Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images
In the age of relaxed and skinny fits, curvy and semicurvy cuts, it can be challenging to sort out what the designers' fit and cut descriptions mean. However, long before any fashion editor ever uttered the word "jeggings," you had boot cut jeans. These jeans have a distinctive cut that suits many body types. Take heed: Not all boot cut jeans are created equal. Some have ample room to showcase a kicking pair of cowboy boots, while others look better cascading over a stiletto heel.
Definition of Boot Cut Jeans
The go-to description of boot cut jeans is a pair of jeans that slightly flares out at the bottom hem. This cut has a touch more curve than straight leg jeans, which maintain the same width from thighs to ankles.
Beyond Boots
Logic would dictate that you wear boot cut jeans with boots. However, the world of fashion does not always spin on the axis of logic. Women style their boot cut jeans with heels, sandals, espadrilles, clogs and sneakers. If the jeans' foot opening is relatively small, the wearer may choose to tuck the denim into her boots rather than wearing the jeans over the boots.
Flattering Fit
The subtle flare at the hem of boot cut jeans creates a body-balancing effect, particularly if you have a wide waist or hips or have some stomach flab to hide. Skinny and tapered jeans make your legs looks smaller and your midsection more pronounced, while boot cut jeans camouflage problem areas and create a smooth line down your legs.
A Little Less Flare
Do not mix up boot cut jeans with their predecessors, bell-bottoms and flares. These '70s styles featured pronounced openings that covered the entire shoe and often dragged on the ground, resulting in a frayed or fringed hem. Boot cut jeans rein in the flare by having an only slightly wider hem.
Considerations
That little flare makes a world of difference in terms of fit and flattery, but it is not your only consideration. Pay attention to where the waistband hits. A boot cut jean may have a high, mid or low rise, making the difference in whether that band of belly shows up when you wear a short shirt. Likewise, relaxed fit and boyfriend style jeans typically feature a looser cut through the rear and thighs, but may also have a boot cut flare at the hem.
