Finding Your Perfect Relaxed Denim Fit
Gone are the days when skinny jeans ruled the denim world! Today's fashion celebrates comfort, movement, and diverse silhouettes. Wide leg, flare, barrel, and loose jeans have taken center stage, offering flattering fits for every body type and style preference. Let's explore each style and help you find your perfect pair!
Understanding Different Relaxed Denim Styles
Wide Leg Jeans
What They Are: Jeans that are loose from hip to ankle, maintaining the same width throughout the leg.
Best For:
- Creating a long, lean silhouette
- Balancing curvy hips or thighs
- Comfortable all-day wear
- Vintage-inspired looks
- Professional casual environments
Styling Tips:
- Pair with fitted or tucked-in tops to balance proportions
- Wear with heels or platform shoes to elongate legs
- High-rise styles are most flattering
- Great with blazers for elevated casual looks
Flare Jeans
What They Are: Fitted through the hip and thigh, then flaring out from the knee down.
Best For:
- Creating a retro 70s vibe
- Elongating shorter legs
- Balancing wider shoulders or bust
- Bohemian and festival looks
- Adding drama to simple outfits
Styling Tips:
- Wear with heels or platforms (the hem should graze the floor)
- Pair with fitted tops or crop tops
- Add a belt to define your waist
- Perfect with tucked-in blouses
Barrel Jeans
What They Are: Fitted at the waist and ankles with a curved, relaxed fit through the hips and thighs.
Best For:
- Fashion-forward, trendy looks
- Comfortable fit with unique silhouette
- Creating visual interest
- Petite to tall frames
- Modern, editorial styling
Styling Tips:
- Always tuck in your top to show the waist
- Pair with fitted tops to balance the volume
- Ankle length is key - get them hemmed if needed
- Works beautifully with heels, flats, or sneakers
Loose Jeans
What They Are: Relaxed fit throughout with a straight or slightly tapered leg.
Best For:
- Ultimate comfort
- Casual, laid-back style
- Streetwear and skater aesthetics
- Everyday wear
- Relaxed weekend outfits
Styling Tips:
- Cuff the hems for a casual vibe
- Pair with oversized tops for relaxed cool
- Great with sneakers or combat boots
- Layer with hoodies or denim jackets
Choosing the Right Style for Your Body Type
Petite Frame
Best Choices: High-rise flare or wide leg jeans
- Wear with heels to add height
- Ensure proper hemming - length is crucial
- Avoid overwhelming volume
- Tuck in tops to elongate
Tall Frame
Best Choices: Any style works! You can rock them all
- Flare jeans look especially dramatic
- Wide leg creates beautiful proportions
- Barrel jeans add interesting shape
- Look for extra-long inseams
Curvy/Pear Shape
Best Choices: Wide leg or flare jeans
- Balance proportions beautifully
- High-rise styles are most flattering
- Dark washes slim the silhouette
- Pair with fitted tops on top
Athletic Build
Best Choices: Barrel or wide leg jeans
- Create curves with the silhouette
- Add dimension to straight frames
- Pair with tops that have interesting details
- Belts help define the waist
Apple Shape
Best Choices: High-rise wide leg or loose jeans
- Elongate the torso
- Create balance
- Pair with V-neck or wrap tops
- Dark washes are universally flattering
Styling Each Jean Type
Wide Leg Jeans Outfits
Casual Chic:
- Wide leg jeans + fitted tee + sneakers + denim jacket
Office Ready:
- Wide leg jeans + tucked blouse + blazer + loafers
Date Night:
- Wide leg jeans + bodysuit + heels + statement earrings
Flare Jeans Outfits
Boho Vibes:
- Flare jeans + flowy top + platform sandals + layered necklaces
Retro Cool:
- Flare jeans + crop top + platform boots + sunglasses
Elevated Casual:
- Flare jeans + tucked sweater + heeled boots + structured bag
Barrel Jeans Outfits
Trendy & Modern:
