If you're stuck in a skinny jeans style rut and want to mix things up a bit then you've come to the right place. Can't decide between boyfriend jeans vs mom jeans? We're here to help point you in the right direction.
Deciphering new denim looks and shopping for the best jeans for your body type can be tricky, but we're going to break down the two cuts to help you choose. After all, with the right styling, if you find the perfect pair of jeans then you're set for any occasion.
Like the trending barrel leg jeans, mom jeans and boyfriend jeans started off as totally separate trends, and they've both graduated to capsule wardrobe status to become cult favourites.
Both pairs sport a fairly relaxed silhouette, and learning how to style them will really unlock their potential. So what actually is the difference between boyfriend jeans and mom jeans? Let us break it down for you.
What are boyfriend jeans?
Victoria Beckham and Jennifer Aniston are both boyfriend jeans fans
This borrowed-from-the-boys look was made popular in the 1960s, when Marilyn Monroe donned a pair of boyfriend jeans in The Misfits. Since then, they have become a much-loved style of celebrities, seen on all the A-listers - from Victoria Beckham to Jennifer Aniston.
Slouchy and baggy, boyfriend jeans have a relaxed and comfortable fit, so if you've been loyal to your skinny jeans, boyfriend jeans might take some getting used to. They often sit mid-low on the waist and should look a little oversized on the wearer. There are many variations of the boyfriend cut; some are slimmer than others, so if you prefer more fitted clothing you can opt for a style that is more structured, but still loose. Essentially, any style which is less-fitted than straight leg jeans but more fitted than wide-leg can come under the boyfriend category. They're also one of the best jeans for women over 50 who want to skim their silhouette.
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With 1% elastane, these have got the perfect amount of stretch and movability. We love the rolled hem styled teamed with a pair of classic trainers. They're an M&S bestseller, and they've got 1715 reviews so you can really do your research to find out if they're for you.
Kate Middleton is a fan of G-STAR, and one happy customer wrote this review on Amazon: "Honestly this is the best pair of jeans I have purchased in 10 years. They fit as if the were tailored for me. I hate high rise or low rise jeans so these are precisely mid rise.... I am currently ordering my second pair."
This low-rise silhouette is proof that your white jeans outfits shouldn't just be saved for the summer months. If you're wondering how to style Birkenstock clogs, these high street jeans are the answer.
How to style boyfriend jeans
When it comes to how to style boyfriend jeans, like many winning outfits in your closet, it is all about balancing proportions and generally you'll want to keep the top half of your outfit more fitted and streamlined to balance out the baggier less.
If you're wondering can jeans be business casual, start by offsetting the boyish, laid-back vibe with a razor sharp blazer, feminine blouses and fancy flats. A tight-fitting top will help balance out the looser shape of the jean for a more flattering shape. You can use some of the same tips and ideas as you would for how to style baggy jeans. As while boyfriend jeans are not as extreme, they still stray into similar territory.
“The easiest way to make a boyfriend jean look more polished is to throw on a blazer. It will instantly smarten the look, while adding more structure to your outfit, too,” says Paula Moore, fashion director at Woman & Home.
Leopard print ballet flats are everywhere this season, from Prada to Zara. If you ask me, this pony hair pair from Cos look much more designer than high street!
A smart blazer will always look sophisticated with blue jeans, so invest wisely. This double breasted jacket will work seriously hard in your wardrobe.
A white T-shirt is the perfect way to tie blue denim and black tailoring together, and this heavy cotton style from Zara is my must-have. I love the boxy shape so much, I've got three in my wardrobe!
What are mom jeans?
Cindy Crawford and Katie Holmes wear mom jeans
This retro-style jean was a favorite among moms in the '80s and '90s, hence the name. It’s now back with a bang and a lot cooler than you might remember. Like the boyfriend jean, mom jeans have a relaxed fit but unlike boyfriend jeans, they tend to sit high on the waist, loose around the thighs, they then go down into more of a tapered leg, so they don't look as baggy overall.
The goal here is structured, tapered comfort that can be pulled on and out the door while still having some of the shape that boyfriend jeans intentionally forego. The hem is often rolled up, finishing just above the ankle. The long back pockets tend to make the bum appear longer and flatter.
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Available in UK sizes 6-20, this tapered leg style are the perfect mid-wash blue colour and have got a little bit of stretch for comfort. They'll become an autumn capsule wardrobe essential in the colder months - simply add a cosy knit and chunky boots.
These made it to our list of the best Zara jeans. Our tester, fashion editor Antonia Kraskowski wrote: "Available in five different washes, including black, I think these might be the best Zara jeans that I tried - I'll definitely be adding a pair to my wardrobe!"'
You know that it's amazing for beauty and tech, but did you know that you can also find some of the best jeans on Amazon? These 80s-inspired Mom jeans have got a really authentic retro feel to them that means they lend themselves perfectly to double denim looks.
How to style mom jeans
Mom jeans outfits are easier to put together than boyfriend jeans, thanks to their high waist, which makes for a less casual look. The key to making the most of your mom jeans is to tuck in your top, whether it’s a tee, blouse, body or polo neck. This takes advantage of the high waist, so it's all about showing off and highlighting your curves.
A belt will also help add definition and create more of an hourglass silhouette. Toughen up with hefty ankle boots or keep it casual in chunky trainers - they are guaranteed to go with pretty much everything. Try pairing your with one of the best wool jumpers for cosy vibes.
“A light blue or acid wash will give your mom jeans an extra retro vibe,” says Paula. “They also look great with a turned-up hem, so if they are coming up too long, just embrace it and roll them up.”
Belts are one of those accessories you always forget to prioritise until you need one. How gorgeous is this studded style? It will cinch in your waist even if you're wearing your chunkiest knit.
These are my all-time favourite winter boots. I've been wearing them for years and they really do last, so it's worth the investment. They're incredibly comfortable and the lace up design means they fit snuggly underneath cropped or rolled-up jeans.
The Sezane Gaspard cardigan is my most-worn item of knitwear. Not only is it by one of the best French clothing brands, it's incredibly versatile and available in countless different colours. Jeans and a jumper just got a whole lot chicer.
Boyfriend jeans vs mom jeans: The verdict
It mainly comes down to personal preference and working out which of the two are the most flattering.
Boyfriend jeans require more thought and attention if you want to nail the look. However, if you find the right balance with a fitted top or shirt and offset with pretty footwear and accessories, the finished look can be really fashion-forward and create some of the most slimming jeans too.
Word of warning: Do think about your height before investing. You may find that some boyfriend jeans drown your figure if you’re petite. If that sounds like you, you'll want to look for petite jeans in a boyfriend fit, as these will have been proportioned with your height in mind.
Mom jeans suit more people, regardless of stature, and are generally more versatile. You could throw on most tops with a mom jean and the style would work. The high-waist and tapered leg combo delivers a flattering silhouette, and if you’re partial to a bit of '80s nostalgia or a '90s fashion trend, mom jeans are a real winner.
Currently Group Fashion Director at Future Publishing, Paula Moore has been in the fashion industry for over 30 years. Overseeing the fashion pages for Woman and Home, Simply Woman and Home, Woman, Woman’s Own, Woman’s Weekly and Chat magazines.
With over 15 years experience in the fashion industry, freelance fashion editor, Antonia Kraskowski has worked at Conde Nast, across titles including, Glamour, Vogue New Markets and Easy Living. Antonia later went on to serve as the Fashion Editor of Express Newspapers and Magazines for five years before embarking on a freelance career.
