Types of Women’s Jeans 

How to Shop for Jeans

Don’t let sizing get you down. Every brand is different in their cut and materials, and sometimes even the same design can differ from batch to batch.  

Rumour has it that some brands even engage in vanity sizing: purposely mislabeling clothes as smaller than they are because (in theory) women will be flattered into buying a “smaller” size that fits them.

Just start where you think you should be and size up or down as needed. Hint: jeans (and other garments) sizing broken down in our chart here. 

Try Your Jeans On In Person:

Let the wiggling commence. Bring a half dozen to the changing room and see what fits. Unfortunately, there is no substitute to trying them on in person, especially when it comes to jeans. If you can’t make it to a store in person, order strategically (especially if there are free returns) and try on a few pairs and send back whatever doesn’t fit. Store associates are pros at finding your perfect fit and are there to help.

Buy Your Jeans Online

Most websites, like ours, feature handy silhouette guides to help you choose what style you’re looking for. Then it’s a just matter of exploring. Have fun and don’t think you can only wear certain styles.

Many retailers, like us, are size-inclusive. And be sure to check out the online garment size chart to find your size. Ours is here. If you buy online, and it isn’t quite right, we’ll take them back and help you find better options.

How To Wash Jeans

There are many myths out there around denim care, so let’s set the record straight:

1. Wash them about every 10 wears or so. Overdoing it can wear them out faster.
2. You can put them in the washing machine -- just take them out right away. 
3. Hang them to dry. Denim is usually made of cotton, meaning dryers can shrink your jeans.

• Tip here: Put them in the dryer for 10 minutes to get lint off them without shrinking them.

And that’s all. Keep it simple and your jeans will do the rest. It’s safe to ignore the other denim washing myths (just put them in the freezer! Never wash them! Only wash them by hand! And only in the ocean!) 

Skinny

Let's get leggy. A fitted silhouette, form-fitting from waist to ankle. Dare we say tight. The right pair lengthens legs while contouring your curves.

The dominant fit of this millennium (so far), it’s a style that will always have a place in our hearts and our closets. Dress them up with heels or go casual with sneakers. Boots love them too.

Loose

We’re using this term as a catch all for loose to wide to baggy. And they’re not just for super casual situations -- they can even look elegant and drapey in the right cut and with the right shoes.

They often get called 90s jeans these days, for good reason, but in our opinion they’re a timeless silhouette. Not to mention comfortable. 

Jegging

Some might say these aren’t real pants, but we’re not here to judge. If they’re comfortable and make you feel confident, more power to you.

And let’s face it, even the naysayers probably can’t tell the difference sometimes -- or secretly have a pair in their closet. The right pair (like our Joeys) will stretch with ease while keeping their shape.

Bootcut

A subtly flared hem that goes well with boots (yeah who woulda thought). They’re usually straight as opposed to fitted in the butt and thigh, with a subtle flared at the hem for a classic, balanced silhouette. Ideal if you’re looking for a little more volume at the calf for better proportion. Or if you’re going to a rodeo. 

Flare

First, we go fitted through the hip and thigh and then we go for a bit of fun with a kicked-out flare. High-rises have more of a retro flavour while low-rises have that Y2K thing going on. They can look edgy with cowboy boots, funky with platforms, or elegant with heels. Are they similar to bootcuts? Yes. Are they also different? Also, yes. These will have more pronounced standout flare. 

Girlfriend

This jean is all about easy vibes with its lower rise and relaxed fit through the hip and thigh. They usually have a slimmer leg that isn’t quite skinny, making them a versatile option. Some light rips and distressing also suit this style well and give it that casual edge. But don’t be fooled, there are also varieties that are office appropriate.  

Mom

They’re still in. This high rise, tapered leg style is usually more relaxed through the hip and thigh with a cinched waist. It’s a vintage 90s look that’s been seeing a resurgence and isn’t going anywhere soon. Who would’ve thought your mom would become a style icon. 

Straight

A classic. A go-anywhere-with-anything jean. Usually fitted (but not tight) through the hip and thigh, this style gives you long, lean lines for legs that go on forever but with an everyday ease. They’re casual throw-on-and-go style that still offer vintage, effortless class.  

Trouser

Looking for dressed-up denim? This high rise style is your jean. Fitted through the hip and relaxed through the thigh, this is wear-to-office polish with casual comfort. It’s the kind of style that’s part jeans and part dress pants, and no one will be the wiser.  

Jean Rises

The rise of your jeans is another integral part of your jeans. It can be key to the overall vibe of your look and for flattering your proportions.

Low

Low-rise jeans for women usually have a 5"-8" rise, resting a few inches below the navel. This can help flatter shorter torsos or land the Y2K look that’s resurfacing (and we’re here for it).

Mid

This usually refers to 8"-9" rise, landing right at the hips, approximately an inch below the belly button for a comfortable and stylish fit. This tends to be a standard, trend-proof rise. 

High

High rise jeans land at or around the belly button, accentuating your figure and elongating legs while also providing lots of coverage, thanks to the elevated rise of 9.5"-10.5". 

Jean Inseams

This is another key to the look of your jeans. And something you might want to measure on your favourite pair to help you on your search in store.

There are regular and cropped versions. Regular can come in short, regular, and tall, depending on your height (or leg length). Cropped versions are for showing off ankles (or shoes). This is oversimplified, but you get the picture. 

Happy Denim Hunting 

Don’t lose heart when on that elusive search for jeans. The right pair will find you, and if you need help, you can take our online quiz to find your perfect pair.