Boyfriend jeans are one of the most popular trends in denim. They’re meant to look like you borrowed them from your boyfriend (hence the name), so they’re loose and baggy around your hips and thighs. But what about straight leg jeans? Straight leg jeans drape straight down from your body without any tapering or curve at all hence the name “straight”.
The good thing about this jeans is that they have as many differences and similarities as possible. It has even been said that some ladies have taken one for the other. While there are many different styles of both of these jeans types, I’ll break down their differences below.
Differences Between Boyfriend Jeans and Straight Leg Jeans
The main difference between boyfriend jeans and straight leg jeans is the fit. While boyfriend jeans are looser and more relaxed, straight-leg jeans are tighter and have a narrower leg opening. Both cuts can make you look slimmer, but will also highlight your body shape in different ways. Boyfriend jeans are loose around the thighs and seat, while straight-leg jeans are fitted all over including around your lower half.
Another difference between boyfriend jeans and straight leg jeans is that boyfriend jeans are usually made of a looser fabric and have more room at the hips and thighs.
For example, boyfriend jeans are typically made of looser fabrics like twill, while straight leg jeans tend to be made of stretchy fabrics that allow for more movement. They tend to be straight-legged, but more loose and relaxed. And they’re meant to be worn longer, so you should cuff them once or twice.
Boyfriend Jeans
Boyfriend jeans are the more relaxed, roomier cousin of straight leg jeans. They have a lower rise, which makes them ideal for pairing with crop tops or tucked into high-waisted tops. Since boyfriend jeans are meant to be worn longer and looser than straight leg jeans, you don’t have to cuff them at all or even once. The trend also means that they come in a variety of washes from dark denim to light wash denim.
They are made of a looser fabric than their straight-legged counterpart; this allows them to easily move with your body when you walk or sit down. In fact, some people even wear them without cuffs because they prefer how baggy they look on their legs.
How to Style Boyfriend Jeans
Boyfriend jeans are a great way to change up your look and make sure you always look on-trend. They don’t have to be worn with just boring white sneakers and a plain t-shirt. Here’s how to style them:
1. Wear them with minimal accessories
Pairing your boyfriend jeans with simple jewelry like stud earrings or a delicate bracelet will compliment the relaxed fit of the pants. One piece of statement jewelry is all you need here. A pair of ankle boots will complete this outfit perfectly.
2. Wear them with a baggy sweater
Wear boyfriend jeans with baggier sweaters, or even a sweatshirt if it’s cold out. Baggy sweaters are trendy right now because of their comfort and fashionability; they’re perfect for pairing with boyfriend jeans because they’ll still show off the cool details on the pants while adding some volume to your outfit. If you don’t want to wear a heavy sweatshirt, try going for something slightly less bulky but still loose-fitting.
3. Wear them with a blazer
This is a great way to wear boyfriend jeans. A blazer is such an easy way to make any outfit look more polished and put together. With this combination, I would go for something like a darker wash and less distressed denim. If you’re going for the more casual look, try it out in something lighter like stone wash or indigo denim.
4. Wear them with a t-shirt or fitted top
Denim boyfriend jeans are a relaxed fit and should be worn with something more casual, like a tee or tank top. If you want to dress up the look, try pairing them with a blouse or button-down shirt in solid color. You can also go for something more interesting by wearing one that has an interesting print or pattern on it, just make sure it isn’t too busy.
5. Wear them with sneakers, flats, and heels
Just because they’re boyfriend jeans doesn’t mean you have to wear them with just sneakers, flats, and heels. While this is a great combo for a casual look, it’s also totally acceptable to pair your boyfriend jeans with pumps or heels. ’90s-inspired platforms are the perfect shoe to elevate your look from day to night.
Straight Leg Jeans
If you’re looking for a pair of jeans with a more fitted, slim-fit cut, then straight leg jeans are your best bet. The straight cut from the hip to the ankle is much narrower than boyfriend jeans, so these tend to be more flattering on slimmer builds. However, keep in mind that there’s still some variance in how tight or loose the fit can be between different pairs of straight leg jeans.
The length of a straight leg jeans will vary depending on where it’s made and who makes them. In general, though, they’re usually around ankle length.
How to Style Straight Leg Jeans
1. Straight leg jeans can be dressed up or down
If you’re not feeling particularly adventurous, leave them as they are and pair them with a basic tee and sneakers. But if you want to bring the outfit up a notch, throw on some strappy heels and an oversized blazer to make it look like you gave this look some thought (even though you didn’t).
2. Straight leg jeans can be worn with varieties of shoes
Straight leg jeans can be worn with heels, flats, boots, and sneakers. A good pair of straight leg jeans will enhance your overall look. Straight leg pants are versatile enough to wear on casual days at the office or when you’re going out on the town.
You can never go wrong with a classic black pair of straight-legged jeans. Wear them with a white shirt and brown belt for an elegant look that’s great for work or play. If you are looking for something more casual then try a dark wash pair with some sneakers or ankle boots.
3. You can wear them with a blazer or a t-shirt
You can wear boyfriend jeans with a blazer or t-shirt and they will still look great. However, if you are wearing them with a t-shirt then your outfit will look more casual. On the other hand, if you wear them with a blazer then your outfit will look more dressed up.
4. You can wear them with accessories
You can wear boyfriend jeans with any accessories. They go well with belts and baseball caps, but they also look good with earrings and a signature chain. It’s all about what you feel comfortable wearing on the day. You can wear boyfriend jeans with a denim jacket, a leather belt, or even a scarf in your hair.
Boyfriend Jeans Vs Straight Leg Jeans
1. They’re “straight” because they fit slim through the hips and thighs with minimal tapering
Straight leg jeans are slim through the hips and thighs, with minimal tapering or curving in toward the ankle. They drape straight down from your body. That’s why they’re called “straight” because they fit slim through the hips and thighs with minimal tapering or curving in toward the ankle, they just drape straight down from your body.
2. While boyfriend jeans are more casual and relaxed, straight-leg jeans are more fitted and edgy
Boyfriend jeans are a little more relaxed, straight leg jeans are fitted. You can wear boyfriend jeans with everything from a t-shirt to a blazer for a casual look, or dress them up with heels and jewelry for an evening out. Straight leg jeans have more of an edge and so they work best with less embellished tops like t-shirts or button-downs, you don’t need to add much else.
3. Boyfriend jeans are baggy and loose fit, meant to look like you borrowed them from your boyfriend
Boyfriend jeans are baggy and loose fit, meant to look like you borrowed them from your boyfriend. They have a relaxed fit that is ideal for casual occasions or chilling out at home. Straight leg jeans are shaped to hug at the waist and taper down into the ankle. These can be worn with heels for an elegant look, but they can also be paired with sneakers or booties depending on how you want to wear them.
4. Length
The length of your jeans is a significant factor in determining which style best suits you. Boyfriend jeans are meant to be worn long, so they can be cuffed at the ankle. The idea behind this is that they dress down a more formal look while still maintaining some of the characteristics of tailored trousers.
Straight leg jeans are meant to be worn at your natural waist and should stop just below the hip bone if you want them slightly cropped. They will appear shorter than boyfriends because they aren’t meant to be cuffed; however, this can work out well for petite women who want an easier fit on them but don’t want their jeans dragging on the ground.
Conclusion
You can wear either pair of jeans with ease, and it’s all about finding the right fit for your body type. I hope that this article helped you understand how each jean fits differently, so now all you have to do is pick out which one you want and go ahead and rock them for whatever occasion you want.
