When it comes to the best jeans, there are some styles which never seem to lose fans. Unless you've been living in denim denial for the past few seasons, you'll have noticed that the mom jeans have rapidly overtaken skinny styles as the fashion crowd's (and Gen Z's) denim silhouette of choice.
Why? Consider our ongoing nostalgia for all things nineties to blame. Wear them well and a classic pair of mom jeans - so-called because they could easily have been plucked from your dear mother's collection of retro cast-offs – can make you look like you've stepped straight out of an early episode of Friends (that’s a compliment, by the way. Rachel Green is the patron saint of mom jeans).
Best Mom Jeans At A Glance:
Best Affordable Mom Jeans:H&M, Slim Mom High Ankle Jeans
Best Splurge-Worthy Mom Jeans: RE/DONE, 70s Stove Pipe High-rise Straight Jeans
Best Mom Jeans for Tall Women: Abercrombie & Fitch High Rise Mom Jean
Best Mom Jeans for Petite Women: Nudie Jeans Co, Breezy Britt Aged
Why do they call them mom jeans?
Well, it’s a nod to their iconic status as the quintessential denim style worn by moms everywhere in the '80s and '90s. Characterised by their high rise, relaxed fit, and straight leg, these jeans became synonymous with the effortlessly cool, casual style of moms everywhere, hence the name 'mom jeans.'
What are mom jeans? What is the difference between boyfriend and mom jeans?
High-waisted, often distressed and cut with a refreshingly easy fit, it can be easy to confuse mom jeans with their relation, the boyfriend jean. The difference, though, is in the waistline (which tends to sit just below the navel) and the slightly tapered (ergo, more flattering) legs, often rolled up to hit just above the ankle.
How do I wear mom jeans?
In need of a few style tips? Well, one way the '90s taught us to do it was with a cropped or tucked-in top to highlight the cinched waist and create a flattering silhouette. Alternatively, embrace the oversized trend by pairing them with a chunky knit sweater or a vintage band tee for a laid-back yet trendy look. Accessorising with a belt can also add a touch of definition to the waistline. Mom jeans are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of tops, from fitted t-shirts and blouses to oversized sweaters and cropped jackets. For a casual daytime look, style mom jeans with trainers and transition seamlessly into the evening, swap out the casual footwear for a pair of heels.
How did we choose the best mom jeans?
With years of experience in the industry, we’ve tried and tested our fair share of jeans – from browsing showrooms to styling them on shoots. What sets us apart is our diverse team, comprising individuals of various body sizes, shapes, and style preferences. We understand that not all jeans are created the same, which is why our recommendations cater to a wide range of body types and personal tastes. So, when you turn to us for guidance on the best mom jeans, you’re getting expert advice from a team that truly knows their denim. In our quest to find the best mom jeans, we considered these factors below to ensure we have the best of the best:
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Fit: We prioritised true high-rise waist, relaxed fit through hips and thighs, and tapered leg - because that is what the mom jean is really about.
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Fabric quality: Denim can be uncomfortable sometimes, so we ensured we considered balanced stretch and structure for comfort and longevity.
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Customer reviews: We had to consider the general feedback to gauge overall satisfaction and performance. This meant speaking to the Grazia team and hearing everyone's thoughts.
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Size inclusivity: We ensured our selection had a wide range of sizes to cater to diverse body types.
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Versatility: We need to be outfit repeaters in 2024, so we chose mom jeans that offer effortless pairing with various tops and shoes for any occasion.
How do I find the best mom jeans?
Don't worry, we've done that for you. All you need to do is keep scrolling for the best styles on the market...
Best Mom Jeans For Curves
www.hollisterco.com
We love how these can be neatly rolled up to give a whole another vibe - two jeans in one. If you're a curvy girl, our team has given these the green light.
Pros
- Three leg lengths
- Roll up option
Cons
- Tough material
Best Oversized Mom Jeans
Oversized
www.asos.com
A slouchy version of mom jeans for that effortlessly chic vibe. This is a great day-to-day jean, proving that Topshop denim is still among the best.
