Types of Jeans: 25 Different Styles of Denim to Wear

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE

Joanna Elizabeth

/

Updated August 26, 2024

Types of Jeans
See all the different types of jeans.

Jeans have become an integral part of our wardrobes, offering both comfort and style. Over the years, different types of jeans have evolved, giving rise to various options. From skinny jeans to boot cut, from low rise to high waist, there is a pair of pants for every body type and personal preference. 

Our comprehensive guide will explore the different types of jeans available for women, their unique characteristics, and which body types they are most suitable for. So, let’s dive into the fascinating world of jeans and find the perfect pair for you!

Types of Jeans

Baggy Jeans: Relaxed & Street-Ready 

Baggy Types Jeans Urban Outfitters
Embrace the cool vibe with effortlessly chic baggy jeans. Photo: Urban Outfitters

Echoing the urban streetwear culture, baggy jeans are defined by their loose and oversized fit. Draping generously over the wearer, they provide ample comfort and a relaxed aesthetic. 

Although they might appear nonchalant, they make a distinctive fashion statement, especially when paired with tighter tops to balance the proportions. Ideal for those seeking a laid-back and trendy look without compromising on style.

Bootcut Jeans: Functional Elegance 

Bootcut Types Jeans Buckle
Bootcut perfection: Where timeless elegance meets functionality. Photo: Buckle

Boot-cut jeans are designed with a slight flare at the bottom to accommodate boots and provide a comfortable fit through the thigh and knee. This style tends to balance out wider hips or thighs, making it a complementary choice for those with curvier or athletic body types. Its functional elegance bridges the gap between casual and dressed-up occasions.

Boyfriend Jeans: Relaxed Comfort 

Boyfriend Types Jeans Pacsun
Boyfriend jeans: The ultimate in laid-back vibes. Photo: Pacsun

Boyfriend jeans are characterized by a relaxed, slouchy fit that looks as though they’ve been borrowed from a man’s wardrobe. Ideal for those seeking comfort without sacrificing style, they work well on straight or apple-shaped body types. The casual design provides an effortlessly chic look that can be dressed up or down with a denim jacket.

Cropped Jeans: Casual Elegance 

Cropped Types Jeans AE
Cropped delights: Pioneering a chic, ankle-baring trend. Photo: American Eagle

Cropped jeans are cut shorter at the ankle or calf, offering a playful twist on traditional denim. This style is particularly flattering on petite or slender figures, highlighting the ankles and often elongating the appearance of the legs. Cropped jeans are perfect for showcasing footwear and bringing a touch of casual elegance to a jean outfit.

Embellished Jeans: Artistic Flair Meets Denim

Embellished Types Jeans River Island
Dazzling in detail: these are jeans that make every moment sparkle. Photo: ASOS

Taking denim beyond its practical roots, embellished jeans are adorned with intricate embroidery, sequins, beads, or patches, turning them into wearable art pieces. 

They serve as a canvas for creative expression and stand out in any crowd. These jeans add a touch of luxe and are perfect for those looking to make a statement. They beautifully complement simpler tops, letting the embellishments shine.

Flared Jeans: Retro Chic 

Flared Types Jeans Abercrombie
Channeling the ’70s with every flare. Retro, yet so now. Photo: Abercrombie

With a wider flare from the knee down, flared jeans evoke a sense of 1970s retro chic. This style often complements those with an hourglass or pear-shaped figure, as the flare can balance broader hips and create a harmonious silhouette. Flared jeans are bold and often paired with vintage-inspired outfits for an eye-catching look.

High Waist Jeans: Sleek Silhouette 

High Waist Types Jeans Levis
High-waisted wonders: Elevate every outfit effortlessly with this style of jeans. Photo: Levi’s

High-waist jeans sit above the natural waistline and belly button, elongating the legs and accentuating the waist. This style often flatters hourglass and pear-shaped figures, as it can highlight curves while slimming the midsection. Its sleek silhouette offers a timeless elegance that can transition from casual daywear to sophisticated evening attire.

