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September 2024
There’s something about women slipping into a perfect pair of jeans that makes you feel invincible. From their very inception as durable workwear to becoming a sign of rebellion, style and everyday comfort, jeans have woven themselves as an inevitable piece into the fabric of fashion history. But with so many staples on the market today, finding the right pair feels nothing less than a gargantuan task.
Originally designed in the late 1800s by Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis, jeans were crafted for durability and functionality. The tough, sturdy fabric was meant to withstand heavy labour. Over the decades,women’s jeans have however transformed from a utilitarian gear to a symbol of rebellion in the 50’s, a fashion statement in the 70’s, and an everyday essential today.
Women’s jeans are the ultimate wardrobe chameleon as they can be dressed up with a blazer and heels and dressed down with a simple basic tee. From sleek and tailored to laid back and distressed, jeans offer unparalleled versatility, making them a must-have for anyone who values comfort but doesn’t wish to compromise on style.
Today jeans come in countless styles, fits, and washes, each with its unique personality and charisma. Fashion experts from Matalan have curated a selection of the most timeless and trendy jeans available on the market, offering you style tips on how to perfectly pair each type and tricks for finding the best fit for your body type.
Delve right in to spruce up your denim styling with expert advice that covers everything you need to know—so you can look and feel amazing in every pair you pick.
Jeans being a wardrobe staple, also is an unbeatable fashion statement that evolves with each trend and season. Whether you’re looking to embrace timeless classics or explore modern twists, understanding the different types of jeans can help you make stylish choices that suit your body and personal taste.
What follows is a breakdown of the most important jean styles, along with tips on how to rock each one.
A sleek style, straight-legged women’s jeans are fitted through the thigh and have a little more give at the ankle and calf. They are a wardrobe staple due to their timeless style and perfect fit—neither too snug nor too loose.
Styling Tips: For a stylish but casual vibe, wear loafers with a white shirt and straight-leg fit jeans. Put on a tailored jacket to dress them up, or wear them with a graphic t-shirt and trainers for a cool, laid-back look.
Mom jeans have made a major comeback, celebrated for their high rise and relaxed fit. Originally popular in the ‘80s and ‘90s, they’re now a favourite for their flattering, vintage-inspired women’s look.
Styling Tips: Introduce a modern spin to your mom jeans, tuck in a fitted top or blouse and add ankle boots or sneakers. Mom jeans are a fabulous opportunity to play with different textures and accessories, creating a look that is both sweetly nostalgic and fresh at the same time.
Wide-leg cut bootcut jeans differ from traditional bootcut by featuring a more pronounced flare from the knee down. They offer a bolder silhouette for women while maintaining the bootcut's classic style.
Styling Tips: Thesewomen’s jeans are just perfect for those curvy-figure beauties, as they balance proportions beautifully. They are very much suitable for casual outings and dressier events, pair them with heels to accentuate the flare and create a balanced look.
In comparison to bootcut jeans, wide-leg-straight-fit jeans have a way more softer, more fluid fit all the way down the leg. They come together to form a sophisticated yet casual line.
Styling Tips: For shorter womwn, go for a cropped version or pair it with high heels to add length. Taller figures can wear these jeans with flat shoes for a sophisticated, flowing look.
Cargo slim jeans combine the functional features of classic cargo pants with the elegant, fitted design of skinny jeans. The rich wash lends refinement to the utilitarian design.
Styling Tips: They work absolutely well with both casual and smart-casual outfits. Pair them with a fitted turtleneck and boots for a sleek look or dress them down with a hoodie for a laid-back day out.
Pull-on jeggings combine the style of jeans with the comfort of leggings. They have an elastic waistline and are designed for maximum comfort without sacrificing style.
Styling Tips: Perfect for relaxing around the house or running errands, jeggings may be transformed into a more put-together outfit by adding a top and heels. They are ideal for any informal occasion due to their adaptability.
The side-stripe boyfriend jeans have a sporty kind of stripe along the side, blending casual and athletic styles into one versatile look. The relaxed fit adds that element of laid-back cool.
Styling Tips: Dress it up with a blazer and loafers or keep it casual with a graphic tee and white sneakers. The side strip adds a touch of flair and personality to any outfit of your choice, making it a fun choice for different occasions.