Pros
- Oversized leg shape
- Three leg lengths
Cons
- Not stretchy
Best Ripped Mom Jeans
Ripped
www.riverisland.com
These River Island jeans use a clever seam detail and bum sculpt technology to lift and round your behind, making them especially flattering.
Pros
- Flattering shape
- Stretch
- Cotton for this product has been responsibly sourced
Cons
- Wash delicately, colour may fade
Best Versatile Mom Jeans
www.mytheresa.com
These are mom jeans with a sleek cut that you can just as easily wear out to errands, as you can over dinner with the girls. This is a good pair you can constantly roll out.
Pros
- 70s Style
- Frayed bottoms
Cons
- Investment buy
Best Vintage-Style Mom Jean
Vintage look
www.levi.com
What's a jean collection without a pair of Levi's? This one is the perfect shade of blue and feels vintage without being at all restrictive in terms of the sizing.
Pros
- Tapered fit
- Vintage style
- Three leg lengths
Cons
- No stretch
Best Tapered Leg Mom Jeans
www.cos.com
For capsule wardrobe pieces COS is a no-brainer. These jeans will smarten up your casual outfits – just add a crisp shirt and loafers.
Pros
- Recycled-cotton denim
- Five pocket design
Cons
- One standard leg length
Best Affordable Mom Jeans
Ankle Grazer
www2.hm.com
H&M is the unsung hero of jeans - just take a look at these slim fit ankle grazers in the perfect shade of denim blue. These are a super affordable pick that don't comprise on quality.
Pros
- Sizes 4-22
- Affordable
- Comes in six colours
Cons
- Fit comes up smaller
Best Grey Mom Jeans
www.zara.com
Grey jeans make for a chic alternative to classic blue styles. Our chosen pair is from Zara – they're the perfect shape and cost less than £30.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Slim mom leg jean
- Can easily try in store
Cons
- More of a mid high-waist
Best High-Waisted Mom Jeans
www.marksandspencer.com
M&S has nailed the high-waist on this and there are three leg lengths, so you can find your perfect fit. They also come in six colours, so you can even buy multiple pairs if you love how they look.
Pros
- 3 leg lengths
- Super high-waist
- Comes in six colours
Cons
- Minimal stretch
Best Split Hem Mom Jeans
Split hem
www.selfridges.com
Apart from being one of the most size-inclusive denim brands out there, Good American jeans are also famous for their comfort factor. The shape of these is really flattering on every body shape – we love the split hem detail also.
Pros
- Split hem detail
- Size inclusivity
Cons
- Non-stretch
Best Cropped Mom Jeans
www.calvinklein.co.uk
A 90's silhouette with a tapered leg will never get old and the Calvin Klein branded hardware and leather badge add the perfect finishing touches.
Pros
- Rips
- 100% recycled cotton
- Vintage-inspired 90's silhouette
Cons
- One leg length
Best Summer Mom Jeans
www.pullandbear.com
With their lighter wash, these jeans are the perfect choice for summer worn with white T-shirts and great sandals.
Pros
- Organically grown cotton
- Recycled cotton
Cons
- Not the best for long legs
Best Mom Jeans for Tall Women
Top rated
www.abercrombie.com
We love that that these Abercrombie & Fitch jeans have different leg lengths; extra short, regular, long and extra long. So, if you're a petite or tall girl, we recommend trying out A&F's high-rise mom jeans. This is one in medium with frayed hems is our pick.
Pros
- 5 different leg lengths
- Fraying details
Cons
- Limited stock
Best Cargo Mom Jeans
finisterre.com
If you're looking for a cool spin on mom jeans, Finsterre's pair might be the one for you. It mixes cargo pants and jeans into one.
Pros
- Cargo look
- Versatile
- Organic cotton
- Eco packaging
Cons
- Only regular leg length
Best Mom Jeans for Petite Women
www.nudiejeans.com
A casual black jean is always a good staple to have on hand. This Nudie jean has five different leg lengths so you're bound to find your perfect match.
