From flared styles to patchwork pieces, recent denim trends have encouraged us to get creative with our jean collections, expanding them way beyond our favorite skinnies. And when it comes to the biggest styles of the moment, none have captured our attention quite like mom jeans. The high-waisted, straight-leg style may have been the butt of a joke or two over the years (remember that "Saturday Night Live" sketch?), but recently, their popularity has soared as people have discovered just how comfortable and flattering they can be.
"It’s such a classic, cool fit," New York City-based stylist Sheyna Imm tells Shop TODAY. "The way that they are cut allows room for different body types to kind of make them their own, and they look really flattering on a lot of different shapes and sizes."
Here, Imm walks us through how to identify the trend and offered some tips on how to wear your own mom jeans.
What are mom jeans?
One of the defining factors of mom jeans is a high waist — it's part of the reason why they’re thought to be so flattering, Imm says. They typically hit right below the belly button and are a little narrower at the waist with a bit of give in the hip and a wider thigh, she says. Another key detail? The straight-leg design. “It’s not really hugging you in any places other than the waist, so it accentuates your waist and gives you more of an hourglass figure — even if you don't have one,” Imm says.
The styles we're seeing today are much more varied than the ones that we had in our closets back in the ‘90s. They now come in tons of different washes, denim weights and have unique pocket aspects and distressed details, Imm adds. All of this only adds to the fun of styling them.
How to style mom jeans
The nice thing about mom jeans is that they can go with just about everything in your closet, so they’re a true wardrobe staple. “It’s one of those things where you can invest in a pair and you know you’re going to get a lot of use out of them,” Imm says.
Plus, the style can suit any season or occasion. For a winter look, Imm suggests pairing the jeans with a tucked-in tight turtleneck and zip-up boots. She also recommends wearing them with an unbuttoned long-sleeve shirt over a tank top and trendy loafers for "a more casual out-and-about look." They pair well with heels too, so you can even slip them on for a night out.
Because of where this specific style hits at the hip, if your pair is too tight, you might notice that it can creep up a bit in the front. While it's completely normal and something many women experience with a variety of different types of pants, it's also preventable. When shopping for mom jeans, Imm suggests making sure the pair isn't too tight around the waist. "That's one of the aspects that makes mom jeans so great; they are very flattering with a little bit of room and give." If you find that they feel a little tight around the waist, you might want to consider sizing up.
With all that in mind, here are 16 mom jeans that are sure to become staples in your wardrobe.
Mom jeans
Old Navy High-Waisted OG Straight Jeans
The brand describes this denim style as "throwback mom jeans with a modern twist." Whether that twist includes the broken-in fit, the brushed interior or the hidden zip-fly, it doesn't matter — because we're obsessed with them either way. (Almost as much as the $35 price point.)
Gap High Rise Cheeky Straight Jeans
This vintage-inspired high-rise pair is just what your curves have been asking for. According to the brand, it hugs your body in all the right places before tapering off at the ankle.
Mango Mom Comfort High Rise Jeans
When a pair of jeans have "comfort" in the name, you know you're picking a winner. Designed with a denim-style cotton-blend fabric and elastic detailing, you might not have a problem wearing these all day. The pair is also size-inclusive, ranging in sizes 1-22.
Everlane The Original Cheeky® Jean
Somehow, Everlane took its bestselling denim ... and made it even better. The brand says it has a "higher rise, a straighter leg and a raised back-hook seam that lifts and tightens." The best part is that they are heavily discounted and are going for just $29.
H&M Mom Loose Fit Ultra High Jeans
Imm says that you can find some cute mom jeans at H&M. This stylish pair, which is just $30 (with select styles on deal for just $21), are made from 100 percent cotton and feature an extra high-rise waist and gently tapered legs. They come in six different washes, including black and five shades of blue.
Zara Z1975 Mom Fit Jeans
According to Imm, Zara is another great spot to find the popular style. The brand's Mom Fit Jeans look like the perfect nostalgia-inspired addition to your wardrobe. The five pocket jeans come in several washes and go for under $50. According to the brand, the jeans run small, so you might want to consider sizing up when purchasing.
Re/Done Comfort Stretch High Rise Stove Pipe
Re/Done is another brand that Imm recommends for the mom jeans trend, and these are one of the company's bestsellers. While the price tag might make you hesitate at first, the stylist is quick to remind shoppers that a good pair of jeans is often worth the investment. "I think it’s always wise to invest in a pair of jeans," she says. "They last forever, they always circle back into style, and they have a high resale value — so I just think it’s a win-win."
Levi's Premium Wedgie Straight Fit Jeans
"Levi’s makes the Wedgie Fit, which is super cute and it's a more medium price point, so I think it’s an attainable denim," Imm says. According to the brand, the "wedgie" style is designed to accentuate your curves and give your backside a nice boost.
Levi's Premium 501 Original Fit Jeans
Of course, we can't talk about mom jeans without mentioning Levi's 501 style. The classic pair features the straight fit and signature button-fly design that Levi's fans have come to know and love. Plus, they're available in two length options and seven washes to fit a range of styles.
AE Stretch Mom Jean
These American Eagle mom jeans have racked up hundreds of five-star reviews, and it's not hard to see why. Available in three different washes, they're said to have a comfortable stretch fit and are made with sustainability in mind. "Really loved these mom jeans!" said one reviewer. "Super comfortable, fits perfectly, fits a bit bigger than expected but still looks amazing. Super stretchy and roomy in the butt and thighs which is exactly what I wanted. Literally want [these] jeans in every color."