Jeggings: The Comfort of Jeans and Leggings 

Jeggings Types Jeans Old Navy
Jeggings marry the comfort of leggings with denim’s casualness. Photo: Old Navy

Jeggings combine the best of jeans and leggings, offering a form-fitting silhouette made from stretchy denim or fabric that mimics denim. This style caters to a wide range of body types, hugging curves while providing the comfort of leggings. 

Suitable for both casual and more polished looks, jeggings provide a versatile addition to any wardrobe, allowing wearers to enjoy the look of jeans with the feel of leggings.

Low-Rise Jeans: Modern Casual 

Low Rise Types Jeans AE
Low-rise jeans are contemporary cool at its finest. Photo: American Eagle

Positioned below the natural waistline, low-rise jeans offer a modern and casual look. Often favored by those with a straight or athletic figure, this style can add dimension to the hips and provide a laid-back vibe. 

Though more commonly associated with casual wear, low-rise jeans have become a contemporary classic for their easy-going appeal.

Mom Jeans: Vintage Revival 

Mom Types Jeans Levis
A nostalgic nod with a modern twist defines mom jeans. Photo: Levi’s

A nod to the ’90s, mom jeans are characterized by their high rise, slightly relaxed fit around the hips and thighs, and tapered leg. Celebrated for accentuating the waist, they are particularly flattering on hourglass and pear-shaped figures. 

Modern fashion fans have embraced their vintage charm, offering a mix of comfort and retro style that pairs well with fitted and loose tops.

Patchwork Jeans: Eclectic & Artistic Fusion

Patchwork Types Jeans Mango
Bring boho vibes to your look with patchwork denim. Photo: Mango

Patchwork jeans come alive with a mosaic of fabric patches, making each pair feel unique and artisanal. This style reflects an eclectic fusion of textures and patterns, connecting with those who love experimental fashion. 

Apart from their apparent artistic appeal, they also tell a story of sustainability, often repurposing fabric scraps. For the fashion-forward, patchwork jeans become an instant conversation starter, blending nostalgia with contemporary aesthetics.

Ripped Jeans: Edgy & Lived-In Charm

Ripped Types Jeans Hollister
Distressed to impress: ripped jeans for the edgy at heart. Photo: Hollister

Ripped jeans, also known as distressed jeans, showcase intentional tears, fraying, and worn-out spots to exude a rebellious spirit. This style brings an edgy, lived-in charm, making them a top choice for those looking to inject some grit into their ensemble.

While they fit various body types, their distinctive character remains central, making them a favorite for fashion-forward individuals.

Skinny Jeans: Sleek & Modern Style 

Skinny Types Jeans Old Navy
Sleek, modern, and undeniably chic: the skinny jean silhouette. Photo: Old Navy

Designed to hug the body closely, skinny jeans are tailored for a snug fit from hip to ankle. This style of jean often enhances the appearance of a slim and elongated silhouette, making it particularly flattering for those with slender or well-balanced body types. Its modern and sleek look has made it a favorite choice for contemporary fashion enthusiasts.

Slim-Fit Jeans: Refined & Contemporary

Slim-Fit Types Jeans Levis
Slim-fit charm: A sophisticated nod to contemporary grace. Photo: Levi’s

Sitting gracefully between the classic straight leg and the ultra-fitted skinny, slim-fit jeans provide a contemporary silhouette that tastefully contours the body without being overly tight. They offer a tighter fit from hip to ankle, subtly enhancing the body’s natural lines. This style complements a range of body types without constricting movement. 

Straight Leg Jeans: Timeless Versatility 

Straight Leg Types Jeans Pacsun
A classic choice, straight-leg jeans are every wardrobe’s MVP. Photo: Pacsun

Straight-leg jeans offer a classic fit that runs uniformly from the waist to the leg opening. This simple and straight silhouette often flatters various body shapes and sizes. It’s a versatile style that lends itself to casual and semi-formal looks, making it a timeless choice in many wardrobes.