Pros
- Organic Cotton
- Five different leg lengths
Cons
- Button fastener can be a bit fiddly
Best Straight Leg Mom Jeans
eu.wrangler.com
If you want the high waisted style of mom jeans but with more of a straight leg fit, these jeans are ideal. There are three leg lengths available and they're really comfy, too.
Pros
- Three leg lengths
- Unique wash
Cons
- Not stretchy
Best Designer Mom Jeans
www.net-a-porter.com
Made with organic cotton and a slim fit on the leg, these jeans are a chic alternative to some of the more vintage styles on offer. We love these paired with an oversized knit and ankle boots.
Pros
- Colour
- Overall style
Cons
- Standard leg length
How to Wear Mom Jeans:
So are you ready (finally) to break up with your skinny jeans? Here are nine easy ways to style the trend with these high waisted mom jeans outfit ideas...
Tucked Into Boots
AKA the Princess Diana way to wear. Take advantage of those tapered legs and tuck into calf-length boots. Extra points for cowboy styles and an oversized blazer a la Camille Charriere.
Double (or triple) Up Your Denim
Take cues from premium denim stalwart Re/Done and lean into those vintage vibes by layering up with a denim jacket, shirt or bustier (a surprise fashion girl success story). The Hadids would be proud.
Unbutton Your Shirt
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Just think of this as the grown-up alternative to a crop top and give shirting a refresh by unbuttoning from the navel to hem. The mom jeans' high waist makes this a surprisingly wearable move.
Tie Your Ankle Straps Over
Take your cue from Tamu McPherson and give jeans and a white T-shirt a new season spin by fastening your ankle straps over your jeans. The street style set love this styling hack.
Make It All White
Your mom jeans don’t have to be blue. White denim feels fresh now. If you’re feeling brave (AKA not anywhere in the vicinity of small children/animals/red wine/grass/you get the drift) go tonal like Pernille Teisbaek. Box fresh Converse and a white tee are always a good idea.
Couple With A Cardi
Sparked by Alexa Chung, a denim devotee, who wears her high-waisted jeans with a cropped cardigan – and we will be too. We love this snug, oversized look on Sylvia Mus.
Pair With A Pretty Blouse
Getty Images
Into those prairie style pieces doing the rounds but worried about looking like a member of the Ingalls family? Seek out a sweet blouse and dress down with your denim.
Toughen Up With Leather
Denim + leather is always a good idea. The streamlined leather blazer is a fashion girl favourite right now, or unleash your inner rebel like MyTheresa’s Tiffany Hsu in a leather shirt and bomber. Add edge by with pairing ripped mom jeans for tough girl attitude.
Loosen Up
Still not sure about mom jeans? Then just nod to the style by choosing wider-legged styles (high-waist still essential) like Paloma Elsesser. The 'cool mom' pair of jeans, perhaps?
Are mom jeans still in style 2024?
Mom jeans are still going strong in 2024, and they’re not going anywhere anytime soon. With their relaxed fit and vintage vibe, they’ve become a timeless staple in many wardrobes.
What body shape is best for mom jeans?
Mom jeans are incredibly versatile and can flatter a variety of body shapes. However, they particularly shine on those with hourglass or pear-shaped figures, as they accentuate the waist and hips while providing a comfortable fit through the thighs and legs.
Why shop sustainable denim?
'We really have to consider the environmental effects of producing more denim, when there are more jeans than people in the world already', says Anna Foster, founder of upcycled denim brand E.L.V. Denim. 'Most pairs simply end up in landfill. E.L.V. Denim only uses post-consumer denim waste that can’t be sold in its current state to upcycle into our jeans. Meaning that each jean is as unique as the person who wears them.
'The best jeans for the planet and the consumer are those without elastane, AKA stretch. Stretch does what it says, so eventually they will stretch out of shape and they will be discarded and another pair bought. Buying rigid cotton denim is good for the environment, good for your shape (holds you in!) and good value per wear.'
Renee Washington, Grazia's Digital Fashion and Beauty Assistant, lives online. With a penchant for wispy lashes and streetwear, she writes about the worlds of fashion and beauty from the viewpoint of the modern fashion girlie.