Mom Jeans Vs Straight Jeans: What’s The Difference?
While denim trends come and go there’s always one that remains the same – a good pair of jeans is a closet staple.
It doesn’t matter whether you have a classic, edgy, or emo style, jeans are the one wardrobe item that works for them all.
Jeans come in many different washes, cuts, lengths, colors, and styles, and can be paired with an almost endless amount of tops.
They can be dressed up, dressed down, and work for many occasions.
However, with all of the different styles of jeans out there, it can be hard to tell the difference between them.
In today’s article, I’ll be explaining the differences and similarities between my favorite 2 styles – mom jeans and straight-leg jeans.
Let’s get into it!
Mom Jeans Vs Straight Jeans
To start, let’s go over the main difference between these 2 popular types of jeans.
Main Differences
Mom jeans are characterized by their high waist, looser fit around the hips, and tapered legs.
They’re most often ankle-length jeans but they can be full-length as well.
They were popular in 80’s and 90’s fashion for their comfort and vintage style, and have made a comeback in a big way.
Typically made with rigid denim, they provide a relaxed silhouette and comfortable fit.
These types of jeans are incredibly popular with, you guessed it – MOMS!
Why? Because these high-waisted jeans come up over the belly button and hide any “belly pooch” that many women (moms!) are insecure about.
However, mom jeans aren’t just for middle-aged women (more on that later).
On the other hand, straight leg jeans feature a uniform width from the hip down to the hem without tapering.
Straight jeans also offer a relaxed fit and have become synonymous with a laid-back, effortlessly chic vibe, and are often associated with a more forgiving silhouette for various body types.
Mom jeans and straight jeans both offer comfort and a departure from more body-hugging styles like skinny jeans, promoting ease of movement.
However, while both of these styles are still in style for 2024, straight legs are the current trend with the younger generation while mom jeans are a wardrobe staple for millennials.
How To Style Mom Jeans
The new style of mom jeans isn’t like your mom’s jeans from the 80s!
The more recent mom jean trend has a much more flattering fit that accentuates your curves.
The tapered cut allows them to be worn with many shoe styles and the high rise makes them comfortable for those who like to conceal their stomach area.
If you’re an over-40 gal – these just might be the jeans for you!
Coming from experience I can tell you that mom jeans pair well with many different types of tops.
The high rise cut is perfect for a tucked-in shirt, bodysuit, fitted top, etc.
Here are a few ways I love styling the classic mom jean:
With A Cut-Out Sweater & Ankle Booties
This look is great for date night or for a business-casual setting.
It’s comfortable yet put-together and you can easily mix and match the colors to suit your personal preference.
With a bodysuit and booties
This is my go-to look whether I’m heading out for dinner with my husband or to a family get together.
it’s comfortable yet still put together and you can swap out the booties for almost any other boot style you want.
Sneakers work, too!
With A Bustier Top & Sandals
This look is great for a night out with friends!
You can put a moto jacket over your shoulders if it’s a bit chilly then finish the look with simple sandals to pull the look together.
With A Top Tucked In
Mom jeans are a great option if you like tucking in your tops.
This mesh sleeve blouse has the look of a bodysuit but the comfort of a regular top and works beautifully with mom jeans.
A few other simple ways to style mom jeans:
- With a white t-shirt and oversized blazer
- With a fitted crop top and leather jacket
- With a bodysuit, chunky boots, and full length coat
So where can you find the best mom jeans?
I always do really well at Abercrombie.
I actually can’t believe how big of a comeback the brand has made in recent years.
I think they have the best jeans on the market overall.
Abercrombie now offers jeans in different lengths such as extra short, short, regular, long, and long, which is something not many other retailers offer.
Additionally, their jeans are great quality and they have almost every style imaginable.
Mom jeans are my favorite type of jeans because I find that they hug me in all the right places, and every single pair I have is from Abercrombie.
They do tend to sell out frequently, but they usually restock pretty quickly.
I also love that they offer jeans in both high waist and “higher waist”, which is a better option for us long-torso girlies.
How To Style Straight Jeans
Marilyn Monroe was known for her love of Levi’s straight leg fits and as we all know – she was (and still is!) a style icon.
Many of the combinations that she put together are still worn today, mainly because jeans with a straight cut are so easy to style.
Since straight jeans have more of a loose fit, they tend to look best with tops that are more fitted to create some balance.
Straight jeans offer versatility, complementing both casual and smart attire.
They work well with oversized blazers or tucked-in shirts for a structured appearance.
If you prefer to wear a looser fitting top, french tucks are a great way to do so.
Straight leg jeans have become increasingly popular with younger women in the gen-z crowd but again, older women can rock them, too!
As a millennial who doesn’t believe in following rules in the fashion world, I just wear what I feel good in.
I love the relaxed look of straight leg jeans paired with a high-rise waist.
A low-rise on the other hand is something I will never ever do again!
Here are a few different outfits you can easily create with straight-leg jeans:
With a fitted ribbed top
Since these black jeans have a straighter fit, the fitted ribbed top helps to create the perfect balance.
For a modern twist in the cooler months, add in a moto jacket and swap out the heels for ankle boots.
Polish off the look with a chic quilted purse and you’ve got a look that’s great for a night out with friends or a date night.
With a cropped sweatshirt, puffer vest, and sneakers for a sporty vibe
These high-waist jeans are so comfortable.
I love the extra space throughout the legs and the full coverage at the tummy.
This is one of the looser cuts of straight jeans I have that I tend to wear when I’m going for a sporty look.
If you prefer baggy jeans, these are a great option.
With an oversized sweater and sneakers for a chic yet casual look
The split hem leg on these jeans puts an elevated take on a traditional straighter leg pair of jeans.
A cozy sweater and a cute crossbody bag are all you need to finish the look.
I love that this denim style has a split hem which makes them just a bit different from the everyday classic style.
FAQs
Where can you find the perfect pair of straight leg jeans?
Again, I’d suggest Abercrombie!
Aside from the pros already mentioned above, the price point of their jeans is pretty reasonable.
They also run great sales and when all else fails – they have a ton of influencers who have personal codes (a few to try: Blameitondede, AFkathleen, TiktokAF, NasreenAF).
Most of these will get you 15% off (they work off and on throughout the month AND they’re stackable!).
What body type should wear mom jeans?
Mom jeans tend to work best for those with an hourglass figure or pear body shape, however, they are flattering on many different body types.
Should mom jeans be loose or tight?
Mom jeans should fit snug at the waist and have more room throughout the legs.
Are straight jeans the same as boyfriend jeans?
No. While very similar, standard straight jeans have a higher rise than a boyfriend fit.
What’s the difference between mom jeans and dad jeans?
Dad jeans don’t have a tapered leg like mom jeans do. They are also looser around the hips than mom jeans.
Conclusion
The contrast between mom jeans vs straight jeans is found in their fit and silhouette.
While mom jeans provide a distinctive shape, straight jeans appeal to those seeking a more relaxed and consistent line throughout the leg.
Both styles carry their own distinct aesthetic, appealing to people from different age groups with differing functional needs.
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