Boyfriend jeans vs mom jeans: what's the difference, and which will suit you best?

If you're stuck in a skinny jeans style rut and want to mix things up a bit then you've come to the right place. Can't decide between boyfriend jeans vs mom jeans? We're here to help point you in the right direction.

Deciphering new denim looks and shopping for the best jeans for your body type can be tricky, but we're going to break down the two cuts to help you choose. After all, with the right styling, if you find the perfect pair of jeans then you're set for any occasion.

Like the trending barrel leg jeans, mom jeans and boyfriend jeans started off as totally separate trends, and they've both graduated to capsule wardrobe status to become cult favourites.

Both pairs sport a fairly relaxed silhouette, and learning how to style them will really unlock their potential. So what actually is the difference between boyfriend jeans and mom jeans? Let us break it down for you.

What are boyfriend jeans?

This borrowed-from-the-boys look was made popular in the 1960s, when Marilyn Monroe donned a pair of boyfriend jeans in The Misfits. Since then, they have become a much-loved style of celebrities, seen on all the A-listers - from Victoria Beckham to Jennifer Aniston.

Slouchy and baggy, boyfriend jeans have a relaxed and comfortable fit, so if you've been loyal to your skinny jeans, boyfriend jeans might take some getting used to. They often sit mid-low on the waist and should look a little oversized on the wearer. There are many variations of the boyfriend cut; some are slimmer than others, so if you prefer more fitted clothing you can opt for a style that is more structured, but still loose. Essentially, any style which is less-fitted than straight leg jeans but more fitted than wide-leg can come under the boyfriend category. They're also one of the best jeans for women over 50 who want to skim their silhouette.

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How to style boyfriend jeans

When it comes to how to style boyfriend jeans, like many winning outfits in your closet, it is all about balancing proportions and generally you'll want to keep the top half of your outfit more fitted and streamlined to balance out the baggier less.

If you're wondering can jeans be business casual, start by offsetting the boyish, laid-back vibe with a razor sharp blazer, feminine blouses and fancy flats. A tight-fitting top will help balance out the looser shape of the jean for a more flattering shape. You can use some of the same tips and ideas as you would for how to style baggy jeans. As while boyfriend jeans are not as extreme, they still stray into similar territory.

“The easiest way to make a boyfriend jean look more polished is to throw on a blazer. It will instantly smarten the look, while adding more structure to your outfit, too,” says Paula Moore, fashion director at Woman & Home.

What are mom jeans?

This retro-style jean was a favorite among moms in the '80s and '90s, hence the name. It’s now back with a bang and a lot cooler than you might remember. Like the boyfriend jean, mom jeans have a relaxed fit but unlike boyfriend jeans, they tend to sit high on the waist, loose around the thighs, they then go down into more of a tapered leg, so they don't look as baggy overall.

The goal here is structured, tapered comfort that can be pulled on and out the door while still having some of the shape that boyfriend jeans intentionally forego. The hem is often rolled up, finishing just above the ankle. The long back pockets tend to make the bum appear longer and flatter.

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How to style mom jeans

Mom jeans outfits are easier to put together than boyfriend jeans, thanks to their high waist, which makes for a less casual look. The key to making the most of your mom jeans is to tuck in your top, whether it’s a tee, blouse, body or polo neck. This takes advantage of the high waist, so it's all about showing off and highlighting your curves.

A belt will also help add definition and create more of an hourglass silhouette. Toughen up with hefty ankle boots or keep it casual in chunky trainers - they are guaranteed to go with pretty much everything. Try pairing your with one of the best wool jumpers for cosy vibes.

“A light blue or acid wash will give your mom jeans an extra retro vibe,” says Paula. “They also look great with a turned-up hem, so if they are coming up too long, just embrace it and roll them up.”

Boyfriend jeans vs mom jeans: The verdict

It mainly comes down to personal preference and working out which of the two are the most flattering.

Boyfriend jeans require more thought and attention if you want to nail the look. However, if you find the right balance with a fitted top or shirt and offset with pretty footwear and accessories, the finished look can be really fashion-forward and create some of the most slimming jeans too.

Word of warning: Do think about your height before investing. You may find that some boyfriend jeans drown your figure if you’re petite. If that sounds like you, you'll want to look for petite jeans in a boyfriend fit, as these will have been proportioned with your height in mind.

Mom jeans suit more people, regardless of stature, and are generally more versatile. You could throw on most tops with a mom jean and the style would work. The high-waist and tapered leg combo delivers a flattering silhouette, and if you’re partial to a bit of '80s nostalgia or a '90s fashion trend, mom jeans are a real winner.

Paula Moore

Currently Group Fashion Director at Future Publishing, Paula Moore has been in the fashion industry for over 30 years. Overseeing the fashion pages for Woman and Home, Simply Woman and Home, Woman, Woman’s Own, Woman’s Weekly and Chat magazines.

Antonia Kraskowski

With over 15 years experience in the fashion industry, freelance fashion editor, Antonia Kraskowski has worked at Conde Nast, across titles including, Glamour, Vogue New Markets and Easy Living. Antonia later went on to serve as the Fashion Editor of Express Newspapers and Magazines for five years before embarking on a freelance career.