Women's Jean Style Guide

Denim jeans are a wardrobe staple, but what’s in style is always changing. With so many options, it can be hard to know where to start. It’s important to know how each style differs so you can find the best jeans for your body type and personal taste. Our Fashion Experts break down three important features to consider and offer some helpful tips for when shopping for your next pair!

Find Your Favorite Style of Jeans

Once you find a style of jeans you love on your body, it’s important to always start your shopping there. That way you’ll feel more confident and successful when shopping for new jeans. Our Fashion Experts highlight the basic style of jeans you’ll find.

Straight Jeans

Straight jeans are a classic, versatile style featuring a uniform cut from the hip down to the ankle. Offering a timeless look that flatters all body types, they seamlessly transition between casual everyday wear and dressed-up outfits.

Fit & Silhouette: Straight, consistent cut from hip to hem that hugs the thigh and hangs slightly looser on the calf.
Comfort & Flex: Moderate, relaxed fit through the lower leg for easy movement without feeling restrictive.
Versatile Styling: Highly adaptable silhouette that pairs effortlessly with tucked-in tops, tailored blazers, or relaxed tees.

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Skinny Jeans

Skinny jeans are fitted stretch-denim pants that contour the legs from hip to hem. A versatile wardrobe staple, they pair effortlessly with both fitted tops and oversized sweaters for a balanced look.

Fit & Silhouette: Tight, contoured fit through the entire leg.
Comfort & Flex: Crafted with stretch denim for easy movement
Versatile Styling: Complements fitted tops, oversized shirts, and cozy sweaters.

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Bootcut Jeans

Bootcut jeans are a classic style fitted through the hips and thighs with a subtle flare from the knee down to accommodate boots. Designed to balance your natural silhouette, they deliver a flattering shape with extra room at the hem.

Fit & Silhouette: Fitted through the hips and thighs with a leg opening between straight and flared.
Comfort & Flex: Forgiving fit through the lower leg that offers comfortable room for footwear.
Versatile Styling: Best paired with fitted tops to complement the wider leg opening and maintain balance.

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Wide Leg Jeans

Wide leg jeans are a chic, fashion-forward style featuring a relaxed silhouette that widens from hip to hem. Designed for a comfortable, fluid drape, they offer a modern look that effortlessly balances comfort and style.

Fit & Silhouette: Relaxed silhouette that flares widely from the hip all the way down to the ankle.
Comfort & Flex: Loose, roomy fit providing maximum breathability and effortless movement.
Versatile Styling: Best paired with tucked-in blouses or crop tops to define the waist and balance the volume

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Flare Jeans

Flare jeans are an iconic, retro-inspired style featuring a fitted waist and hips that dramatically widen from the knee down. Designed to visually elongate the legs, they deliver a bold, nostalgia-infused silhouette that works for both casual and dressy outfits.

Fit & Silhouette: Form-fitting through the hips and thighs, fanning out dramatically into a classic bell-bottom shape from the knee to the hem.
Comfort & Flex: Structured fit through the upper leg with a roomy, unrestrictive flare at the bottom for free movement.
Versatile Styling: Pairs effortlessly with everything from tailored blouses to flowy bohemian tunics to complement the dramatic proportions.

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Boyfriend Jeans

Boyfriend jeans are a laid-back, fashion-forward style featuring a relaxed fit that typically sits low on the waist with a slightly oversized silhouette. Known for their effortless vibe and signature cuffed hems, they deliver a comfortable, casual look for everyday wear.

Fit & Silhouette: Relaxed, slightly baggy cut through the hip and leg, often worn low-waisted with a cuffed hem.
Comfort & Flex: Loose, roomy fit offering maximum ease of movement and all-day comfort.
Versatile Styling: Pairs seamlessly with simple graphic tees, fitted tops, or crisp button-downs to balance the oversized shape.

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Consider the Jean Rise

After narrowing down to the type of jeans you like to wear, the next part is finding the rise of jeans you feel most comfortable in. There are three different types of rises: low, mid, and high. Our Fashion Experts highlight each of the rises so you can find a favorite.

Rise Type	Where The Rise Sits	Tummy Control	Why You’ll Love It
Low Rise Jeans	On the hips, well below the natural waist.	Do not feature tummy control, offering a minimalist, low-profile fit instead.	This 2000s-inspired rise is the most casual one and offers an easy, relaxed style.
Mid-Rise Jeans	Between the hips and belly button, just below the natural waist.	Features some tummy control and is considered universally flattering	It's the most versatile rise for alternating tucked and untucked tops.
High-Rise Jeans	Above the hips, typically at the natural waist.	Provides the most tummy control and concealment.	This rise flatters your natural curves and highlights the slimmest points of your figure.

Find The Right Length: Measure Your Inseam

Choosing the length of your jeans can make or break your look. Most jean lengths are based on inseam rather than outseam. You’ll typically find the length noted as short, medium, or long, but sometimes you’ll see the length in inches. If you don't know what length works best for you, we strongly suggest using the inseam measurement of a pair of jeans that already fit you well. If that measurement isn’t provided, you can follow these quick steps to find it on your own.

Method 1: Measure Your Jeans Inseam

Step 1: Fold your jeans in half lengthwise and lay them flat.
Step 2: Use a measuring tape to measure the length from the crotch to the hem.
Step 3: Record the measurement exactly. You can use that measurement while jean shopping and round up or down as necessary.

Method 2: Have A Partner Measure Your Inseam

Step 1: Stand up as straight as possible with your hands at your side.
Step 2: Have your partner use a measuring tape to measure the length from your crotch to the floor. (For some women’s jean styles, you may need to tell your partner the spot on your ankle you want your jean hem to land so they can adjust their measurement.)
Step 3: Record the measurement exactly. You can use that measurement while jean shopping and round up or down as necessary.

A Few More Jean Buying Tips

It’s important to remember that you’ll probably be wearing these jeans while sitting, standing, and moving around so trying them on is an important final step. Here are a few suggestions our Fashion Experts love to share.

Sit or squat before you buy (or before you take the tags off). This will help you gauge how comfortable you feel moving around in the jeans. It will also help you determine if the rise is too high and cuts off circulation in the front or if it’s too low and exposes too much of your backside.
Be adaptive with sizing. Many brands vary on sizing, and many styles fit differently even if they’re the same size. If you find a style of jeans you love, don’t assume that will be the best size in every brand or cut.
Buy two pairs if you love them. Finding the perfect pair of jeans can be like finding a needle in a haystack. If you find a pair you love, buy two pairs or buy them in multiple washes. You never know if they will sell out or be discontinued, and you’ll thank yourself later if one pair gets worn out or lost.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Women’s Jeans

If you have any additional questions about finding your perfect fit, you can visit your local SCHEELS and one of our Style Experts can help you find the perfect jean fit.

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