions that some jeans may be labeled as “bootcut” when they’re really more of a straight fit. “One way to tell if a jean is a real bootcut is if you take the hem and fold it up to the knee. If the bottom of the leg opening is wider than the knee, then it’s really a bootcut.” [8]
  4. 4
    Flare jeans Flare jeans are like a more exaggerated version of bootcut jeans. They have a tight, slim fit from the waist throughout the hips, then they start flaring out from the knee to the hem. The main difference between bootcut and flare jeans is that the flare is wider and more dramatic. [9]
    • Styling tip: With their 1970s vibe, flare jeans pair well with retro-inspired pieces, like loose-fitting graphic tees or flowy woven blouses. They’re also a great fall staple because they look great with chunky boots. [10]
  5. 5
    Wide-Leg Jeans Wide-leg jeans are fitted at the waist and hips, then they fall directly and widely down from the thigh all the way to the hemline. [11] They have a relaxed, effortlessly cool vibe, and since they’re looser, they also tend to be very comfortable.
    • Styling tip: To create contrast and balance out the wideness on the bottom, these jeans pair super well with tight-fitting tops. They also look very chic with a pair of ballet flats . [12]
  6. 6
    Mom jeans Mom jeans have a high waist, a relaxed fit in the hips and thighs, and then a tapered fit down through the leg and ankle. [13] This style was popular in the 1980s and 1990s before making a major comeback in the 2020s, so they have a fun, retro vibe.
    • Styling tip: Mom jeans have a laid-back, effortless look, and they’re super versatile. You can dress them up with a nice blouse and a pair of slingback pumps , or dress them down with a comfy tee and your favorite pair of sneakers .
  7. 7
    Boyfriend Jeans Boyfriend jeans have a relaxed, slouchy look with a looser fit and a straight or tapered leg. They’re made to look like you’ve borrowed a pair of jeans from your boyfriend, and they have a super casual, low-key vibe. [14]
  8. 8
    High-waisted jeans . High-waisted jeans are exactly what they sound like—they sit slightly above your natural waistline. This style has been incredibly popular in the 2020s, and it comes in all kinds of cuts and variations. For example, you can get high-waisted skinny jeans, high-waisted wide-leg jeans, high-waisted boyfriend or mom jeans, and more. [17]
    • Styling tip: Because high-waisted jeans sit higher up on your waist, they pair very well with cropped tops . They also look great with tucked-in T-shirts or button-downs. [18]
  9. 9
    Low-rise jeans Low-rise jeans sit lower on your hips, a few inches beneath your belly button. [19] Low-rise jeans were incredibly popular in the early 2000s, and after disappearing for a while, they made a major comeback in the 2020s. They’re currently considered very fashionable and on-trend.
    • Styling tip: “With lower waistlines coming back, we dread the ‘muffin top,’ but this can be avoided by buying the right size. If you feel like you have a muffin top, your pants might be too small in the waist,” explains image consultant Elle Monus. [20]
    • Monus adds that it’s a good idea to check your measurements to find the right fit for low-rise jeans. “The rise of different low-waisted jeans can be different. If one pair hits you in a spot where it creates a muffin top, look for a pair that sits an inch higher or lower to smooth the look out just a bit.” [21]
  10. 10
    Jeggings Jeggings are basically a hybrid between jeans and leggings. They’re very tight and fitted all the way from the waist down to the ankle, but they’re made out of super-stretchy fabric for ultimate comfort. [22]
    • Styling tip: Dress up or dress down jeggings depending on the occasion. On a more low-key day, pair jeggings with a comfy oversized sweater or even a sweatshirt. For a dressier look, opt for a nice blouse and blazer and some sleek flats or heels.
  11. 11
    Cropped Jeans The hem of cropped jeans is higher than regular jeans, usually falling somewhere between the mid-calf and just above the ankle bone, depending on the style. They come in a variety of cuts, including skinny, straight-leg, and wide-leg, and they’re a great choice if you want to draw attention to your shoes. [23]
    • Styling tip: Pair cropped jeans with an eye-catching pair of heels or wedges to really show them off! [24]
  12. 12
    Distressed Jeans Distressed jeans come with intentional wear and tear, like rips, holes, or frayed hems. They range from slightly distressed styles that have a laid-back, lived-in feel, to super distressed styles that fit a more edgy aesthetic. [25]
    • Styling tip: Try pairing a pair of distressed jeans with a structured blazer and pointy-toed mules or flats to create a more polished (but still laid-back) look. [26]
  13. 13
    Paper bag Waist Jeans Paper bag jeans are high-rise and have pleats that cinch at the waist with a belt or tie. The extra fabric from the pleats peeks out from above the belt or tie, creating the recognizable paper bag look. This jean style comes in a variety of cuts, including straight-leg, wide-leg, and more. [27]
    • Styling tip: Pair paper bag jeans with a fitted top, whether that be a summery crop top or a slim-fitting cropped sweater for the fall or winter. A tighter top will create balance with the looser-fitting bottoms and create an hourglass silhouette. [28]
  14. 14
    Cargo Jeans Cargo jeans are loose-fitting and have large pockets on the outside of the legs. They’re basically cargo pants, but made out of denim instead of the typical cotton or fabric blends used for cargo pants. Cargo jeans are a super trendy and effortlessly cool option, especially for those who are fans of the Y2K aesthetic .
    • Styling tip: Go for a classic, casual look and pair your cargo pants with a hoodie or bomber jacket, or pair them with something unexpected, like a going-out top or crop top to dress them up.
  15. 15
    Black Jeans Black jeans are exactly what they sound like—jeans that are a black or very deep charcoal grey color, instead of a typical blue denim. Black jeans have a dressier and more polished look, so they’re perfect for slightly fancier occasions when blue jeans might be a bit too casual. [29]
    • Styling tip: Pair black jeans with a cardigan or blazer and loafers for a professional-looking daytime look, or wear them with a nice blouse and heels for a nighttime occasion. [30]
  16. 16
    White Jeans White jeans have a pure white color, as opposed to light-wash or acid-wash denim jeans, which are still slightly blue in tone. They have a fun, light-hearted, and casual feel, which makes them a great summery option, says Monus. [31]
    • Styling tip: “For a casual look, try a graphic tee with a French tuck ,” suggests Monus.
    • “To slightly elevate the look, try a collared button-down in a high-contrast color or a neutral color,” Monus says. “Unbutton at least the top two buttons,” and “leave [the shirt] untucked or half-tucked for an effortlessly cool look.” [32]
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Section 2 of 3:

Types of Jeans for Men

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  1. 1
    Straight-leg jeans Straight-leg jeans fall straight down from the hips through the legs. They have a relaxed fit that’s not too tight or too loose, and they’re generally mid-rise (hitting slightly below the belly button but above the hips). [33] With their clean, classic look and effortless vibe, straight-leg jeans are a great everyday option.
    • Styling tip: Dress up straight-leg jeans for a date or casual work event by pairing them with a classy button-down shirt . To look even more put-together, complete the outfit with a blazer . [34]
  2. 2
    Tapered jeans Tapered jeans start off similar to straight-leg jeans, with a relaxed not-too-tight but not-too-loose fit through the hips and thighs. They then start to narrow down slightly below the knee through to the ankle area. This style is a great option if you want more room in the waist and thighs, but a slimmer look in the lower leg area. [35]
    • Styling tip: Because tapered jeans are narrower around the ankle, they can draw attention to a great pair of shoes. If you’re going for a classy, polished look, loafers or penny loafers are a great option with tapered jeans. [36]
  3. 3
    Bootcut jeans For those who like a Western-inspired vibe, look no further than bootcut jeans . These jeans flare out slightly at the hem, perfect for accommodating a pair of cowboy boots . They also work super well with a 70s-inspired aesthetic, if that’s more your cup of tea! [37]
    • Styling tip: As their name might suggest, bootcut jeans look great with boots, but you can still style them with other shoes. For a casual look, a pair of neutral, minimalist sneakers is a great option. To dress them up, opt for a pair of classic dress shoes , like loafers or oxfords.
  4. 4
    Skinny/slim jeans Skinny jeans have a tight fit from the waist all the way down through the legs to the ankles, and slim-cut jeans are still tight, but slightly looser than full-on skinny jeans. Both types are usually made out of stretchier denim for comfort. [38]
    • Styling tip: Skinny jeans usually work best in a casual, laid-back ensemble. Pair them with a polo, short-sleeved or long-sleeved tee, or a simple button-down. For shoes, your favorite pair of sneakers should work perfectly! [39]
  5. 5
    Relaxed jeans Relaxed jeans have a looser, roomier fit from about the mid-thigh down through the leg. They’re a cool, trendy option, and they’re especially popular among Gen Z-ers and fans of streetwear. [40]
    • Styling tip: For a polished, artsy look, try pairing your relaxed jeans with loafers and a button-down shirt, then complete the look with a cardigan or blazer. To keep things casual, a simple sweater or tee looks great, too. [41]
  6. 6
    Loose/baggy jeans Baggy jeans are the loosest option out there, with a wide, roomy fit all the way down through the legs. [42] Like relaxed jeans, baggy jeans are a trendy option popular among streetwear aficionados.
    • Styling tip: Lean into the Gen Z streetwear aesthetic with an oversized graphic tee or hoodie and some eye-catching sneakers. Bold accessories like necklaces or statement rings are a cool touch, too! [43]
  7. 7
    Distressed jeans Distressed jeans come with intentional rips, holes, and/or frayed hems. Depending on how distressed they are, they can either have a casual, lived-in look, or more of an edgy rocker or goth vibe. They’re most popular among teenagers and people in their early 20s. [44]
    • Styling tip: Pair a slightly distressed pair of jeans with a casual tee, sweatshirt, or button-down. To lean fully into the edgy aesthetic, try pairing your extra distressed jeans with a leather bomber jacket .
  8. 8
    Cargo jeans Cargo jeans are essentially cargo pants, but made out of denim. They have a loose, baggy fit, as well as large pockets on the outsides of the legs. Cargo jeans are trendy and of-the-moment, and they’re also super practical—with that many pockets, you’ll always have room to carry the things you need!
    • Styling tip: Cargo jeans tend to look best with casual ensembles, so pair them with laid-back options like t-shirts, hoodies, or chunky knit sweaters for the fall and winter. [45]
  9. 9
    Carpenter jeans Like cargo jeans, carpenter jeans are made to be practical and comfortable. They have a looser, roomier fit, several pockets, and even loops for tools to hang off of (as if you were an actual carpenter headed to work). Even if you don’t need your pants to double as a toolbox, these trendy, comfy, and versatile jeans are a great option. [46]
    • Styling tip: Pair your carpenter jeans with casual pieces, like a basic crewneck tee, a fitted henley, or a button-down. A cool leather belt is a great finishing touch, as well! [47]
  10. 10
    Barrel-leg jeans Barrel-leg jeans are a trendy and current option. They’re fitted at the waist, but then they flare out pretty dramatically at the sides from the hip to the knee, before subtly tapering down to a more narrow opening at the ankle hem. This creates a uniquely voluminous silhouette. [48]
    • Styling tip: Barrel-leg jeans are a pretty bold statement, so you may want to keep things simple with the rest of your ensemble to let them be the star of the show. For shoes, simple boots, loafers, or sneakers all work. On top, a sweater, tee, or button-down would look great. [49]
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Section 3 of 3:

Finding the Right Jeans for Your Body Shape

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  1. Focus on the body parts you want to play up or emphasize. “I’m a bit shorter, so I tend to go for high-rise denim because it gives the illusion that my legs are longer than they actually are,” Kim explains. “It’s all about what body part you want to emphasize (or not emphasize), and then depending on that, you choose your fit. Trying on a lot of different denim is also really important!” [50] Here’s a breakdown for different body shapes:
    • Pear-shaped: If you have a pear-shaped body (wider hips and thighs with a smaller waist), high-waisted flare or bootcut jeans are especially flattering and balance out your proportions.
    • Apple-shaped: Apple-shaped frames (wider waist and upper abdomen with narrower shoulders and hips) tend to look great in mid-rise boyfriend or straight-leg jeans.
    • Hourglass: If you have an hourglass figure (defined narrower waist with wider hips and bust), high-waisted skinny jeans and bootcut jeans are especially flattering.
    • Rectangle: Rectangle-shaped bodies (straighter frames with less curves) tend to look amazing in looser-fitting styles, like low-rise boyfriend jeans or high-waisted wide-leg jeans.
    • Petite: If you’re on the shorter side, go for high-waisted or cropped jeans. These styles can help elongate your legs and create the illusion of a bit more height. Avoid super long or wide styles, since these can overpower your tinier frame.
    • Tall: Those with taller frames can typically pull off any jean style, but wide-leg jeans or eye-catching flares are especially great options to complement your statuesque vibe. [51]

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.wrangler.in/blogs/style-guides/the-ultimate-guide-to-different-types-of-jeans-for-women
      2. ↑ Susan Kim. Professional Stylist. Expert Interview
      3. ↑ Susan Kim. Professional Stylist. Expert Interview
      4. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/types-of-jeans-8691819
      5. ↑ Lana Blanc. Personal & Fashion Stylist. Expert Interview
      6. ↑ Paul Julch, MA. Personal Wardrobe Stylist & Speaker. Expert Interview
      7. ↑ Paul Julch, MA. Personal Wardrobe Stylist & Speaker. Expert Interview
      8. ↑ Paul Julch, MA. Personal Wardrobe Stylist & Speaker. Expert Interview
      9. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/types-of-jeans-8691819
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      36. ↑ https://www.gymshark.com/blog/article/how-to-style-cargo-pants-outfits-for-men
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      38. ↑ https://www.stylerave.com/men-carpenter-pants/
      39. ↑ https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/a62962980/types-of-jeans-for-men/#barrel-leg-jeans
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      41. ↑ Susan Kim. Professional Stylist. Expert Interview
      42. ↑ https://www.wrangler.in/blogs/style-guides/the-ultimate-guide-to-different-types-of-jeans-for-women

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