The Women's Jeans Fit Guide

Statement-making flared jeans are fitted through the waist, hips, and thighs before dramatically widening from the knee to create a flared hem. A '60s, '70s, and Y2K style icon, denim flares instantly elevate any outfit with a playful, fashion-forward feel - while harking back to their boho roots.

Perhaps the most eye-catching of all styles of jeans, explore our guide to flare jeans for everyday styling ideas, how they differ from bootcut jeans, and which shoes to wear them with.

• Best for: elevating everyday looks
• Rise pairing: high-, mid- or low-rise
• Stretch level: slight-stretch denim
• Style vibe: '70s-inspired, Y2K and polished
• Works well with: fitted tops, flowing blouses, oversized jackets, and platform shoes.

Flared jeans can suit all body shapes with the right styling, thanks to their flattering fitted waist and wide hem that lengthens the legs and balances proportions. They can elongate petite frames, accentuate curves, and add dimension to straighter silhouettes.

Naturally, flared jeans look fantastic with '70s styling: think boho blouses, platform shoes and suede fringed jackets. For a Y2K vibe, choose a low-rise fit paired with a baby tee and block heels or chunky sneakers. Or, for a sleek, contemporary look that goes from day to night, style them with fitted tops, tailored blazers and heeled boots.

• For everyday: blue flared jeans + fitted white T-shirt + slimline sneakers + cap
• For work: black high-waisted flared jeans + oversized shirt + sweater vest + pointed flat shoes
• For evening: white low-rise flared jeans + lace camisole + block heels + statement bag.

The two primary differences between flared jeans and bootcut jeans are where the leg begins to widen and how widely the hem flares.

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

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

Flared jeans come in a few different varieties, depending on their length and the fullness of the flare. The most common types of flare jeans are:

• Classic flared jeans, which feature a full or wide flare at the hem
• Kickflare jeans, which feature a cropped length with a subtle 'kick' flare at the hem
• Bell-bottom jeans - the denim that defined the '60s and '70s - have the widest, most dramatically flared hem.

While high-rise fits are the classic combination with flared jeans, there are plenty of other rise and length pairings to choose from. From summery, cropped kickflare denim to low-rise Y2K styles, different rises and lengths can transform the look.

Consider both the rise and inseam length when choosing flared jeans: the rise creates different silhouettes, while the hem length influences how the flare sits with your shoes.

• High-waisted flared jeans remain one of the most enduring and iconic denim cuts due to their universally flattering fit: the waist-defining high-rise waistband, the slimline cut through the thigh, and the silhouette-balancing wide hem
• Mid-rise flared jeans feature all the benefits of high-rise styles, but with a slightly more relaxed waistband that sits below the navel
• Low-rise flared jeans are a staple of Y2K style, ideal for pairing with a low-slung belt, chunky sneakers and a crop top
• Cropped flared jeans - or kickflares - are a playful choice for spring and summer. Simply team with platform sandals and a crochet top for a beach-ready look
• Regular-length flared jeans should graze the top of your shoes and skim the ground. If you're planning on retro-inspired styling with chunky or platform footwear, try them on with heeled shoes to check the length
• Long flared jeans that completely cover your shoes and reach the floor are the ultimate vintage fit - just look out for puddles when walking outside.

One of the best things about styling flared jeans is having fun with your footwear pairings. Pay homage to the '60s and '70s with platforms, or give the look a contemporary update with low-profile sneakers or pointed shoes.

• Platforms - shoes, sandals, wedges and boots
• Block heels
• Pointed-toe shoes and boots
• Almond-toe shoes and boots
• Mary-Janes
• Chunky loafers
• Sneakers - chunky styles for a Y2K feel or contemporary low-profile pairs for laid-back looks.