How to Wear Bootcut Jeans | How Long Should They Be? | The Jeans Blog (2024)

How to Wear Bootcut Jeans | How Long Should They Be? | The Jeans Blog (1)

It’s the age old question when it comes to denim, but how long should bootcut jeans be for a proper fit? Are yours too short, too long or simply just not fitting right? The Jeans Blog has you covered! This post is for both men and women as bootcut jeans are a unisex cut, we’re going to cover how bootcut jeans are supposed to fit and most importantly, how to wear your bootcut jeans.

How Long Should Bootcut Jeans Be For Women?

When it comes to how long jeans should be for women, this mostly depends entirely on what footwear you choose to style the jeans with, but also what type of look you are going for. I generally tend to stray away from bootcut jeans now as I have petite legs (see our bootcut or skinny jeans for petite women post) and I often find they can swamp my frame, but for those of you who absolutely adore them and you are one of the lucky ladies that looks fantastic in them, here are the length tips for you!

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Bootcut Jeans With Heels

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Shop bootcut jeans for women at Revolve Clothing

So, where should your jeans fall? When wearing bootcut jeans with heels, the ideal length for the hem is 1cm off of the floor. This leaves enough gap so that the denim doesn’t drag/touch the ground and get dirty and it also creates a really sleek, clean and straight silhouette with the way the leg falls. You don’t want to go any longer as they will start bunching and getting dirty or damaged and you definitely don’t want to go much shorter than the 1cm guideline (2cm at most) as this can make your legs look short. Covering up your heels so only the tip is showing through really helps to lengthen and elongate your legs, creating a gorgeous look and is ideally how your jeans should fit. I recommend hemming your bootcut jeans to your favourite height shoes and keeping them for those only. Hopefully you will have a lot of heels with the same heel height, so they can work with multiple pairs!

Bootcut Jeans With Flats

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If you are on the taller side and love to wear flats often, bootcut jeans can still work if you know how to wear them and understand the proper jean length for your size. I know they are often seen as jeans for heels only as they are smarter, but giving a nod back to the 90’s here can also work for you. When you wear bootcut jeans with flats, make sure you are wearing a mid to light blue wash and that the hems do touch the floor. I’m not saying that they should drag and get damaged with bunches of excess fabric, but having them just skimming the floor with a raw hem or a slightly frayed hem will really add to that easy Californian/Australian relaxed look. I personally don’t think smart bootcut jeans work with flats, so only wear the casual ones. Definitely don’t have them shorter than the floor though as this will make you look really short and it wont be flattering.

Wear Cropped Bootcut/Flare Jeans

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I mentioned earlier that you don’t want to have your bootcut jeans shorter than 1-2cm off the ground at most, however that rule applies to the full length and smart styles. A more recent trend that’s come to light is the cropped flare/bootcut which hits you around lower to mid calf. These jeans are intentionally cropped to this length to give off a brand new feel and cut and they are increasing in popularity right now. You want to make sure that these hit you a few inches above your ankle, below half way from knee to ankle, somewhere in the third lower quadrant of your legs. These will look fantastic worn at this length!

How Long Should Bootcut Jeans Be For Men?

Many men often opt for bootcut jeans as they feel more comfortable in them, not feeling like skinny jeans suit them, so making sure you get the right length is the key to looking stylish. There’s nothing worse than showing up somewhere smart with bootcut jeans that are miles too long and don’t have a proper fitting, flapping around and making your entire outfit look ill fitting, so make sure you hem them and follow these rules for the proper length for different shoes and you will look sharp!

Our favourite picks for 2017

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Bootcut Jeans With Boots

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Shop bootcut jeans for men at ASOS

So how long should bootcut jeans be for men? When it comes to wearing them with boots, whether they are slip on Chelsea style boots, slim and understated western boots or the regular lace up boots, since this is a dressier look, make sure your jeans are about 1-2cm off the floor. Much like the women’s tips with heels, you don’t want them dragging on the floor and getting ruined, but you don’t want them so short that they look like they shrank in the wash either. About 1-2 cm off the floor is the ideal length and will give you that sleek appearance.

