The Women's Jeans Fit Guide

Bootcut jeans are fitted through the waist, hips and thighs, finishing with a subtle flare from below the knee to the hem. Classic and sleek, the bootcut fit was crafted to wear comfortably over boots.

With their silhouette-balancing shape and figure-hugging fit, they're ideal for dressing down with slimline sneakers and knitwear or up with heeled ankle boots and a nice top.

• Best for: laid-back styling
• Rise pairing: high-, mid- or low-rise
• Stretch level: rigid to slight-stretch denim
• Style vibe: '90s-inspired, polished, classic Americana
• Works well with: fitted tops, relaxed shirts, chunky knitwear, blazers, sneakers and ankle boots.

Thanks to their subtly flared hem, bootcut jeans suit most body types by visually balancing the shoulders and hips and hugging the waist and thighs. Low-rise styles frame the hip bones, while pairing bootcut jeans with heels gives the illusion of height for petite women by elongating the legs.

Style-wise, bootcut fit jeans are endlessly versatile. Whether you're pairing them with cowboy boots and a floaty blouse, a '90s-inspired vest top and ballet flats, or a cropped jacket and low-profile sneakers for an off-duty vibe - bootcut jeans transition easily from day to night.

• For everyday: blue low-rise bootcut jeans + white vest top + suede jacket + slimline sneakers
• For work: white mid-rise bootcut jeans + polka-dot blouse + cropped blazer + pointed-toe flats
• For evening: black high-waisted bootcut jeans + satin halterneck top + black ankle boots or strappy heels.

The primary difference between bootcut and flared jeans is the width of the flare. While bootcut jeans feature an understated flare, flared jeans' more dramatic hemline is perfect for statement looks.

Denim: Rigid to slight-stretch
Waist to hip: Fitted
Thigh and leg: Slim-fitting through the thigh with slight widening beginning below the knee
Ankle: Subtle flared hem

Denim: Slight-stretch
Waist to hip: Fitted
Thigh and leg: Slim-fitting through the thigh with flare beginning at the knee
Ankle: Wide flared hem

While mid- and high-rise bootcut fits are popular for everyday wear and flattering on many body shapes, low-rise styles have become a staple of the Y2K look.

In terms of length, a classic bootcut should almost graze the ground, leaving a slight 0.5-inch gap. If you're wearing heels or platforms, aim for the hem to hit mid-heel.

• High-waisted bootcut jeans offer a smooth silhouette and flattering leg-lengthening look, especially teamed with a fitted top and heeled ankle boots
• Mid-rise bootcut jeans are a leg-lengthening favorite with a comfortable waistband, ideal for everyday
• Low-rise bootcut jeans lean into a 2000s aesthetic, especially when paired with crop tops, rimless sunglasses and strappy kitten heels
• Long bootcut jeans that gather around the ankle evoke a laid-back, streetwear vibe when teamed with sneakers and a low-rise waist
• Regular bootcut jeans are the most common choice, which smoothly cover boots, graze the ground with sneakers or flats, and should ideally fall to mid-heel when wearing heels
• Unlike flared jeans, bootcut styles are rarely designed in cropped lengths because the subtle flare works best when it extends to the shoe - any shorter and the cut risks looking awkward. For cropped, slightly flared denim, try kickflare jeans.

Bootcut jeans work well with plenty of footwear styles - but the best choices are those that complement the subtly flared hem and elongate the leg. Sock-style ankle boots are perfect for polished workwear or evenings out, while pointed shoes and low-profile sneakers are sleek choices for everyday wear.

• Heeled boots
• Cowboy boots
• Court shoes
• Block heels
• Kitten heels
• Pointed shoes
• Low-profile sneakers.