Know your Jeans – Boot Cut vs Straight Leg vs High Rise vs Skinny

Other than swimsuit shopping, which definitely holds top billing, there is likely no other clothing item as difficult to shop for then a great pair of jeans. Frustration quickly grows to downright exasperation when you try on pair after pair, size after size, brand after brand of jeans, only to have them all be slightly wrong. Before attempting another jean buying trip, read the following information that explains what each cut of jean means. By understanding how each cut is designed as well as what the various rises mean, your shopping trip will be much more efficient.

What Does Various Style of Jean Mean?

• Skinny Jeans: This style jean creates the look of long, lean legs in an instant. You can choose a high-waist version for a more flattering fit.
• Boot Cut: In general, this is one of the most flattering cuts of you jean you will find. This jean will hug your figure from your hip to your knee, then flare outward. You can opt for a slim boot cut for a slightly less flared look.
• Straight Leg: This style is straight down from your hips to your ankle. It calls to mind a traditional look and is a forgiving cut that creates sleek lines.
• Jeggings: This is perhaps the comfiest of all jean styles on the market today. They hug your body, with stretchy fabric that feels closer to leggings than jeans, hence the name.

What About The Rise?

According to Gap, low rise jeans will sit right at the top of your hip. Mid rise will sit below your belly button and high rise will sit at your natural waist. Most of the above cuts/styles come in these three rises. Therefore, you can choose your cut or style and then pair it with your favorite rise and instantly find your new favorite pair of jeans.

How to Find The Cut, Style and Rise That Looks Best on Your Body Type?

Hopefully, the information above will help you eliminate some style/cut options you know won't work for you and make your next jean search easier. Don't get discouraged though, your perfect combination of style/cut and rise is out there, you just have to find it. Happy hunting!

Header photo by averie woodard on Unsplash