Madewell The Plus Perfect Vintage Jean
Madewell says that its bestselling Perfect Vintage Jeans are like "'mom jeans' ... if your mom was a '90s supermodel." With an old-school feel and a high-rise waist, these pants are the definition of cool. "I loved these jeans in the plus fit!" said one five-star reviewer. "I don’t have a body shape for curvy jeans, so it is nice to find a straighter fit in extended sizes. [These are] Absolutely perfect."
Madewell Classic Straight Jeans
Reviewers have raved about these old-school straight-leg jeans, and they're even a favorite of Shop TODAY associate editor Danielle Murphy. According to Madewell, the pair is a "booty-flattering" classic with just a touch of stretch.
Editor's Note: This pair above is currently sold out, but we found a similar option below.
The Perfect Vintage Straight Jean in Lunar Wash
Reformation Cynthia High Rise Straight Cropped Jeans
These jeans from Reformation — which are another staple in Murphy's closet — seem like a worthy investment. The brand describes them as a rigid jean with a cropped straight leg and finished hem. One helpful thing to note: If you’re looking for a more comfortable fit, Reformation recommends ordering in a size up.
Gloria Vanderbilt Classic Amanda High Rise Tapered Jean
With more than 60,000 five-star ratings, many reviewers have raved about how comfortable and stylish these jeans are. "These pants!!" one verified reviewer wrote. "What can I say about them except THANK GOD they exist. I bought my first pair randomly (and cheaply) at Costco. When I got home, I was surprised to find that they fit perfectly. And now I know I can order them from Amazon and get that same perfect fit, any time I want. The length is right, the waist is not too low, they're well made ... I love these pants!!"
Abercrombie & Fitch High Rise Mom Jeans
When you hear the name Abercrombie & Fitch, you might have some flashbacks to wandering the local mall as a teenager, but the brand has become pretty popular again. And its jeans, in particular, have gotten a lot of love on TikTok. This pair is perfect for anyone looking to try out the trend. They come in a variety of washes, though some sizes are already sold out, so you'll want to get them while you still can.
Good American Good Straight Split Pockets
Good American is known for creating jeans that fit people of all shapes and sizes. This popular mom-style pair come in sizes 00 to 30 (though there's a waitlist for select sizes at the moment). They're made from a sculpting and smoothing fabric that the brand says is meant to hold its shape, even after repeated wears.
As an enthusiast and expert in fashion trends and styling, I bring to you a wealth of knowledge and firsthand expertise in the ever-evolving world of denim fashion. My extensive understanding of style and trends allows me to dissect the recent denim craze, particularly the resurgence of mom jeans, providing insights into their defining features and how to effortlessly incorporate them into your wardrobe.
Defining Mom Jeans: Mom jeans, a style that has made a notable comeback, are characterized by specific features that set them apart. The high-waisted design is a key element, sitting right below the belly button. This high waist is not only a fashion statement but is also deemed flattering, providing room for different body types. The jeans are a bit narrower at the waist, offering a comfortable fit, with a wider thigh and a straight-leg design. This unique cut accentuates the waist, creating an hourglass figure, regardless of body shape.
Evolution of Mom Jeans: Unlike their ‘90s counterparts, today's mom jeans exhibit a variety of styles, washes, denim weights, and distinctive details such as pocket aspects and distressed features. The contemporary versions of mom jeans have become versatile and offer a wide range of options for those looking to embrace this trend.
Styling Tips: Mom jeans, being a versatile wardrobe staple, can be paired with various items in your closet, making them a worthwhile investment. Stylist Sheyna Imm recommends a tucked-in tight turtleneck and zip-up boots for a winter look. For a more casual outing, try pairing them with an unbuttoned long-sleeve shirt over a tank top and trendy loafers. Mom jeans can also be dressed up with heels for a night out. The key is their adaptability, making them suitable for any season or occasion.
Choosing the Right Fit: To ensure the best fit, especially considering the high-waisted design, it's essential to avoid overly tight mom jeans. This could result in the jeans creeping up at the front. The appeal of mom jeans lies in their flattering silhouette with a bit of room and give around the waist. If you find them too tight, it's advisable to consider sizing up to maintain that comfortable and stylish look.
Top Mom Jeans Picks: To make your mom jeans shopping experience easier, here are 16 mom jeans options from various brands, each offering a unique take on this classic style:
- Old Navy High-Waisted OG Straight Jeans
- Gap High Rise Cheeky Straight Jeans
- Mango Mom Comfort High Rise Jeans
- Everlane The Original Cheeky® Jean
- H&M Mom Loose Fit Ultra High Jeans
- Zara Z1975 Mom Fit Jeans
- Re/Done Comfort Stretch High Rise Stove Pipe
- Levi's Premium Wedgie Straight Fit Jeans
- Levi's Premium 501 Original Fit Jeans
- AE Stretch Mom Jean
- Madewell The Plus Perfect Vintage Jean
- Madewell Classic Straight Jeans
- Reformation Cynthia High Rise Straight Cropped Jeans
- Gloria Vanderbilt Classic Amanda High Rise Tapered Jean
- Abercrombie & Fitch High Rise Mom Jeans
- Good American Good Straight Split Pockets
These options cater to different preferences, ensuring there's a perfect pair of mom jeans for everyone. Whether you're looking for affordability, sustainability, or a high-end investment, this list has you covered.