Bootcut Jeans With Sneakers

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Shop bootcut jeans for men at East Dane

When it comes to bootcut jeans with sneakers for men, I find having them a little shorter than I suggested with boots is ideal for a proper fit and great look. Usually due to the leg opening fitting tighter around a sneaker, the jeans don’t go near the floor as much. Leaving about an inch and a half of space from your hemline to the bottom of the shoe will look good, much like the photo above. A little bunching makes the bootcut jeans look casual and it suits the style more. If you have them too short and there’s no bunching, the straight fit can make you look quite short which isn’t ideal. I definitely recommend a slimmer bootcut for sneakers too, nothing too wide and verging on the flares width.

Wear Bootcut Jeans With A Cuff

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Shop bootcut jeans for men at Revolve Clothing

If you don’t want to get your bootcut jeans hemmed and you prefer a really casual style, here’s how tocuff your jeans like like a pro.This doesn’t work too well on flares or really wide bootcut jeans, but the slimmer versions it can work just fine on. Roll the hems up a couple of times and style them with thick or chunky boots only. There’s a lot of material around the bottom of your ankle so you need a bigger and wider boot to support it. You don’t want a really slim shoe or sneaker with lots of flapping material on your ankle, that looks silly. I know cuffing jeans obviously works best on straight leg or skinny jeans, but for those of you who want to give this look a go and have slim bootcut jeans that suit you well, it can work! I think the fit above is just right!

Main image courtesy of Emma Miller.

How to Wear Bootcut Jeans | How Long Should They Be? | The Jeans Blog (2024)

FAQs

How to Wear Bootcut Jeans | How Long Should They Be? | The Jeans Blog? ›

When wearing bootcut jeans with heels, the ideal length for the hem is 1cm off of the floor. This leaves enough gap so that the denim doesn't drag/touch the ground and get dirty and it also creates a really sleek, clean and straight silhouette with the way the leg falls.

Should bootcut jeans be longer than regular jeans? ›

Bootcut Jeans: The best length for bootcut jeans is at the ankle. This style of women's denim is designed to be worn either cuffed or at full length, and falls just below the ankle bone on most women. Skinny Jeans: A good length for skinny jeans is just above the ankle bone.

What should be the length of bootcut jeans? ›

The Bootcut

The leg of a bootcut should fit snug to the knee, then right below the knee should flare out to the tops of your toes. The hem is the most important part of your fit. You want it to fall to where your toe meets your foot. This means that if you wear a taller heel you'll need a longer pant.

How long should boot cut jeans be 2023? ›

Get around the low waistband by pairing your jeans with longer-line tops. Just keep them slim fitting and no longer than mid-thigh in length.

How do you wear boot cut jeans that are too long? ›

Because bootcut jeans are a toned-down version of flare jeans that extend out between the knee and the ankle, we recommend wearing 'em with high heels, whether it's an ankle bootie, chunky heel (~so retro~), or strappy heel.

Are bootcut jeans supposed to be short? ›

It should fit snug through the thigh to the knee then flare out slightly below the knee down to the tops of your toes. And don't forget about the hem. Unless you're styling a cropped jean that is made to cut above the ankle then you want the hem of your women's bootcut jeans to fall where your toe meets your foot.

What body type looks best in bootcut jeans? ›

Body Shapes for Bootcut Jeans:

Honestly, any shape can pull off a Bootcut Jean, but we definitely recommend it for rectangle and circle shapes. A bootcut jean will help balance both of these shapes out. Proper sizing will go a long way and don't ever be afraid of alterations to get them just right.

How do you fix bootcut jeans that are too short? ›

Rolling up — aka “cuffing” jeans at the leg opening — is an easy way to transform your too-short jeans into a laid-back pair of capris. All you have to do is fold the pant leg outwards and up about 2 inches above the hem.

How long should jeans be with heels? ›

Wide leg pants should cover the top of your shoe and leave a portion of the heel and toe exposed. In heels or flats, aim for a length that is 1/2 inch from the floor.

Are split hem jeans in style 2023? ›

SPLIT HEM JEANS:

No. 4 on my list of the top spring denim trends of 2023 is split-hem denim! This style of jeans will make your legs look MILES long, I guarantee it. I love the light wash of these ones from Express and they're also on sale for under $60!

