Last Updated on May 11, 2023
Mom jeans are one of the most popular pairs on the planet, but what are they?
There was a time when mom jeans were considered a fashion faux pas (but was also when skinny jeans were at their peak).
The mom jean, distinguished by its tapered legs and high waist, has existed since the late 1960s, but it wasn’t until nearly a couple of decades later that it gained widespread recognition and popularity as a relaxed cut we now know and love.
These days, it’s safe to say that the jeans style has become something we never tire of wearing.
I’m one of those people who appreciate looser-fitting styles, even though I’m a millennial. I feel mom jeans fit so perfectly between skinny and baggy, that it’s hard not to love them.
Mom jeans have been a popular choice since 2019, and with fashion icons like Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid frequently regularly being pictured wearing them, it’s safe to say that this trend is going no where.
With an abundance of denim choices available, including mom jeans, boyfriend jeans, wide leg jeans, and straight jeans, it can be confusing to distinguish one style from the other. So how do you tell them apart?
Here’s more information about mom jeans and why they’ve become such a wildly celebrated fashion piece.
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What are mom jeans?
Once deemed uncool and unfashionable (as the name suggests), the mom jean has become one of the most popular styles of jeans in 2023 thanks to 90s fashion coming back around (even low rise jeans, but that’s another story, for another time!).
Mom jeans are typically high-waisted with minimal stretch, akin to classic denim. The cut is intentionally loose, particularly over the bum and thighs, and then tapers down around the ankles, creating the iconic silhouette that you might remember from the 80s and early 90s.
This style of jeans offers both comfort and a flattering fit, making them a versatile choice.
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What is the difference between boyfriend and mom jeans?
While both styles offer a relaxed fit, the key difference lies in their respective cuts. Boyfriend jeans typically feature a looser fit throughout the leg, mimicking the look of jeans borrowed from a boyfriend.
In contrast, mom jeans are high-waisted with a baggier fit through the hips and thighs before tapering down at the ankles, reminiscent of the jeans your mom may have worn in the 80s and 90s.
What body type looks best in mom jeans?
What I love about mom jeans is that it is versatile that can flatter a variety of body types. Their high-waisted design and relaxed fit around the hips and thighs can create a flattering silhouette for those with an hourglass or pear-shaped body.
They can also elongate the legs, making them a great choice for those with a shorter stature.
But remember: you should wear whatever you like. Fashion is about self-expression, so wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident.
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What is the best way to style mom jeans?
We all need wardrobe pieces that are easy to style, and mom jeans are perfect for that.
I, for one, love to pair them with a classic white t-shirt and white trainers to achieve a sporty yet chic look. If I want to dress them up a bit, I simply throw on an oversized blazer for a touch of sophistication and heeled boots.
During colder months, I like to layer up with sweaters and jackets over my mom jeans to stay cosy and stylish. With their timeless design and endless styling possibilities, mom jeans are a must-have addition to any wardrobe.
