9 Different Types of Jeans—and How to Pick the Best One for You

Wide Leg Jeans

Easily the most popular fit of the moment, wide leg jeans usually sit right at your waist—skimming your hips—and flow effortlessly and widely all the way to the hemline, says Betty Madden, global vice president of design for Lee. 

You could try this jean in a trouser style with a seamed hem and darts for a more tailored look, or opt for a wide-leg crop for a cooler option through summer. Madden suggests styling the latter with a “more fitted top and ballet flats for an effortlessly pulled-together look or with your favorite tee and sneakers.”

Straight Leg Jeans

Consider the straight leg jean a classic, clean, and basic essential for your wardrobe. “The fit of straight leg jeans [is] straight from the hip down to the hem, without being too tight or too loose,” notes Suzanne Silverstein, CEO of Silver Jeans. “It should follow the natural line of the leg without clinging too much or appearing overly baggy.” Silverstein adds that any body type can find the perfect pair of straight leg jeans to flatter their figure, and that this one’s great for casual settings. 

Bootleg Jeans

“A closet staple, the bootcut is seeing new popularity thanks to the Western trend,” Madden says. “Available in multiple rises, the cut follows your hips and widens slightly below the knee, giving plenty of room for your favorite pair of cowgirl boots.” You can also opt for either a classic fit or more of a slim fit option. 

Flare Jeans

Consider flare jeans a slightly more exaggerated version of a bootleg. This style is “cut slim to hug your waist and hips, stays slim through the thigh, and begins flaring out from the knee to the hem,” Madden explains. “Style with your favorite graphic tee or loose woven top.” This style really enhances your natural curves. 

Bell Bottoms

Take the flare jean style and exaggerate it even further, and you’ll find yourself with a pair of bell bottoms. This style is fitted in the hips, thighs, and knees, then dramatically widens from the knees to form a bell-like shape at the bottom. “The bell bottom jean is a more retro fit that references the ‘70s style,” Toccin says, noting that she finds they become more popular in the fall when people are wearing boots.

Skinny Jeans

The skinny jean is easily one of the most controversial types of jeans out there right now; there’s a full blown style debate between generations. While wide-leg options are definitely more “in,” some still swear by the skinny fit. 

“For me, the skinny jean is always in as it’s a very versatile style that you can wear with wrapped sandals in the summer or boots in the winter,” says Alex Toccin, co-founder of clothing brand Toccin. “I find skinny jeans to be the most flattering style; they can make women feel comfortable, confident, and stylish.” 

Barrel Jeans

For a strong departure from the skinny jean, look no further than barrel jeans. This style is loose and relaxed like wide-leg pants, but has a more tapered leg that narrows at the ankle. This gives a “barrel”-like effect, hence the name. The waist tends to be high, and it’s often cropped.

Relaxed Fit

Here’s another classic jean style rising in popularity thanks to the wave of ‘90s and ‘00s nostalgia. “This fit traditionally sits at your waist, gliding over your hips and thighs to a looser leg opening,” says Madden. Madden says these styles pair well with a variety of tops and shoes, from tees to more tailored shirts and heels to sneakers. You could also opt for a slightly looser fit with a low-slung waist. 

Boyfriend Jeans

Boyfriend jeans are more of a category, and they encompass any style that’s less fitted  and more relaxed. The idea is that you’ve put on a pair of jeans that belong to bae, so they may not fit as snugly as your own. “[They’re] a baggy style of denim that’s been trending for a while now, especially the boyfriend barrel-cut denim this year,” Toccin says. “I love this type of jean for a more casual option, and I have been wearing boyfriend denim all winter and spring.”