8 types of jeans for women that will enhance your wardrobe

Denim might be the cornerstone of our everyday wardrobes, but with so many different types of jeans for women to choose from, finding the best jeans (opens in new tab) can feel like a daunting task.

If, like us, you have a wardrobe overflowing with denim, but only one pair of jeans that you actually wear, it’s time for a denim intervention.

The good news is you don’t need to go far to find brilliant-fitting jeans. Some of the best denim we’ve come across is available on the high street. But, if you do want to splash the cash, higher-end jeans will reward you with longer-lasting fabric, as well as a wider range of fits, washes and cuts – not forgetting that premium denim often has more eco-friendly credentials, thereby justifying the steeper price tag.

From high-street jeans to high-end, we’ve rounded up the different types of jeans for women your wardrobe is crying out for…

8 types of jeans that everyone should own

Dominating our wardrobes since the noughties, skinny jeans have become something of a style staple. If you’re still yet to dabble, don’t let the word “skinny” put you off. Crafted from lightweight, stretchy denim, they work to hone, shape and ultimately flatter all body types. In short, they're seriously slimming jeans (opens in new tab). Buy yours in a high-waisted fit to benefit from their bum-boosting and tummy-smoothing talents. And remember, the darker the denim, the the more streamlined your legs will look. Frame (opens in new tab)make amazing skinny jeans if you can afford them.

They might be slightly looser than skinny jeans but, thanks to the rigid denim they’re made from, straight-leg jeans are just as flattering. Because the fabric is firmer, there’s a temptation to size up, but as all denim stretches eventually, it pays to stick to your usual size. Little details like raw hems or contrasting stitching will elevate your new jeans. 

Similar in style to straight-leg jeans, mom jeans (opens in new tab) are easy to spot thanks to the nipped-in waist, slightly baggy legs and tapered ankles. The retro shape does have the power to divide a room, but pairing with pointed-toe shoes or a heel will counteract the wider fit. 

Wide-leg, culotte-style jeans are having a real moment. Don’t be intimidated by the extra fabric – the high-waisted fit will stop the shape from overwhelming your figure. Teaming yours with a form-fitting top or knit will help, too. If you’re petite, choose a pair with a cropped leg to show off your shoes. 

Kicking out from the mid-calf, a bootcut jean offers a slightly subtler take on the 70s flare. Ever wondered where the name came from? The wider cuffs were initially designed to make it easy to slot a pair of boots beneath them. Balancing out proportions, bootcut jeans are especially flattering on anyone with wider shoulders or a curvy behind. 

Make the most of the 1970s fashion revival with a gorgeous pair of flares. Of all the different types of jeans available, these are one of the most flattering styles. Fitting snug around the waist and thighs before fluting from the knee, they skim over your calves to create the illusion of longer legs. Team yours with a floral blouse and tan boots to play up the retro feel. 

Arguably one of the most laid-back denim styles, the defining features of boyfriend jeans are the low-slung waist and slouchy fit. Choose darker denim for a polished look or experiment with rips and fades for a more casual feel. Rolled-up hemlines help boyfriend jeans work for petites, without the need for costly alterations. 

The jury is out as to whether jeggings count as jeans, but if you're on the fence between denim and jersey, they’re the perfect choice. Boasting plenty more stretch than your average jeans, they’re a comfortable choice for all-day wear. Choose a pair with a flattering high waist and they’ll reward you by gently smoothing any lumps and bumps around your middle.