The Carpenter jeans draw inspiration from the traditional workwear range of jeans that feature functional pockets and a durable design. They for sure gave a rugged effect but yet never failed to exude a stylish look.
Styling Tips: Simple tee and boots for an urban, street-smart casual look or amp it up with a denim jacket for a more put-together look. The sturdy design makes it a perfect pick for those active days.
If you are someone who loves to flaunt your footwear, this might just be the perfect pick for you as it is a modern, cropped length jeans. It is great for those who admire stylish, seasonal options. It hits just above the ankle which makes them ideal to highlight those favourite shoes you’ve secretly craved to show off.
Styling Tips: Wear it with sandals for the ideal summer outfit look or with ankle boots in the winter. Their cropped length ensures that they remain stylish all around the year.
Create a fabulous flattering, cinched waist with a beautiful silhouette. Anyone looking to amp up their denim wardrobe while not being asked to compromise on fit and comfort, this is just for you. Paperbag jeans for women feature a high waist with a gathered, belt-like waistband, creating a charming, cinched look.
Styling Tips: Pair with a tucked-in blouse or crop top to highlight the waist. Their high rise makes them perfect for various body types and creates an elegant shape.
Balancing an edgy, distressed look with a flattering high-rise. Great for those who want to combine a chic appearance with a rebellious edge.
Styling Tips: Dress it up with a tailored jacket and heels or keep it casual with a simple tee and sneakers. The versatility makes it suitable for a myriad of occasions.
When it comes to finding the perfect pair of jeans for women, your body plays a crucial role in making sure that you look and feel your best. The right denim fit can enhance your natural shape, give comfort and boost your confidence to nail any style.
To help you narrow it down, our fashion ambassadors at Matalan have put together a handy table that shows which jeans are most flattering for different body types.
Body Type for Women | Recommended Denim Styles | Key Features |
Hourglass | High-waisted skinny jeans, bootcut jeans. | Accentuates the waist and balances hips with a tapered fit or slight flare. |
Pear-shaped | Wide-leg jeans, flared jeans, high-rise straight jeans. | Balances wider hips, creating a proportionate look while providing comfort and enough room in the hips. |
Apple-shaped | Mid-rise straight-leg jeans, boyfriend jeans. | Provides a relaxed fit around the midsection and adds structure without clinging to the stomach. |
Rectangle-shaped | Low-rise jeans, cropped jeans, flared jeans. | Creates curves and definition, giving the appearance of a more balanced silhouette. |
Petite | Ankle-grazer jeans, skinny jeans and high-waisted jeans. | Elongates legs and avoids overwhelming the frame, creating a taller illusion and a more streamlined look. |
Tall | Wide-leg jeans, straight-leg jeans, bootcut jeans. | Balances height with longer inseams and structured cuts that complement a taller frame effortlessly. |
Athletic | Mom jeans, boyfriend jeans, cargo skinny jeans. | Adds volume to create curves while offering a comfortable, relaxed fit for an athletic build. |
Curvy | Stretch denim, high-waisted jeans, straight-leg jeans. | Offers flexibility and a contoured fit, hugging curves while providing support and comfort. |
Whether it is you looking to elongate your legs, balance out proportions, look taller or simply highlight your curves, there’s always a perfect pair of denim for you.
Owning your favourite jeans is one thing, but taking good care and maintaining them is what retains the comfort and beauty of the fabric. To extend the life of your jeans, always try to wash them inside out in cold water and air dry to preserve colour and shape. Avoid excessive washing to maintain the fit and fabric integrity.
Good and proper care ensures that your jeans stay and look greater for longer. Store them appropriately and handle stains immediately to keep them in good condition.
As you navigate through the era of jeans and denim wear for women, just do good to remember that personal style is all about creativity and confidence. So there you have it, a comprehensive guide to conquering the world of jeans.
From classic blue denim to trendy ripped jeans, there's a perfect pair out there for every style and occasion. Remember, the key is to have fun, experiment, and get a hold of what feels right for you. Now that you know all about how to nail your denim look, strut your stuff and let your jeans do the talking.
If you’re all set to steal the show with your denim, Matalan has got you all covered with a myriad of designs, styles and fits of jeans. Matalan is your most trusted online shopping platform with an endless collection of trendy clothing, accessories, home decor and so much more. So get on with it and shop your favourite looks on Matalan.