Jeans Style Terms
If you are confused about the terms used for jeans, you are not alone. With all the different combinations of styles, cuts and washes out there, it is hard to keep track of what everything means. We have put together a glossary of the most common terms to help you navigate the wonderful world of denim.
Fit refers to, well, how the pants fit.
Slim: Cut close through the hip and thigh, slim fit jeans are available from just close-fitting to tight.
Regular: Sometimes called classic fit, gives just enough room in the seat and thigh, usually with a straight leg.
Relaxed: The name says it all. With an extra inch or so in the seat and thigh, this is a great all around comfort fit.
Loose: From relaxed to much roomier in the seat and thighs, this style is fit is most commonly worn by men.
Baggy: Full in the seat and thighs with wide legs, this is a fit guys have been sporting for years and is becoming more popular with the girls. Baggy pants are typically worn saggy and below the waist.
Style or Cut refers to the general shape of the pant, especially the pant leg
Straight: Just like the name implies, these jeans are cut the same size from the hip to the ankle. Available from makers like Levi’s Banana Republic, AG Jeans and more, this style flatters tall and short people alike, and look best in a relaxed fit.
Bootcut: Originally designed to wear over mid-calf or knee-length boots, this cut is fitted through the thigh and widens a bit below the knee to cover the boot without showing lines. Consider styles by AG Jeans, Gap, Old Navy and others.
Flare: This is one of the most popular designs out there because they look good on a variety of body types. The flare at the ankle draws attention from the hips and thighs. Popular brands include Big Star, Calvin Klein, Bongo, Seven7 and many more.
Skinny: Increasing in popularity over the last several months, and picked up in designer lines like DKNY, AG Jeans, and Gap. Skinny jeans are made with stretch fabric and hug the leg from hip to ankle. This fit flatters people with skinny legs.
Cropped: Also called capris, cropped pants are available in skinny, straight or wide legs and are cut somewhere between the knee and ankle.
Bell-bottom: Far from their hippie days, bell bottoms are back with a stylish look that is fits like a fits like a straight leg, relaxed to the knee and widens gradually into a bell shape at the ankle. Some brands are close fitting through the seat and thigh. Brands to consider are Levi’s, Seven for All Mankind, and Citizens of Humanity.
Rise is the distance from the center crotch seam, up the front of the pant, to the top of the waistband
Low Rise: If you are looking to show off those washboard abs, low rise pants are ideal. Sitting 2-3 inches below the natural waist, these jeans are sometimes cut a bit higher in the back for coverage when sitting or bending over
Mid Rise: This style sits just below the natural waistline and is flattering for most body types, combining the comfort of a slightly lower waistband with flattering coverage. This is especially good if you have “just a little extra” around the waist.
Regular Rise: Sitting right at or just below the navel, this is a classic fit.
Wash refers to color and texture touches.
Whiskered: Creases and/ or fade lines are manufactured into the pant at the crotch and knees to provide a worn-in look
Distressed: Clothing looks worn with fading, frays and creases.
Destroyed: Holes or tears are made then sewn back up or reinforces to make your brand new jeans look like you have loved wearing them for years
Stonewashed: Fabric is lighter and softer with a more broken-in look and feel Dark: Typically constructed of a deep indigo color, theses are the darkest jeans available and ate frequently dressed up for an evening out.
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