How to Choose Women's Jeans: Cuts, Rises and Fits
Most jeans differ in three ways: the cut of the leg, the rise at the waist and how much stretch is in the denim. Get those right and the rest is wash and style.
Leg cuts
| Looks like | Wear with | |
|---|---|---|
| Bootcut | Slim to the knee, a little wider at the hem | Ankle boots, heels |
| Straight | Same width from knee to hem | Sneakers, loafers, boots |
| Wide leg | Roomy from hip to hem | Platforms, sneakers |
| Boyfriend | Relaxed and slightly slouchy | Flats, sneakers, rolled hems |
| Flare | Fitted to the knee, wide hem | Heels or platforms |
Rise
- High rise sits at or above the belly button and holds you in.
- Mid rise sits just below the belly button, the most versatile.
- Low rise sits on the hips, a more casual look.
Picks to look at
Wide-leg jeans, light washHigh-waisted jeans with a straight wide leg in a faded light blue wash.
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Wide-leg jeans, dark washThe same high-waisted wide-leg cut in a dark, slightly faded indigo wash.
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High-waisted wide-leg jeans, mid blueRelaxed wide-leg jeans with a high rise and a classic mid-blue wash.
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Brown wide-leg jeansHigh-waisted wide-leg jeans in a warm brown, with a wide turned-up hem.
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Stretch bootcut jeans with contrast stitchingMid-wash bootcut jeans with a two-button waist, contrast stitching and plenty of stretch.
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Dark wash bootcut jeansClassic dark indigo bootcut jeans with a regular fit that sits well over ankle boots.
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High-waisted wide-leg jeansLong, high-waisted jeans with a very wide leg in a mid-blue wash.
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Wide-leg jeans, dark indigoWide-leg jeans in a deep indigo wash with a shaping waist and a full-length leg.
Check price on AmazonPicks to look at
Stretch bootcut jeans with contrast stitchingMid-wash bootcut jeans with a two-button waist, contrast stitching and plenty of stretch.
Check price on AmazonDark wash bootcut jeansClassic dark indigo bootcut jeans with a regular fit that sits well over ankle boots.
Check price on AmazonHigh-waisted wide-leg jeansLong, high-waisted jeans with a very wide leg in a mid-blue wash.
Check price on AmazonWide-leg jeans, dark indigoWide-leg jeans in a deep indigo wash with a shaping waist and a full-length leg.
Check price on AmazonPicks to look at
Stretch bootcut jeans with contrast stitchingMid-wash bootcut jeans with a two-button waist, contrast stitching and plenty of stretch.
Check price on AmazonDark wash bootcut jeansClassic dark indigo bootcut jeans with a regular fit that sits well over ankle boots.
Check price on AmazonHigh-waisted wide-leg jeansLong, high-waisted jeans with a very wide leg in a mid-blue wash.
Check price on AmazonWide-leg jeans, dark indigoWide-leg jeans in a deep indigo wash with a shaping waist and a full-length leg.
Check price on Amazon