What is the fashion trend for jeans in 2023? ›

Two-toned or color-block jeans are one of the more adventurous jean trends hitting shelves in 2023. The colorblocking acts like a contour for your legs and will make them appear longer than they are. Look for a pair with a slight flair to really play into the optical illusion.

How do you wear shoes with boot cut jeans? ›

In order to ensure the billowy bottoms look streamlined, it's best to pair them with shoes that add some height. Simple heeled booties are a great comfortable pick, and pointy-toe styles that ever so slightly peek out from the pants are a fun (but safe) choice, too.

Do bootcut jeans make you look thinner? ›

It's a super slimming style no matter your height or weight. The style hugs the belly and hips while slimming the thighs. The bottoms are wider so they elongate your legs which in turn makes you look taller and slimmer. Trust me and try on a pair, you won't be disappointed.

Can you wear ankle boots with bootcut jeans? ›

Bootcut jeans pair well with ankle boots, ankle booties, winter boots, and cowboy boots. 4. Wide-leg jeans: Wide-leg jeans are cut wide throughout the leg, beginning to flare around the mid-thigh and then continuing down to a wide leg opening. You can pair wide-leg jeans with ankle boots, booties, or Chelsea boots.

Why are bootcut jeans flattering? ›

With a slightly tapered thigh area, boot cut jeans hug the hips and thighs, giving a fitted and sexy appearance, but then widen from the knee to the hem, balancing out the shoulders. This fit can be worn looser for a more relaxed look, or tighter for a more tailored and polished feel.

What is the average leg opening for bootcut jeans? ›

The leg opening of a pair of jeans refers to the width of the cuff, or very bottom, of the jeans. For example, boot cut jeans have an average leg opening of 20”, while skinny jeans have a leg opening ranging from 10” to 14”.

Do you roll up bootcut jeans? ›

As for the trousers' style, tapered and straight-leg jeans are way more suitable for cuffing than boot-cut or flared ones. Based on the trousers' bottom width, tapered and straight-leg jeans call for different types of cuffing, whereas we would strongly recommend to refrain from rolling up boot-cut and flared jeans.

What is the best length for jeans? ›

Generally, jeans should be long enough to reach the tops of your feet with a little extra fabric, but short enough that the hems aren't dragging on the ground. Jeans promote an effortless style, so their fit should reflect that.

Is straight leg or bootcut more flattering? ›

Bootcut jeans can make curvy hips appear slimmer, while jeans with straight legs are more suitable for short women.

Can tall girls wear bootcut jeans? ›

Bootcut jeans are perfect for tall women. Bootcut and flared jeans help to create an hourglass figure that is super easy to style. Opt for clean, dark washes for the ultimate figure-flattering fit.

How are bootcut jeans supposed to fit with boots? ›

As a general rule of thumb, we recommend wearing medium to dark-wash jeans over your boots (not tucked in). The jeans should be fairly form-fitting in the upper legs but have enough space in the lower leg to accommodate the boot, without showing an outline.

How do you tell if your pants are too short? ›

Similarly, you can tell your pants are too small if you see fabric pulling rather than bunching. Beyond just the look, you'll be able to feel if your pants are too small. They'll be uncomfortable, squeezing your body wherever they are too small. And of course, if you see socks while standing, your pants are too short.

Do bootcut jeans make your legs look longer? ›

Every inch longer you wear your pants, the longer your legs look. Boot cut, flare and wide legged jeans and pants allow you to wear your bottoms longer than skinny jeans and pants. Cropped styles can be trendy and fun, but they tend to make your legs look shorter.

How long should pants be when sitting down? ›

The hem of your pants with a half break should sit ½ – ¾” of the way down past the point where your pants first meet your shoes, allowing for a slight horizontal fold to make contact with the front of your shoes.

What cut of jeans go best with heels? ›

To ensure a stylish outfit, it's best to pair dark-wash, straight-leg, or skinny jeans with classic pump heels in neutral colors such as black, nude, or grey.

