A denim trend that’s showing no signs of disappearing anytime soon? Bootcut jeans.
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.
Created for Macy’s with a combo of cotton and elastane, these dark wash bootcut jeans are low-rise with a curvy fit along the hips.
We love this light wash, light blue cropped pair for its frayed, raw hem and faded, distressed look. There’s a zip fly with button closure and a five-pocket silhouette.
This pair from Liverpool — with tonal stitching, belt loops, and slight fading — is an incredibly versatile option that deserves a spot in your collection of blue jean staples.
Available at Nordstrom, this classic bootcut is made with exclusive LiftTuck Technology that helps flatten the tummy and lift the rear. The high pockets and deep yoke (aka the part of your jeans in the back just below the waistband — essentially right where your butt goes) don’t hurt either. Because they stretch with wear, we recommend ordering one size down for the perfect fit.
Channel a hip, 70s vibe (in the best way) with these high-rise bootcut jeans featuring an extra dramatic flare and front patch pockets. Heads up that they’re made with 100% denim, which means you’ll get great durability and softness but no stretch.
This sleek, slimming pair of bootcut ankle jeans won’t feel like a second skin hugging your body but will still be form-fitting around your legs and hips (except for a narrow ankle opening).
This high-rise pair comes with a hint of stretch courtesy of its cotton-viscose-polyester-elastane fabric blend. The deets? 30″ inseam, 12.5″ rise, 21″ leg opening. And machine washable, of course.
Everlane has taken the 70s-era trendy bootcut look and modernized it with a slightly straighter leg. It’s bound to become your go-to pair of stretch jeans in no time.
Bootcut jeans also happen to be tailor-made for ankle booties, and we’ve got the full run-down on how to style ‘em.
Revelle is on a mission to make women feel beautiful in their bodies every day by helping them find clothes that actually FIT, and we only feature jeans we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that the recommended products are based on availability as of the date the article was published. You can always get personalized recommendations by joining our community. Also, if you do purchase something by clicking on a link, we may receive a small commission.
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