- Barrel jeans + fitted tank + blazer + pointed-toe flats
Street Style:
- Barrel jeans + cropped hoodie + sneakers + crossbody bag
Sophisticated:
- Barrel jeans + silk camisole + heels + minimal jewelry
Loose Jeans Outfits
Weekend Casual:
- Loose jeans + oversized sweater + sneakers + baseball cap
Skater Style:
- Loose jeans + graphic tee + high-top sneakers + beanie
Layered Look:
- Loose jeans + tank + flannel + combat boots
The Right Rise for Each Style
High-Rise (Most Flattering)
- Elongates legs
- Defines waist
- Works with all relaxed jean styles
- Great for tucking in tops
Mid-Rise
- Comfortable for all-day wear
- More relaxed fit
- Good for casual styling
- Works well with longer tops
Low-Rise (Trendy Comeback)
- Y2K aesthetic
- Best for confident wearers
- Pair with crop tops
- Not for everyone - try before committing
Wash & Color Guide
Light Wash
- Casual, relaxed vibe
- Perfect for spring/summer
- Great for vintage looks
- Pairs well with white, pastels, bright colors
Medium Wash
- Most versatile option
- Works year-round
- Easy to style
- Goes with everything
Dark Wash
- More polished and dressy
- Slimming effect
- Great for evening or office
- Pairs with neutrals and jewel tones
Black Denim
- Sleek and sophisticated
- Incredibly versatile
- Dressier than blue denim
- Works for almost any occasion
Shoe Pairings
For Wide Leg Jeans
- Heels or platforms (hidden under the hem)
- Pointed-toe flats
- Loafers for preppy style
- Sleek sneakers
For Flare Jeans
- Platform heels or wedges (essential!)
- Heeled boots
- Platform sandals
- The hem should graze the floor
For Barrel Jeans
- Pointed-toe flats or heels
- Ankle boots
- Sleek sneakers
- Mules or slides
For Loose Jeans
- Chunky sneakers
- Combat boots
- High-tops
- Platform shoes
Common Styling Mistakes
- Wrong length: Hemming is crucial for proper proportions
- Oversized top + oversized jeans: Creates a shapeless silhouette
- Wrong shoes: Shoes can make or break the look
- Ignoring your height: Petite frames need proper proportions
- Not defining the waist: Always show where your waist is
Care & Maintenance
- Wash inside out in cold water
- Air dry when possible to maintain shape
- Avoid over-washing (spot clean when you can)
- Steam or iron if needed
- Store folded or hung by waistband
Shopping Tips
- Try multiple sizes - relaxed jeans fit differently than skinny
- Check the inseam length carefully
- Look for quality denim with some stretch
- Consider getting them hemmed for perfect fit
- Walk around in them - make sure they're comfortable
Transitioning from Skinny Jeans
If you're used to skinny jeans, here's how to ease into relaxed styles:
- Start with straight leg: Less dramatic than wide leg
- Try barrel jeans: Fitted at ankles feels familiar
- Stick to high-rise: More flattering and comfortable
- Always tuck or wear fitted tops: Maintains proportion
- Give it time: It takes a few wears to feel natural
Final Thoughts
Wide leg, flare, barrel, and loose jeans offer something for everyone. Whether you're drawn to the retro appeal of flares, the modern edge of barrel jeans, the classic elegance of wide leg, or the casual comfort of loose fits, there's a perfect relaxed denim style waiting for you.
The key is understanding your body type, choosing the right rise and length, and styling them with balance in mind. Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles until you find what makes you feel confident and comfortable!
Remember: the best jeans are the ones that make you feel amazing. Embrace the comfort and style of relaxed denim - your wardrobe (and your legs) will thank you!
Ready to find your perfect pair? Explore our collection of wide leg, flare, barrel, and loose jeans to discover the denim that fits your style and your life!