Okay, let me be honest—navigating the denim world can be a total maze! I've been a skinny jeans devotee forever, but lately, I've fallen head over heels for three more relaxed styles: barrel jeans, mom jeans, and boyfriend jeans. Each has their own vibe, and I'm here to share my experiences with all of them. Trust me, if you're confused about which to choose, you're not alone! I was totally lost at first too. Let's break down these trendy options together, and I'll help you figure out which might be your perfect match.
Barrel Jeans: My New Obsession
Remember when we used to laugh at mom jeans? Well, joke's on us because they're absolutely EVERYWHERE now, and I'm not mad about it! I've embraced this retro style completely for its comfort and that perfect 90s throwback vibe.
What makes barrel jeans special
1. High-waisted (typically):
Most sit right up at your natural waist, which I find super flattering (hello, longer-looking legs!)
2. Room to breathe:
They give you plenty of space through the hips and thighs—perfect for those days when I want to actually be comfortable.
3. That unique tapered shape:
This is what I love most—they're wider at the knee and then narrow significantly at the ankle, creating this subtle "barrel" look that's so distinctive.
4. Crop it like it's hot:
Mine hit just above my ankle, which makes them incredibly versatile for showing off different shoes.
How I style my barrel jeans
For tops, I usually go with something more fitted to balance out the volume in the legs. A simple tucked-in tee or a slim turtleneck works wonders!
I'm obsessed with pairing mine with chunky casual sneakers for running errands, but when I'm meeting friends for brunch, I'll throw on some ankle boots with a small heel.
These jeans are surprisingly flattering on so many body types! The high waist cinches you in, while the relaxed fit through the hips gives you breathing room. If you're looking for something modern with an edge that doesn't sacrifice comfort, I'd definitely recommend giving barrel jeans a try!
Who Barrel Jeans Might Be Perfect For
That high waist? It does this amazing cinching thing that gives you definition exactly where you want it. And I love how they give you breathing room through the hips and thighs without looking like you're drowning in denim. Like, they're relaxed but still have structure, you know what I mean?
My friend with a straighter figure absolutely swears by them because they add a touch of shape and curve that she loves. And my curvier friends? They're obsessed with how barrel jeans give them comfort without sacrificing style. One of them literally texted me last week: "Why didn't you make me try these sooner?!"
Have you been on the fence about trying this style? I totally get it—they look a bit intimidating on the hanger! But if you're in the market for something that feels modern and slightly edgy while still being comfy enough for all-day wear, you've gotta give these a shot. I'm wearing mine as I type this (working from a coffee shop today!) and I've already gotten two compliments.
Mom Jeans: My Nostalgic Go-To
Remember when we used to laugh at mom jeans? Well, joke's on us because they're absolutely EVERYWHERE now, and I'm not mad about it!
What I love about mom jeans
1. That super high rise:
Non-negotiable feature! They sit right at or above my belly button, which is amazing for defining the waist
2. Comfy through hips and thighs:
There's nothing worse than jeans that restrict movement—these give me plenty of room.
3. Straight leg realness:
The leg is usually straight or has just a tiny taper, making them insanely comfortable.
4. Classic washes rule:
Mine are in this perfect medium blue wash, and the denim tends to be less stretchy and more rigid (which actually helps them keep their shape better!)
5. Effortlessly cool:
They just have this casual, "I'm not trying too hard" energy that I can't get enough of.
My favorite ways to style them
I'm all about tucking tops into mom jeans—it's the key to making them look intentional rather than frumpy. My go-to combo is a fitted tee or bodysuit with white sneakers for everyday, but when I want to dress them up a bit, I'll add some chunky loafers and a blazer.
I've found mom jeans to be super flattering on basically everyone I know! The high waist helps create an hourglass shape, while the relaxed fit through the legs keeps things comfy. If you're into vintage vibes and prioritize comfort (who doesn't?), mom jeans might become your new best friend!
Related Posts: 5 New Ways to Style 90s Mom Jeans
Who They Might Suit Best
I've honestly seen mom jeans look amazing on just about every body type out there! That's what makes them so awesome. The high waist does this magical thing where it cinches you in at the smallest part of your torso and—boom!—instant hourglass shape. Plus, the relaxed fit through the legs? Total game-changer if you hate that clingy feeling of skinny jeans (raise your hand if you're with me!).
In my experience, these are particularly popular with anyone who's into that whole vintage aesthetic. You know the type—they probably have a record player and thrift most of their clothes. But don't get me wrong—you definitely don't need to be a vintage enthusiast to rock them! I've seen countless friends who just want something comfortable that still looks put-together fall in love with mom jeans.
