Bootcut, sometimes referred to as slim fit jeans, earned its name when cowboys (circa 1850, when jeans were first hitting the market) needed pants that’d allow them to ride horses with enough calf space to fit…you guessed it…their boots.
Today, they’re beloved for their style as much as their practicality, especially for those of us looking to one-up our skinny jeans with an extra dose of comfort and breathability when movin’ and groovin’ all day.
If you’re wondering…wait, are bootcut jeans the same as bell bottom flare jeans, they’re not. Flared jeans (the ultimate throwback, right?!) widen starting at the knee and more dramatically flare outward just above the ankle — vs wide leg jeans, which fit more like the letter A.
You can learn more about the seven most popular types of jeans here, but in the meantime…back to bootcut! In sum, they provide the sleek look that most of us love without the suffocating, I-can’t-get-these-jeans-off feeling that we don’t. They give us the option to roll ‘em up at the calf for a relaxed look, and they pair beautifully with everything from sweaters to T-shirts.
Below are eight of our faves, including classic bootcut jeans, cropped, stretchy relaxed fit pairs, and more.
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