Wide Leg Jeans: Breezy Sophistication 

Wide Leg Types Jeans Old Navy
Wide-leg stunners: A perfect blend of comfort and chic. Photo: Old Navy

Their spacious cut, wide-leg jeans offer a breezy and sophisticated alternative to traditional styles. Often flattering on pear-shaped or curvy body types, they balance the lower body’s proportions while adding a fashionable flair. From casual outings to more refined gatherings, wide-leg blue jeans provide comfort and chic style.

Denim Washes

Fashion Types Jeans
Explore the different denim washes in fashion. Photo: FP

Diving deeper into the denim universe washes play a pivotal role in defining the mood and character of each pair. From raw hues to vintage fades, the wash gives jeans their distinct personality, catering to diverse style preferences. Explore the different types of jeans and their treatments in the world of denim washes.

Raw or Dry Denim

A genuine touch of authenticity, raw or dry denim remains untreated post-dyeing, offering a firm and rigid feel. Its deep indigo or blue-black hue exudes a classic look, appealing to purists who enjoy denim’s natural aging process.

Light Wash

Light Wash Types of Jeans
Bask in the breezy vibes of summer with this ethereal light-wash denim. Photo: FP

Evoking nostalgia, the light wash’s faded blue hue channels vintage styles. Prolonged washing gives it a worn-out appearance, making it a favorite for relaxed, sunny-day outfits.

Medium Wash

Medium Wash Types Jeans
Strike the perfect balance in style with this versatile medium wash. Photo: FP

A pleasant shade of blue, neither too dark nor too light, the medium wash is a versatile choice. Its balanced hue complements various styles, effortlessly bridging the gap between casual and semi-formal.

Dark Wash 

Dark Wash Types Jeans
Dive deep into sophistication with timeless dark-wash denim. Photo: FP

Embodying sophistication, the dark wash boasts a deep blue shade. Its dressier appeal and longer color retention make it a top choice for refined settings and evening engagements.

Acid Wash

Acid Wash Types Jeans
Channel your inner rockstar with the edgy allure of acid-wash denim. Photo: ASOS

With a throwback to the 80s, acid wash presents a stark contrast between dark and light blue. Its edgy, high-contrast design is a daring choice for the fashion-forward enthusiast.

Black Denim

Black Wash Types Jeans
Upgrade your evening ensembles with the sleek mystique of black denim. Photo: FP

Sleek and versatile, black jeans offer a polished appearance. Dyed a deep black, it gradually fades to grey, adding character over time. Perfect for both laid-back and upscale settings.

Grey Denim

Grey Wash Types Jean
Melding the worlds of chic and casual: introducing the essential grey denim. Photo: FP

The neutral palette of grey denim ranges from light to dark shades. Offering an alternative to traditional blue, grey denim pairs seamlessly with many colors and styles.

White Denim

White Wash Types Jeans
Brighten up any ensemble with the crisp elegance of white denim. Photo: FP

The epitome of summer flair, white denim is crisp and fresh. Perfect for coastal getaways and warm-weather outings, it casts a resort-ready elegance.

Vintage or Aged Wash

Aged Denim Types Jeans Anthropologie
Embrace the charm of yesteryears with an aged wash. Photo: Anthropologie

The vintage wash imitates denim’s natural aging process, resulting in a timeless appeal. It is frequently paired with understated distressing, creating a well-loved appearance.

Colored Denim

Colored Types Jeans HM
Add a splash of vibrancy to your wardrobe with bright-colored denim. Photo: H&M

Venturing beyond blues, colored denim adds a vibrant twist to the fabric’s legacy. Whether it’s a bold red, pastel pink, or a calming green, these shades offer endless opportunities for personal expression.

Final Words

Model Types Jeans
From ripped to classic, jeans have so many variations. Photo: iStock

An array of types of jeans, from the sleek skinny and vintage-inspired mom jeans to the comfortable boyfriend styles, showcases the versatility of this timeless garment. As you sift through the choices, remember that each style reflects a distinct personality and aesthetic. 

By understanding these various styles of jeans, you’re better equipped to find that perfect pair that aligns with your style and comfort. Let your denim choice be more than a purchase; let it celebrate self-expression in a world rich with denim diversity. Happy jean shopping!


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