Can we talk about comfort for a sec? Because that's really where these shine. If you're someone who values being able to actually breathe and move around in your jeans (and honestly, who doesn't?), then mom jeans might be your new bestie.
Boyfriend Jeans: My Laid-Back Fave
And then there's boyfriend jeans—my Sunday morning, coffee run, ultimate comfort pick! As you've probably guessed, they're inspired by the idea of borrowing your boyfriend's jeans, which gives them that perfectly oversized, couldn't-care-less vibe that I absolutely live for sometimes.
What makes boyfriend jeans different
1. Lower to mid-rise fit:
Unlike the other styles, these sit lower on my hips, which can be a nice change when I'm not in a high-waisted mood.
2. Gloriously loose fit:
These are definitely the most relaxed of the bunch—roomy through the hips and thighs with that slightly slouchy look that somehow looks intentional.
3. Straight leg situation:
The leg is usually straight, and I always cuff mine at the ankle—it's like, the unwritten rule of boyfriend jeans!
4. Distressed is best:
Most of mine have a bit of strategic distressing or fading to really drive home that "I just threw these on" look
5. Casual queen energy:
These are the epitome of effortless style—perfect when I want to look put-together without actually trying.
How I make boyfriend jeans work
For shoes, I'm all about white sneakers or slide sandals in summer, but when I want to dress them up a bit, pointed flats add a nice feminine touch to balance the boyish vibe.
Boyfriend jeans are my recommendation for anyone who values comfort above all else! They work on so many body types, though if you're petite like my friend Sarah, you might want to look for more tailored versions so you don't get swallowed up by fabric. They're perfect for those days when you want to look stylish but also be able to eat a big lunch without your jeans fighting you, know what I mean?
Who Boyfriend Jeans Are Perfect For
I've seen them look amazing on so many different body types. My friend with curves rocks them with a tucked-in blouse and looks incredible, while my athletic bestie pairs hers with crop tops. But—real talk—if you're on the petite side like my roommate, you might wanna look for boyfriend jeans that are a bit more tailored. She tried on my pair once and literally disappeared in them! Poor thing looked like she was being eaten alive by denim.
Between us, I basically live in my boyfriend jeans on weekends. If your priority list goes something like: 1) comfort, 2) looking cool without trying, and 3) being able to eat a massive burrito without unbuttoning your pants... then honey, these need to be in your closet ASAP!
Finding Your Denim Soulmate
Okay, here's my hot take—you absolutely NEED to get yourself to a fitting room and try these styles on! I can rave about them all day (and I will, just ask my friends who are totally sick of hearing about my "denim journey"), but at the end of the day, it's all about how they make YOU feel.
Think about your personal style. Are you more of a vintage babe or a laid-back casual queen? What about your body type—where do you usually struggle to find jeans that fit just right? And most importantly—what kind of vibe are you trying to give off?
Don't be scared to experiment! I went through like, seven different washes before finding my perfect medium-blue boyfriend jeans. And different brands cut their "mom jeans" totally differently—some are super high-waisted while others barely cover my belly button.
Alright, so we've gone through the whole denim lowdown – barrel, mom, boyfriend – the whole shebang. And honestly? It can feel like a lot, right? But here's the thing I've learned (and hopefully you have too!): there's no single "right" answer here. It totally boils down to what you're feeling, what makes you comfy, and yeah, maybe a little bit about what vibe you're going for.
FAQ: Jeans Style Showdown
Are barrel jeans the same as balloon jeans?
No, they aren’t the same In my experience barrel jeans have a more tailored, slightly flared leg while balloon jeans are much looser and voluminous especially around the hips and thighs making them look like a gentle puff
What body shape suits barrel jeans?
Are carrot and barrel jeans the same?
Not exactly Carrot jeans are typically more fitted and taper from the thigh down creating a sleek, modern silhouette while barrel jeans offer a looser fit with a bit of a flare for a retro vibe
Are barrel jeans flattering for plus size?
Definitely I believe barrel jeans can be very flattering on plus size figures since their relaxed fit drapes nicely and can help balance proportions when you find the right cut that works for your shape
For me personally, I kinda dig the barrel jean thing lately – that little curve in the leg feels fresh, you know? But then again, you can't beat the classic comfort of a good pair of mom jeans for just chilling. And boyfriend jeans? They're just effortlessly cool when you want that super laid-back look.
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