Mom jeans have come a long way from being the punchline of fashion jokes to a closet staple. Given how comfortable and easy to style they are, we’re not surprised that mom jeans are having a moment. They’re effortlessly cool with a timeless vibe, and look good on a wide range of body types. In this guide, we’ll go over what mom jeans are, how they’re supposed to fit, and the best pieces to pair them with for everyday looks.
Key Takeaways
Mom jeans are one of the most versatile denim styles. Here’s what to know before adding mom jeans to your wardrobe:
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Mom jeans are defined by a high waist, relaxed fit through the hips, and a tapered leg
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The high rise makes them easy to tuck a loose shirt into, or highlight a crop top
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They differ from regular and boyfriend jeans in both rise and silhouette, offering a fit that’s relaxed without looking baggy
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The fit flatters a wide range of body types by drawing attention to the waist
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They've moved well beyond their retro roots and work across casual and elevated looks
Next, let’s get an overview of what makes mom jeans stand out from other popular denim.
What Are Mom Jeans?
You can identify this popular women’s jeans style by its high-rise waist, a relaxed fit through the hips and thighs, and a leg that tapers towards the ankle. You might even hear them called “mom pants,” so if you’ve ever wondered, “what are mom pants,” that’s just another name for mom jeans.
The term “mom jeans” first popped up in the ‘70s and ‘80s to describe the comfortable, practical jeans women wore at the time. But even women who weren’t chasing toddlers came to appreciate the ease of mom jeans, meaning women in every stage of life quickly began donning the denim. Now, mom jeans are making a major comeback. They’re the go-to bottom for women who want something with a relaxed fit and flattering shape.
Next, we’ll look at how mom jeans differ from other popular denim styles.
What's the Difference Between Mom Jeans and Regular Jeans?
There are many denim styles made for everyday wear, but what sets mom jeans apart is their distinct shape.
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Rise. Mom jeans have a higher rise than most other casual jean styles, highlighting the waist and creating tons of tuck-in opportunities for tees and tanks
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Fit. These classic jeans offer extra room through the hips and thighs for ease of movement, without looking oversized
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Leg shape. The tapered leg that narrows at the ankle is a key feature and differs from the straight or wide leg you see in other regular jeans
People sometimes confuse mom jeans for boyfriend jeans, but boyfriend jeans sit lower on the hip and have a straighter, looser leg. Boyfriend jeans also don’t have the waist-defining high rise or tapered legs of mom jeans.
How to Style Mom Jeans
Mastering mom jeans fashion comes down to working with one defining trait: the high-rise waist. It’s what determines which tops work best with mom jeans to create balanced proportions.
The Crop Top
A women’s crop top is one of the most natural pairings for mom jeans because the hem sits right at the pants’ high waistband. A ribbed crop keeps things cool and casual, creating the perfect everyday outfit. Want to add personality? Grab a graphic or textured style. A crop top and mom jeans are a go-to combo for weekend plans, errands, or casual outings.
The Tucked-In Shirt
A tucked-in women’s shirt instantly gives mom jeans a polished look. Fully tuck a lightweight shirt into the waistband, or go for a half-tuck when you want a laid-back vibe. This classic combination highlights the high rise and keeps the overall silhouette balanced.
When you want a layered look, leave a shirt open over a simple tank or tee. It creates dimension while still showing off the shape of the jeans. This outfit works perfectly for dinners or days you want to look put-together.
The Graphic Tee
For your everyday uniform that’s comfortable and full of personality, pair a graphic tee with mom jeans. The tee does a lot of the work here, so you can keep the jean wash classic and simple. This is the quintessential concert outfit, but it’s also great for errands or lunch dates.
This pairing works perfectly because the relaxed look of the jeans balances the personality of the graphic tee. You get an outfit that’s bold, without being too busy.
The Cozy Sweater
When fall rolls around, a soft and cozy sweater is the perfect complement to mom jeans. You can tuck your sweater in, or leave it loose for an easygoing feel. Cuff your hem for extra dimension and you have a go-to cute and comfortable cold-weather outfit.
Find Your Fit with UNIONBAY
Mom jeans are a go-to on days you want to look cute without overthinking it. Their unique fit, with the high-rise waist, loose hip area, and tapered leg, does a lot of the styling work for you. Then, it’s all about pairing them with a top that fits the mood or occasion, like a crop top for casual outings, a button-down for dinners, or a graphic tee for a concert.
Mom jeans make it easy to build outfits that feel like you, without sacrificing comfort. Ready to find your perfect pair? Explore UNIONBAY’s women’s clothing styles to find more everyday favorites, or contact us with any questions along the way. We’ll make sure you stock your closet with all of the essentials for creating classic mom jean looks!
What Are Mom Jeans? Your Questions Answered
Why are they called mom jeans?
Mom jeans got their name from the practical, comfortable denim style that was everywhere in the late ‘70s and ‘80s. The term “mom jeans” started as a playful joke, but modern fashion has since reclaimed it, turning mom jeans into go-to pants for anyone who wants versatility and an easygoing look.
Are mom jeans still in style?
Yes, mom jeans are still in style (and don’t show any signs of going away). Their classic shape and comfortable fit are features women appreciate, year after year. The high-rise waist and relaxed silhouette look great with fitted tanks and semi-casual shirts alike, making them a multi-purpose must-have.
What body types do mom jeans work for?
Mom jeans look good on a wide range of body types. Their high-rise creates a defined waist, their roomy fit through the hips and thighs keeps the fit comfortable, and the tapered legs lend themselves to a balanced silhouette.
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