Everything You Need to Know About the Different Styles of Jeans

Jeans are one of the most classic and versatile articles of clothing, but that doesn't mean that all two pairs are alike. In fact, there are so many different styles that it can be hard to keep them all straight (no pun intended).

Between the different cuts, rises and styles, there really is a pair of jeans out there for every body and every occasion. After all, denim is a very dynamic material, and while trends come and go, wearing jeans will never go out of style. Whether you're hunting for your new favorite pair or just need a refresher on what kinds of jeans are out there, we've got the complete guide for you below.

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Straight Leg

The very first jeans, made in the 1870s, were straight leg jeans, so we don't think it's any exaggeration to say that they're the most traditional cut. These jeans feature legs with a consistent length, all the way from the waist to the ankle. This makes them more fitted at the thighs and roomier at the calf and ankle. This creates a long, squared look that may not always be on trend but will never truly be out of fashion.

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Skinny Jeans

Skinny jeans may come and go as a trend, but their prominence in recent years has made them one of the best-known styles of jeans. They're extra fitted, contouring to the body from top to bottom to give a form-fitting, barely there appearance. That might sound restricting, but since they're typically made with stretch denim, they're surprisingly comfy and easy to wear.

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Slim Cut

Slim cut jeans are often confused with skinny jeans, but they're more of a halfway point between the classic straight leg and skinny jean look. While they are close-fitting at the butt and thighs, the legs are less fitted for a breezier feel. This also makes them trend-proof, as they're suited to both straight and skinny jean seasons.

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Boyfriend Jeans

The name "boyfriend jeans" is a bit of a misnomer, as they're actually jeans tailored for women, inspired by men's jean styles. They're typically comfy and baggy straight leg jeans with extra room to move around in. They also often feature rolled cuffs, softer and more "worn-in" fabrics and sometimes are distressed, to imply that you snagged your boyfriend's favorite pair of old jeans right out of his dresser.

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Mom Jeans

The name "mom jeans" may have started off as a derogatory term, but the look has come back into style again and again, and can be surprisingly flattering. Typically, these jeans have a looser straight leg style that's slightly tapered at the ankle, with the most prominent feature being the high waist. While it may look a little old-fashioned, it actually elongates the appearance of the legs. Basically, these jeans are super comfy and versatile for a mom (or anyone else) on the go.

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Dad Jeans

Of course, moms don't get to have all the fun, with dad jeans also becoming an increasingly popular style. They're equally practical, featuring a roomy straight cut from top to bottom, a slightly higher rise and often a lighter or more weathered wash. It's also worth noting that so-called "dad jeans" are equally beloved among men and women.

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Flared Cut

When we think of the flared cut, our mind immediately goes to the bellbottom looks of the '70s, but they're equally bold and stylish as a modern-day pant. They're most recognizable for their tapered look, with a more snug fit around the butt and thighs and a wide flare from the knee to the ankle. The overall effect is a look that's dynamic while also creating a unique hourglass shape.

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Bootcut

The bootcut jean is like the flared jean's slightly tamer cousin. They take a more practical approach and are less fitted at the waist and with a smaller flare at the ankles, giving the wearer room to wear boots or other bulky shoes that would snag on classic straight cut jeans.

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Wide Leg

The wide leg look is even more dramatic than the flare, giving an almost skirt-like appearance. They're much flowier than straight cut jeans, with legs that widen from the thigh and take that length all the way down to the feet. Often, they also have a higher rise to further elongate the body and make the legs appear even longer.

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Low-Rise

The rest of this list is all about the rise of jeans, referring to where the top of the pants sits at the waist. Low-rise, of course, refers to jeans that sit low on the waist and right at the hips, often for the purpose of revealing more skin. The look so a big revival last year,  though we're not yet sure if it'll be back with a vengeance in 2025.

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Also read about: The Hottest Spring 2025 Fashion Trends for Guys

 

Mid-Rise

Mid-rise jeans refer to jeans with a more typical cut at the waist, typically between the hips and the bellybutton. It's a classic, no-nonsense approach that's comfortable and classic, and the rise featured on most pairs of jeans.

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High-Rise

High-rise jeans create a unique look by starting at or above your bellybutton, generating a long and slimming silhouette. Some people may associate the high waist with older styles, but high-rise jeans can truly look great on wearers of all ages, with an elongated look at the butt and zipper area that's especially suited to certain body types.

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Haven't been wearing a lot of jeans lately? Click HERE to discover all the reasons to embrace the trend in 2025.