Whether you’re drawn to the relaxed appeal of boyfriend jeans, the tailored yet laid-back vibe of girlfriend jeans, or the nostalgic charm of mom jeans, there’s a denim style to suit every taste and occasion. Each style offers its own unique silhouette and aesthetic, allowing you to express your personal style with confidence. Whether you prefer a casual, off-duty look or a polished, retro-inspired ensemble, the versatility of these denim styles ensures that you’ll find the perfect pair to elevate your wardrobe. So go ahead, embrace the timeless appeal of denim and find your perfect fit among the array of boyfriend, girlfriend, and mom jeans available today.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GIRLFRIEND JEANS AND BOYFRIEND JEANS OR A MOM JEAN?
I get asked this question a lot: “What’s the difference between Girlfriend Jeans and Boyfriend Jeans or Mom Jeans?” So here’s the answer…
The exact characteristics of boyfriend, girlfriend, and mom jeans may be slightly different depending on the designer or store that carries the style. However, in general, these jean styles are loose-fitting and have a comfortable silhouette that tends to flatter any body type.
Boyfriend jeans have a relaxed fit with tapered legs; girlfriend jeans are lower-rise than mom jeans but not loose from the knee down; and mom jeans feature a higher rise and looser fit.
The Original Boyfriend Jeans
This boyfriend jeans look can be easily achieved by wearing a man’s pair of jeans ( you don’t have to have a boyfriend to rock this look). Think slouchy, relaxed & baggy. Cinched in by a belt and rolled up at the hem. This slouchy masculine look was made fashionable and accessible by Marilyn Monroe, who wore them on the set of the film ‘The Misfits in 1960.
In 2010, actress Katie Holmes and many celebrities were papped wearing the slouchy Boyfriend Jean on the street. Why, because the style is so versatile and can be styled in so many ways, tres- casual with sneakers, sexy with kitten- heels, and a tux jacket for that yin-yang feminine yet masculine twist.
Who Is The Boyfriend Jean Good For?
It’s a universal fitting jean, meaning pretty good for most. From the curviest body shapes as the waist can be cinched in with a belt to a tall long and leggy body shape. Often the boyfriend is ripped and distressed giving that grungy style.
Petite & Apple shapes need to be careful as too much slouch and fabric can drown a figure & give a frumpy outlook. The front rise sits around 8.5″ to 10″ under the belly button and the leg length can be rolled up or left down depending on the footwear. It’s a seasonless style.
Slide & Shop the Boyfriend Jeans
The Girlfriend Jeans
As always in fashion and especially within the denim industry styles evolve. Just look at the Levis 501 and how much it has changed over the years. The Girlfriend Jeans was born around 2014, as an offshoot from the masculinity of the Boyfriend Jean.
Who Should Wear Girlfriend Jeans?
Girlfriend Jeans are great for Petite & Apple body shapes and anyone who find the boyfriend style swamps them. The Girlfriend Jean is a streamlined relaxed style. So the waist is higher (approx 9.5″ sitting just under the belly button), legs are slimmer, tapered, and often cropped to the ankle.
A bit like baggy skinny jeans. You may come across the name “Slim Boyfriend” or “Boy Fit” these also come under the Girlfriend umbrella.
Not to be confused with L.A denim brand GRLFRND.
Slide & Shop the Girlfriend Jeans
The Mom Jeans
The Mom jeans is a bit like Marmite, you either love them or hate them! Mom jeans are high-rise jeans that were fashionable in the late 1980’s early 2000s. Mainly worn by middle-aged women due to the high rise, tapered shape in a light blue wash.
Sounds pretty awful, right? The younger generation of the day was following the low-rise skinny jeans trend which made Mom Jean’s very un-cool.
But then in 2010 to date tweens & teens made these frumpy jeans cool again. With the banishing of skinny jeans, Gen Z love the Mom jean like they had been made for them!
Who Is The Mom Jeans Good For?
The Mom Jean is great for all curvy body shapes. The high rise sits on or over the belly button ( 10″ to 12″) stopping the gap at the back of the waistband a lot of curvy women get with jeans. The jeans are cut with more room in the hip area, again perfect for curvy women! Then the leg tapers in at the ankle and can be rolled up and cuffed if you are petite.
TIP: Strangely this style is a no-no if you’re an apple body shape and you hold weight around your middle, as it will make you look very frumpy indeed! I have an apple body type and I stay well clear of this style of jeans!
Slide & Shop the Mom Jeans
I hope this post has cleared up the differences between the three styles of jeans and will help you make the decision about which style is best for you. Still, un-sure put your comment below and I’ll answer you as soon as!