Where should jeans hit your ankle? ›

A standard pair of straight-leg jeans should be ankle-length or hit your legs right above your ankles. Straight-leg jeans that extend past your ankles tend to bunch up and look messy.

Where should jeans fall with heels? ›

The wider the jean leg, the fuller the break needs to be. Relaxed-fit jeans should reach toward the top of the heel. Also, try to avoid clunky soles with this one as it will look much better with shoes that have a slimmer profile. For straight-leg jeans, the sweet spot is between the top of the shoe and the heel.

Are skinny jeans out for 2023? ›

Skinny Jeans, Skinny Pants & Leggings Are Back in For Fall 2023.

What is the trend in denim in 2024? ›

The upcoming Spring/Summer 2024 season sees denim as the predominant trend which includes bold colours and greencast dyeing, upcycling processes, adorned denim, stone-inspired washes and sun-faded hues with natural overdyes as the defining factors.

Are leggings out of style 2023? ›

Are tunics and leggings still in style or is this one of out of style trends for 2023? Tunic and leggings are not coming back in style for 2023. 2023 is the year of long slinky tops and not tunics.

Are bootcut jeans in style 2023? ›

We've said it over and over again a thousand and one times: fashion is nothing but an eternal renewal. So what is the piece of our wardrobe that will be making a comeback this season? Disappeared from our fashion radars, bootcut jeans 2023 are back in force this spring to flatter our silhouettes, but also our shoes.

What are people wearing in 2023? ›

Glossy red hues took over the Fall 2023 runways ranging from Sandy Liang and PatBo to Tory Burch and Wiederhoeft. Think: Juicy reds with vibrant orange undertones that would look just as good in head-to-toe looks (see: a pantsuit) as accent accessory pieces (trendy shoes, handbags, jewelry, etc.).

What Colour jeans are in fashion 2023? ›

Style Notes: If you invested in a pair of trending wide-leg jeans in 2022, rest assured this is no flash-in-the-pan buy; wide-leg denim is here to stay for 2023. The clue is in the name. Look for classic shades of blue to make this silhouette feel its most refined.

How to wear jeans and boots 2023? ›

TLDR: You can wear ankle boots with skinny jeans that are tucked in, rolled under or with a pair of jeans that hits at the ankle. The same rule applies for straight-leg jeans. If your booties are short, don't tuck them in. If your booties are tall, they'll look best with tucked-in skinny jeans.

Are dark or light jeans in style 2023? ›

2023 is all about trends making a comeback and this includes dark wash denim, which is regaining popularity. The last few years have been all about lighter washes reminiscent of the '80s and '90s, but now they're making room for their darker counterpart.

What are the material trends for 2023 fashion? ›

Crepe-back satins, pleated chiffon, mohair knits and weaves, taffeta, matte/shine jacquard and dobby weaves are key materials. Designers should look to sustainable fiber alternatives to achieve these materials, like recycled polyester and metallic lurex, FSC certified viscose cellulosics and Tencel.

Do jeans go in or over ankle boots? ›

Skinny jeans should be worn inside your ankle boots. All other styles of denim like straight leg or flare should be worn outside your booties. Either look for a pair that is cropped and hits above the boots, or do a messy cuff that rests on the top of your booties.

What color jeans are most flattering? ›

Darker-colored jeans are helpful to smooth bulges while lengthening the silhouette. In order to achieve a stylish look, though, it's better to opt for hues that have a slight variation in color (washed-black jeans or dark grey ones are nicer and more versatile than black-beyond-any-doubt ones).

How do you hide belly fat in jeans? ›

In terms of hiding belly fat, high-waisted jeans could become your new best friend. Simply put, high-rise jeans help you hide belly fat by covering and smoothing the area. Wide Leg: In response to the skinny jeans phenomenon, wide-leg styles have become more popular as a way to offer something different.

What Colour jeans make your legs look thinner? ›

Choose dark-wash jeans with side seaming that curves into the thighs to make them look slimmer.

How to wear ankle boots over 50? ›

With Skinny Jeans

roll up and leave 1/2″ of ankle between the boot and your pant. You can fold over twice to have a narrow cuff or one large fold. Be aware, the wider the cuff, the shorter your legs will look. If you cuff your jeans, wear a shorter top to help elongate the look of your legs.

