It’s an ongoing controversy and, at most times, biased debate: to cuff or not to cuff? Cuffing your jeans is when you roll up the hem to make the jeans a little shorter or to hide the hem completely. How you decide to cuff or roll up your jeans is entirely up to you, but there are several basic techniques from a loose and casual roll up to a more deliberate and larger fold. Depending on the style of your women’s jeans and the occasion, you may choose to switch up the traditional style for a more modern finish that falls in line with the goal of your look. As if the great debate wasn’t difficult enough, there are so many various ways to cuff your jeans, whether you’re wearing skinny jeans, straight leg jeans, or any other type of women’s jeans.
There are many different factors that come into play when deciding whether you will cuff your jeans or not, like the occasion, the weather, your footwear and the rest of your outfit. Cuffing your jeans can have a big effect on your whole look, and can either elevate your style or make you look more casual, which is why the decision is often such a difficult one.
Here’s a guide to cuffing your favorite women’s jeans.
When to Cuff
It’s hard to know when to cuff your jeans, and there really are no rules. For women’s jeans, try to base the decision on footwear. If you are wearing a fun and stylish pair of shoes that you want to attract attention to, wearing skinny jeans with a tapered leg is always a good option, but you can always play with cuffing the hem on a straight leg jean or looser fitting jeans to draw attention to the shoe in a fun and playful way. Whether you are wearing patterned ballet flats or a statement-making pump, cuffing your jeans to show your ankle will instantly elevate your look and make your shoes the real show stopper.
For a more casual look, loosely cuff your jeans with a pair of sneakers or booties, depending on the weather, to show off your relaxed kicks. This look works well with looser fitting jeans, like boyfriend jeans or straight leg jeans, and is a casual way to highlight your shoes. Keep in mind, though, that this look only really works during milder weather, when temperatures are slightly warmer and your ankles won’t freeze.
When to Not Cuff
Now, when should you not cuff your favorite women’s jeans? There comes a time when jeans should be worn as they were intended, without rips or tears, and with their hem showing, sans cuff. When you are shooting for a more polished and sophisticated look, keep your jeans uncuffed. This look is much more preppy and works well with sophisticated button-down shirts and clean, elegant turtlenecks. Additionally, you’ll want to steer clear of cuffing jeans with a wider leg, like boot cut jeans or flares. These types of jeans were designed to be slightly longer and the hem plays an important part in the overall style of the jeans. If in doubt, leave the hem as it was intended: uncuffed.
How to Cuff Your Jeans
Now that you have a better understanding of when you should and shouldn’t cuff your jeans, it’s time to cover how to cuff your jeans. Everyone has their own preferences, and different styles can complement different looks. Here’s our breakdown of the best ways and methods for cuffing your favorite pair of jeans.
The Double Roll
This is the most common method for cuffing your jeans, and it works with any type of jeans, including skinny jeans or straight leg jeans. This is the optimum roll for your jeans, and you never really should exceed the double roll. Simply slip your fingers on the outside of the hems of your jeans, roll your jeans up once, no more than an inch, and then one more time just a tad bit more. Using your fingers, smooth out the crease and make sure that everything is tucked in nicely. This look is not made to be neat and tidy, but it exudes a laid back and effortless style.
The Deep Cuff
This is one of the hardest looks to pull of, as it simply doesn’t look good with every type of shoe. Wear this look with high tops or booties for an all-around trendy style in a casual setting. To complete this cuff, begin by turning up the hem on your jeans about two inches on each side. Smooth out the edges, and that’s it. This look is best suited for taller women, as shortening your legs will lower your stature and make your legs appear slightly shorter.
The Slight Turn Up
This look is very easy and subtle. Simply turn up the hem near the bottom of the jeans, just once. This look can be worn with almost any style of shoe and can help you out if you haven’t gotten your jeans hemmed to your height yet. The slight turn up is very subtle and looks great when paired with ballet flats or sandals.
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