Mom Jeans Vs Boyfriend Jeans: What is the difference?

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When it comes to mom jeans vs boyfriend jeans, they do have a lot in common, but they also have their differences. The easiest way to learn the differences between the two is to read below, we’ve got it all covered here!

Learning the differences between these jeans will help you understand which might look best on your body type and which would fit your personal style best.

There are so many options that come up when you search for these types of jeans online. So we put together everything you need to know about mom jeans and boyfriend jeans to help you easily understand your options and the current denim trends with these styles.

You may find you prefer one style over the other and you may find you love them both for different reasons. Let’s dive right into the main difference and similarities between each style.

The Differences in Mom Jeans Vs Boyfriend Jeans

What Are Mom Jeans?

Mom jeans have a wider but straight leg with a tapered, high waist. They are loose and slightly bagging in the leg but accentuate the waist. They usually have minimal stretch and are slimmed down to the ankles. 

The mom jeans style has been around for a long time, but the term “mom jeans” really developed and took off in 2010 when the 90s style clothing really started to trend again.

If you’re a 30 or 40-something woman, you probably remember your mom wearing jeans like these, and we hated them then. But today, we’re singing a different tune.

So why are they called mom jeans? Because moms were the ones who typically wore this style as they are the most practical for their daily lifestyle.

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What Body Type Should Wear Mom Jeans?

Mom jeans are flattering for curvy women. Pear shaped and hourglass figure body types are a good fit for this cut.

If you have a short torso, the high waist may make your torso look even shorter. Just be mindful of that possibility and look for the right fit for you. Alternatively, if you have a long torso, mom jeans can be a godsend.

What Are Boyfriend Jeans?

Now, let’s move from the 90s to the early 2000s and talk about boyfriend jeans. This trending style is a nod to the early 2000s “I borrowed this from my boyfriend” fashion movement and showed up again around the same time as mom jeans in 2010.

Fast forward to today and here we are again, loving this style of jeans. This loose-fitting style has a lower waist that typically sits right above the hips, fits snugly around the butt and hips, and then drops straight to the ankles in a relaxed cut.

What Body Type Should Wear Boyfriend Jeans?

This type of jeans works best on an inverted triangle shape. They should fit snug at the hips and be a relaxed fit with straight legs all the way down.

Thicker thighs may be accentuated in this cut. These look great on women with long legs or a taller frame in general.

mom jeans and boyfriend jeans

Mom Jeans #1 | Mom Jeans #2 | Boyfriend Jeans #1 | Boyfriend Jeans # 2

What Is The Difference Between Mom Jeans And Boyfriend Jeans?

Mom and boyfriend jeans styles have both evolved from their classic looks into various lengths, cuts, and waist rises. So let’s compare each category and how it applies to each style of jeans.

Length

While mom jeans typically land right above the ankles, the boyfriend jean look is usually a leg that runs all the way to the floor. In recent years, boyfriend jeans have been cuffed at the hem, but the longer style gives it a more casual vibe.

Mom jeans tend to be more of a summer style, while boyfriend jeans work well for winter since they cover the ankle.

Cut

The cut of mom jeans vs boyfriend jeans has kind of become a blurred line over the years. With each cut trying to accommodate all women’s figures, the two different styles of jeans became more like one another in some versions of the style.

Classic mom jeans are high-waisted, fit looser around the hips, and then tighten just a little bit through the legs until they stop right above the ankle.

An original pair of boyfriend jeans are a little wider at the hips with a straight but looser fit through the legs all the way to the floor creating a more slouchy style or laid-back vibe.

Waist

Mom jeans have that high-waist style that can be just a little high or really high. This classic look is a favorite of celebrities like Katie Holmes and Jennifer Aniston.

The mom jean’s high rise waist is a less casual look than the boyfriend jeans, which sits right on or above the hips.

Recently, however, you’ll find some more high rise boyfriend style jeans in the fashion world and other numerous variations in the waist, cut, and length for both mom and boyfriend styles.