How do you wear ankle bootcut jeans? ›

7 Ways to Wear Bootcut Jeans
  1. Try a retro outfit. You can combine bootcut jeans with different retro or vintage tops, footwear, and outerwear to create period looks. ...
  2. Keep it casual. ...
  3. Go for a sleek chic look. ...
  4. Pair with cowboy boots. ...
  5. Try cropped bootcut jeans. ...
  6. Sport a street style. ...
  7. Choose your preferred rise.
Feb 28, 2022

Can I wear Uggs with bootcut jeans? ›

Basic, cliché — call it what you want, but jeans and Uggs go together like oversized sweaters and knee-high boots. The look is a classic pairing, but don't limit yourself to skinny jeans tucked into the shoe. Mom jeans, boyfriend jeans, bootcut, and even flared fits would also pair well with the brand's signature boot.

Do bootcut jeans look good with sandals? ›

I love a bootcut jeans outfit with a strappy sandal! They are chic, trendy and look good for more elevated and stylish casual outfits. Tall strappy stiletto sandals will dress up the look of your jeans. However, you will keep the outfit relaxed and casual with bootcut jeans.

When did bootcut jeans go out of style? ›

In 1960s and 70s, under the influence of flower children, design changes and legs became widely flared. Boot-cut jeans become bell-bottomed jeans which lasted until 1980s when boot-cut jeans came back. Today boot-cut jeans style continues to be popular and is an acceptable casual wear for both men and women.

Do bootcut jeans look good on rectangle body shape? ›

Jeans for the rectangle body should have embellishments around the hip and bottom area to add curves to the silhouette. Look for back pockets to add fullness to your bottom. Whiskering at the hips will add the illusion of curvier hips. The best jeans style is a bootcut.

Are bootcut jeans longer than straight-leg? ›

Instead, they are a little shorter, and end a few inches below the ankle. Bootcut jeans flare out subtly at the ends, unlike straight-leg jeans, and fit in a way that the back hem almost skims the floor, and the front hem covers your shoe.

Is it better to have jeans too long or too short? ›

Generally, jeans should be long enough to reach the tops of your feet with a little extra fabric, but short enough that the hems aren't dragging on the ground. Jeans promote an effortless style, so their fit should reflect that.

Does it matter if jeans are too long? ›

As a rule if your pants are dragging on the floor or fall past your toe, they're too long. If they're baggy in other places as well, going down a size could solve the problem. Otherwise you'll need to try a shorter inseam measurement. And don't forget about petite sizing.

Should jeans show ankle when sitting? ›

If you've cuffed them so that they still graze the top of your foot when you're standing, then it's okay for your ankle to slightly peak when you sit.

What length jeans make you look taller? ›

Flare Jeans

They are often high-waisted or mid-rise. They are an ideal combination for giving you the appearance of being taller. Jeans with a flare will draw the eye down and create the impression that you are taller. Choose a leg length that is closest to the floor but does not skim it.

How long should jeans be for height? ›

So, what does inseam mean?
SkinnyStraight
Petite 5'3″ or less25″ – 27″27″
Average 5'4″ to 5'7″28″ – 30″28″ – 32″
Tall 5'8″ and above31″ – 34″32″ – 34″
1 more row

How do you tell if jeans are too big for you? ›

How to Tell if Your Pants are Too Big
  1. Wearing a Belt as More Than an Accessory.
  2. Slipping Out of Them Without a Second Thought.
  3. Bunching Your Pants at the Ankle.
  4. Gapping at the Waist.
  5. Constantly Adjusting Your Pants.
May 16, 2022

How do you make bootcut jeans shorter without sewing? ›

If you don't have a sewing machine then you can use hemming tape to shorten your jeans. Hemming tape is a fusible tape with a strong glue that is activated by the heat of the iron.

Can I still wear bootcut jeans? ›

We last saw bootcut jeans having their true heyday during the '90s, amid the low-rise-jean phase, but they've gotten an update since the iconic decade. From chic cropped iterations of the trend to slightly more streamlined silhouettes, the latest takes on the look are proving that the old-school style is here to stay.

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