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Types of Women’s Jeans

Jeans are a timeless wardrobe staple that can be found in almost every woman’s closet. They are versatile, comfortable, and can be dressed up or down for any occasion. With so many different styles and cuts available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right pair of jeans. In this article, we will explore the various types of women’s jeans to help you find the perfect fit for your body type and personal style.

Skinny Jeans

Skinny jeans are a popular choice among women of all ages. They are form-fitting and taper down to the ankle, creating a sleek and streamlined look. Skinny jeans are versatile and can be paired with almost anything, from oversized sweaters to flowy blouses. They are perfect for showcasing your curves and creating a modern, fashion-forward outfit.

Straight Leg Jeans

Straight leg jeans have a straight cut from the hip to the ankle, offering a more relaxed and classic fit. They are a great option for those who prefer a looser fit or have wider hips. Straight leg jeans can be dressed up with a blazer and heels for a polished look or dressed down with a t-shirt and sneakers for a casual, everyday outfit.

Bootcut Jeans

Bootcut jeans are fitted through the thigh and flare out slightly from the knee to the ankle. They are designed to be worn with boots, hence the name. Bootcut jeans are flattering on most body types as they create a balanced silhouette by elongating the legs. They are a timeless choice that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

Flare Jeans

Flare jeans have a wider leg opening than bootcut jeans, creating a more dramatic flare from the knee down. They were popular in the 70s and have made a comeback in recent years. Flare jeans are a bold choice that adds a retro touch to any outfit. They look best when paired with a fitted top to balance out the proportions.

Boyfriend Jeans

Boyfriend jeans are known for their relaxed and slouchy fit. They are typically loose-fitting, with a straight or slightly tapered leg. Boyfriend jeans are designed to look like you borrowed them from your boyfriend’s closet, hence the name. They are comfortable and perfect for a casual, laid-back look. Pair them with a tucked-in t-shirt and sneakers for an effortless style.

High-Waisted Jeans

High-waisted jeans have a higher rise that sits above the natural waistline. They are a flattering choice for those who want to accentuate their waist and create an hourglass figure. High-waisted jeans come in various styles, including skinny, straight leg, and flare. They can be paired with crop tops, tucked-in blouses, or tucked-out sweaters for a trendy and retro-inspired look.

Distressed Jeans

Distressed jeans have intentional rips, tears, or fading, giving them a worn-in and edgy look. They are a popular choice among those who want to add some character and personality to their outfits. Distressed jeans can be paired with a simple t-shirt and sneakers for a casual, everyday look or dressed up with heels and a blazer for a more elevated style.

Colored Jeans

Colored jeans are a fun and vibrant alternative to traditional blue denim. They come in a wide range of colors, from pastels to bold hues. Colored jeans can add a pop of color to any outfit and are perfect for those who want to make a statement. Pair them with a neutral top and let the jeans be the focal point of your ensemble.

Remember, finding the right pair of jeans is all about personal preference and what makes you feel comfortable and confident. Experiment with different styles, cuts, and washes to find the ones that suit your body type and reflect your personal style. Whether you prefer skinny jeans, straight leg jeans, or something more unique, there is a perfect pair out there for everyone.

TYPES OF JEANS FOR WOMEN

A woman wearing light-wash jeans with a multicolored top.

Jeans are a wardrobe mainstay, but the number of options to consider when buying a new pair can be overwhelming. Check out our guide below, where we cover jeans fits, washes, lengths and more, and you’ll be shopping like a pro in no time.

A woman wearing jeans with a tan jacket and white boots. An assortment of jeans.

How to Measure Your Jeans Size 

First things first: before you start shopping for your new favorite pair of denim, you need to know your jeans size. Our favorite tip for buying jeans online? Grab a pair of pants from your closet and use its measurements as a reference. Measure the inseam, leg opening, hip size and rise, and then find the perfect jeans from the comfort of your home. If you prefer to shop in person, stop by your nearest Nordstrom—our salespeople are happy to help. 

Inseam

Measure from the bottom of the crotch seam to the bottom of the hem along the inside seam. 

Leg Opening

Measure the circumference of the opening at the hem of the leg. 

Hip Size

Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your hips and rear.

Rise

For the front rise, place your tape at the top of the inseam and measure the distance to the top of the waistband via the front of the jeans. For the back rise, place your tape at the top of the inseam again, but this time, measure the distance to the top of the waistband via the back of the jeans. 

A woman wearing high-waist jeans with a pink top.

Jeans Rises

The rises of your jeans (front and back) have a big effect on their fit and overall look.

Low Rise

Women’s low-rise jeans feature a 5″-8″ rise and typically land a few inches below your bellybutton. With less fabric, this rise is ideal for those with shorter torsos.