Shop Jeans #1 | Shop Jeans #2

How To Wear Mom Jeans

Since mom jeans have a little bit of a tapered leg and hit perfectly over the hips and butt, a nice oversized t-shirt or sweater tucked in the front is a cute look.

Any top can look good with mom jeans, the key is the tuck. Either a full tuck or a half tuck with whatever top you choose will give the look a more flattering shape with mom jeans.

Sneakers are a great choice to wear with mom jeans for an effortless off-duty look. Other types of shoes that work well are ankle boots, flat or heeled sandals, pumps, or loafers.

How to Wear Boyfriend Jeans

When choosing the right top to go with boyfriend jeans, remember that you can easily look really sloppy with this style if you choose a top that is too baggy. A fitted top helps to balance out the loose relaxed fit of boyfriend jeans.

Baggy styles like these jeans also pair well with a crop top because of that balance between feminine and masculine.

You can wear anything from strappy heels to chunky sneakers or combat boots with boyfriend jeans.

Your shoe choice depends on your personal style, but high heels and a tight shirt is a trendy look with boyfriend jeans. You can also opt for the comfortable feel of low-top sneakers and still be perfectly in style.

Are Mom Jeans Or Boyfriend Jeans More Popular?

Both of these different types of jeans are popular styles right now. Comfortable styles in general are currently the biggest trend when it comes to jeans, so the answer here is to choose whichever you feel the best in.

Compare these types of jeans and decide which will work best with your body type to choose the right jeans for you. If you love them both, find yourself a good pair of hybrid mom and boyfriend jeans.

Some high-waisted, slim-fitting boyfriend jeans rolled up at the bottom can do the trick. If you have the extra space in your wardrobe, get them both and have fun with the different but similar styles.

More Mom Jeans For Women

As we mentioned earlier, mom jeans come in lots of different variations. Different lengths, washes, hems, cuts, and waist rises. These are just a few examples of the options available out there.

Levi’s Women’s High Waisted Mom Jeans

These straight leg jeans are extra high rise and non stretch, like the classic mom jeans. They pair great with chunky trainers or sandles.

Women’s 90’s Mom Jean

These loose fit vintage inspired mom jeans sit at the natural waist and do have some stretch in all the right places.

Luvamia Women’s Classic High Waist Mom Jeans

These mom jeans are both tapered and pleated which just screams 90s pair of mom jeans.

Floerns Women’s High Waisted Straight Leg Mom Jeans

These black, straight-leg jeans are high waisted with a cuff and are great for every day wear.

More Boyfriend Jeans For Women

Boyfriend jeans are some of the most comfortable types of jeans and they are also available in many different variations. Here are some examples of what you can find in this style.

Resfeber Women’s Ripped Boyfriend Jeans 

These light-washed boyfriend jeans sit right at the hip and have a cuffed hem. These look great with sneakers and a cropped top.

SweatyRocks Women’s Casual Boyfriend Jeans

These boyfriend jeans have a very high waist and a nice baggy leg for the most comfortable fit. Pair these with a tight shirt and chunky sneakers.

TheMogan Distressed Destructed Washed Denim Mid Rise Boyfriend Jeans

The relaxed fit of these distressed mid rise boyfriend jeans with a fitted top and some sneakers is a great every day look.

Free People Women’s Tapered Baggy Boyfriend Jeans

These Free People boyfriend jeans are high waisted and cropped right at the ankle. These straight jeans look good with sneakers, sandals, or even boots.

SheIn Women’s Ripped Boyfriend Baggy Jeans 

These ripped boyfriend jeans are extra baggy and have a slouchy laid-back look. The waist is extra high on this pair of jeans which helps accentuate your body shape but you still get that boyfriend-style comfort in the baggy legs.

Ultimately, the jeans you choose will be a personal preference, just keep your body shape in mind when shopping and you’ll find the right pair of denim in no time.

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