When it comes to jeans, your choices are virtually limitless when it comes to fit, color, and style. But if you’re new to the denim game, all of those choices can be overwhelming — especially when it comes to deciding between skinny jeans, straight-leg jeans or bootcut jeans. Where do you start? What are your best options? To help you out, we’ve got the skinny on these three popular types of jeans so that you can make the right choice for your denim needs.
Skinny jeans
These jeans taper down from your hips to your ankle and are a hit or miss depending on your body type. Skinny jeans flatter those with a sleek figure but don’t offer much help if you have shapely hips and thighs. They’re also harder to find in taller sizes, as they can stretch out over time if they aren’t fitted perfectly in both leg and waist circumference. If you have stick-thin legs and are very short, skinny jeans can work well; otherwise, they can look unflattering if you have curves. On men, skinny jeans should be coupled with slim footwear to avoid looking chunky around the ankles or calves—which probably makes it good that skinny jeans are less popular among men than women these days!
Straight-leg jeans
If you’re looking for a classic, straight-leg pair of jeans, Levi’s 501 Original Fit Jeans are a great option. The jeans have gained popularity among celebrities over recent years, and their clean aesthetic is perfect for summer wear. The straight legs make them ideal to throw on with any casual look, from sneakers to boat shoes. Although they aren’t as tight as other pairs of jeans available on the market (like skinny jeans), these were designed with a roomier cut that allows wearers to move freely without sacrificing style or comfort—you can walk around all day long in these and not feel uncomfortable in any way!
Bootcut jeans
If you want to keep your jeans from looking mom jeans or grandma jeans, avoid bootcut—these tend to be a bit more relaxed and can make your legs look short and dumpy. If you like a relaxed fit, however, they’re a good option that’s slightly more feminine than straight-leg jeans. Best worn with sneakers or heels (no flats!) and tops that don’t reveal too much midriff; try tucking in tops with an empire waistline so you still get some definition at your waistline without falling into mom jeans territory. Bootcuts work well with pencil skirts, too.
