I was in my late teens when I discovered my first pair of boyfriend jeans – they were a softly-tapered, low-slung style that I found on a Topshop sale rail around 2008. After trying them on, I quickly fell in love with the idea of denim feeling loose and low-key, rather than the skin-tight skinny jeans that were so popular at the time (which I’d never felt comfortable in with my body type).
Fast-forward nearly 20 years, and I’m still firmly on Team Boyfriend Jeans – despite slimmer styles also returning to favour. Don’t get me wrong, I love a stovepipe or a straight-leg jean too – but these baggy, laidback styles are what I’ll always lean on if I want to feel comfy (and cool). These days, there’s a style of denim for everyone – but in my opinion, boyfriend jeans are one of the most versatile out there. To summarise: I’ve been happily wearing boyfriend jeans for nearly two decades, so I feel overly qualified on all the best ways to style them.
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What are boyfriend jeans?
First, it’s important to distinguish the difference between ‘mom jeans’ and boyfriend jeans. Mom jeans resemble those 80s-style high-waisted, classic Levi’s jeans that are neither too slim nor too baggy. They taper in at the hem yet are a little roomier than a straight-leg jean. Boyfriend jeans, on the other hand, are baggy jeans that typically hang off the hips – much like you would find on men’s jeans – though more modern iterations offer high-waisted versions as well.
Think of them as the jeans you borrowed from your boyfriend’s closet that are the perfect level of baggy and lived-in (boyfriend jeans often have a distressed finish, too). They sometimes feature wide-leg silhouettes, but they can be a little tapered or cuffed at the hem, too. Crucially, they tend to be mega comfy and give that relaxed, low-key vibe that works with endless outfit formulas – whether you want to dress them up or down.
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With that in mind, here’s 10 ways to wear boyfriend jeans all year round.
How to style boyfriend jeans
Preppy in a striped polo
Preppy chic continues to reign in 2026, and striped polos happen to pair perfectly with this denim style. Whether you opt for high-rise jeans with a cropped top (as shown above) or low-rise boyfriend jeans with a slouchy sweater is up to you – both styles make for great spring outfits. Finish with some comfortable sneakers and a statement earring or sunglasses.
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With a model-off-duty leather jacket
Spring is when all the lightweight jackets come out to play: that’s your blazer, your trench and of course, your leather jacket. The combination of jeans and leather creates a much-loved model-off-duty look that’s both practical and effortless. I’ve been swapping out my pullovers for button-up cardigans lately – something that would layer well in this casual look.
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The office outfit with boyfriend jeans
You can always rely on your wardrobe classics, like a crisp button-down, to pair well with jeans. I love a loose fit on both the top and bottom. But if you want to create a little shape, simply tuck the top into your waistline or rely on a belt to visually break up the top and bottom halves. Because the outfit is more relaxed, balance your look with a more polished accessories.
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With chic cardigans
While boyfriend jeans may look inherently more masculine, you can absolutely create a feminine ensemble by opting for a pastel-coloured top. Button-up cardigans, particularly figure-hugging ones, give you a ladylike appearance even with baggier jeans. Just make sure to opt for ballerinas, heels, or loafers to really drive home the look. You can achieve this Chanel-inspired outfit with the below pieces we hand-picked.
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The date night look
In the case of boyfriend jeans, oftentimes the bottoms serve as the outfit itself. You can therefore keep the rest simple by opting for a white tank and some heels. It keeps the attention on the pants, offering a ’90s look that remains as loved today as it was three decades ago. It’s surprisingly chic for a night out, too, though the heels can be swapped for trainers for a more casual everyday fit. However, considering these oversized pants tend to be extra long, the added elevation is as much a practical choice as it is a stylish one.
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Denim-on-denim
An underrated-yet-comically-easy look to pull off is the denim-on-denim trend. The key here is to opt for darker denim, think indigo or even black, in order to achieve a more polished appearance. An oversized denim button-down is an excellent choice, but the jean jacket currently hanging in your closet will do just as well. Just make sure to pick a pair of denim that most closely matches in hue. Lastly, pointed ankle boots and a top-handle bag give it that editorial finish.
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The airport chic look
On a recent flight back to New York, the stewardess complimented my travel outfit, and I've never felt more seen. I was wearing high-waisted boyfriend jeans, a sweatshirt, and my winter coat –nothing worth writing about, but chic enough to feel put together in a public space. The best airport outfits are just that: comfortable but not sloppy, and styling your boyfriend jeans correctly will win you major travel points.
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With a spring-appropriate turtleneck sweater
I know we’re all eager to forgo the knits once spring rolls around, but the truth is that breezy weather and cold temperatures are still running rampant early in the season. Keep a few turtleneck sweaters on your rack for chilly nights because they’re an easy top to style with boyfriend jeans. Since the outfit is rather simple, accessorise with some sunglasses, earrings or hats to add a little visual flair.
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The power blazer
I’ve worn this formula plenty of times before: the fitted T-shirt, baggy jeans and blazer combo. It’s that laid-back, borrowed-from-the-boys style that wouldn’t be half as cool without the boyfriend jeans. Finding the right blazer is important here too. You don’t want anything too fitted – oversized and boxy is the way to go.
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With pops of colour
My preference is to not mix too many colours in one outfit (though I know plenty of stylish women who would disagree). And because blue jeans count as a colour, if I wish to wear, say, a bright striped button-down on top, then I would opt for grey, black or dark indigo jeans. The above street-style star here demonstrates this theory perfectly: the red stripes truly pop when styled with a darker pair of boyfriend jeans. Any colourful blouse will do, but you can try a similar look yourself with the below picks.
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A version of this article originally appeared on GLAMOUR US.