Mid Rise

With their 8″-9″ rise, women’s mid-rise jeans will hit right at your hips, about an inch below your bellybutton.

High Rise

The most flattering rise! Depending on your torso, women’s high-rise jeans sit right at your bellybutton or just below. The higher rise (9.5″-10.5″) defines your waist and gives the illusion of longer legs. 

Ultra High Rise

This rise delivers the same benefits as a high rise but measures just a touch higher at 11″ and up, and hits above your bellybutton.

Jeans Fits 

Skinny, straight, boyfriend and much more—there are so many types of fits and cuts for women. 

Skinny

We love women’s skinny jeans for their universal appeal—anyone can wear them. Plus, the sleek silhouette pairs effortlessly with a range of styles and can be worn for both work and play. If you’re looking for a slimming effect, go for a dark wash. Interested in a more fashion-forward look? A deconstructed style adds a little edge.

Relaxed/Boyfriend 

Think relaxed jeans are too casual to wear regularly? We’re here to convince you otherwise. Pair them with heels or flats, a blouse or a tee—the possibilities are endless! Relaxed jeans have that broken-in feeling built right in, so stick to your size for the best fit. Once you’ve found a pair of boyfriend jeans you like, cuff or roll the hems to show off your ankles and keep your look polished and feminine. 

Bootcut

Bootcut jeans have a subtly flared hem that looks great with—you guessed it—boots. This fit especially flatters full figures, like apple or pear silhouettes, since the flared bottom balances out wider hips.

Flare

The iconic ’70s silhouette is back. This boho style can be paired with a variety of pieces like basic tees, blazers and even crop tops. Plus, the flared legs create great balance for hourglass, rectangle and inverted-triangle body shapes.

Wide Leg

This dramatic style adds volume to the lower half, making them a great option for rectangle and inverted-triangle frames. When cropped, they can visually lengthen the leg line of those with petite figures.   

A stack of jeans.

Jeans Lengths

Finding your ideal length can be tricky. Whether you’ve got legs for days or a more petite frame, we’ve got the right length for you. Plus, you can add a fresh spin to denim in any length with distressed hems, which give jeans a lived-in vibe, or cuffed hems, which offer a polished yet relaxed look. 

Cropped

Women’s cropped jeans feature an inseam of 26″ or shorter and typically stop about 1″-2″ above your ankle. Wear a pair with heeled booties to show off your shoes and give your look a lift.

Ankle

Women’s ankle jeans feature an inseam that measures 27″-29″ and typically fall right at the ankle or just above. They’re super versatile and easy to pair with nearly any style of shoe, but we love them with a strappy sandal.

Regular

Women’s regular-length jeans feature an inseam that measures 30″-31″ and, depending on your height, fall between your ankle and the ground when you’re barefoot. This is the length to wear if you prefer your jeans to cover your ankles and part of your shoes.

Tall

Women’s tall jeans feature an inseam of 32″ or longer. The length is perfect for tall women—of course—and for women looking to elongate their legs and add a little height. To achieve the latter, pair them with a towering heel or high wedge.

A woman wearing blue jeans with black sandals.

Jeans Washes

The finish on your denim can do just about anything, from elevating a look for work to accentuating your body shape.

White

Contrary to popular belief, white denim isn’t just for the summer. Wear this wash with a white top for a monochromatic look, or pair it with cool patterns and prints any time of year.

Acid

Popular in the ’80s, this finish is created by adding sponges or pumice stones soaked in a chlorine solution to the washing process. 

Light

This wash lends a casual vibe to any look. Reserve your light denim for weekends and warm weather.

Medium

A true classic. Although a medium wash goes with everything, we love it with a light-wash denim top for a denim-on-denim look.

Dark

The least processed denim, dark-wash jeans create a smooth shape and a slimming effect. Be sure to launder these versatile jeans on their own a few times to prevent dye transfer.

Black

Sleek and classic, black jeans can be dressed up or down. Always wash black jeans inside out in cold water with dark garments on a gentle cycle to keep the color from fading.

Jeans Fabric Blends

Not all denim is created equal. Combining different fibers with cotton affects your jeans’ lifespan and durability—and determines how comfortable they’ll be.

Elastane

Also known as spandex or Lycra, elastane allows for a stretchy, comfortable fit and greater range of movement. This blend is especially ideal for skinny jeans.

Polyester

This synthetic fabric is strong and wrinkle resistant. When it’s blended with cotton and elastane, the result is denim that’s durable and soft against the skin.

Rayon or Nylon

The former is also known as viscose, while the latter might be listed as polyamide. Either helps with abrasion resistance and softness.

Tip: Cotton blended with stretchy materials yields denim that’s flexible and hugs the body. A fabric composition with 1%-4% stretchy material is the sweet spot—your jeans will have some give but won’t stretch out during a day of wear.

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