Types of Jeans for Men (Bootcut, Flare, Bell Bottom)

In fashion, the right pair of jeans can make a powerful statement and have always been more than just a piece of clothing. They're a canvas for personal style, a reflection of cultural trends and a symbol of self-expression. If you're a true fashion enthusiast, you know that the devil is in the details, and understanding the nuances of different styles is vital to curating the perfect wardrobe.

Let's embark on a denim journey to demystify the subtle yet significant differences between three iconic styles: Bootcut, bell bottom and flare. 

Distinguishing Between Flare, Bootcut and Bell Bottom Jeans

To differentiate between flare, bootcut and bell bottom jeans, focus on the width of the leg opening. Here's a quick breakdown:

1. Flare: Flare jeans have a gradual, noticeable widening of the leg opening from the knee to the hem, creating a pronounced shape.
2. Bootcut: Bootcut jeans feature a more subtle widening from the knee to the hem, allowing them to fit comfortably over boots. The flare is less pronounced compared to flare jeans.
3. Bell bottom: Bell bottom jeans have an extreme widening of the leg opening, typically starting from the upper thigh down to the hem. The flare is significantly wider compared to flare and bootcut jeans.

The key is to observe the degree of widening from the knee to the hem. The more gradual and pronounced the flare, the closer they are to being flare or bell bottom jeans. Bootcut jeans have a more subtle and practical flare designed to fit over boots.

Bootcut Jeans Definition and History

Bootcut jeans originated in the 1960s and were designed to accommodate cowboy boots with a wider leg opening. They became popular during the 1960s and 1970s and saw a resurgence in the 1990s and early 2000s, particularly in music and pop culture.

Who should wear bootcut jeans?

Bootcut jeans are versatile and can flatter different body types. They work well for hourglass figures, pear-shaped bodies and tall individuals, providing balance and a classic look.

Is it OK to wear them today?

Bootcut jeans remain relevant in modern fashion. They offer a timeless style that can be adapted to contemporary looks. When worn at the right length and paired with modern accessories, bootcut jeans are a stylish choice for today's fashion-conscious people.

Bootcut vs other cuts

Bootcut vs straight-leg: The bootcut is slightly wider, to accommodate covering boots, while the straight-leg is a tighter fit. Straight-leg jeans comfortably tuck inside boots. Bootleg jeans, on the other hand, wouldn't easily tuck inside boots because they're designed with extra material to comfortable fit over boots.

Bootcut vs flare: While bootcut jeans tend to be straight, flare jeans are noticeably angled. Both types of jeans would fit comfortably over a pair of boots; likewise, neither would tuck inside boots. Bootcut jeans are more rectangular in shape while flares are more triangular. Both bootcut and flare jeans can be worn in the stacked denim fashion.

Bootcut vs bell-bottoms: Bell bottoms are an extreme version of flare bottom jeans. Both of them are more angular than bootcut.

Straight Jeans Defined

A straight-leg jean is a classic denim style characterized by its uniform width from the thigh down to the hem. The legs of the jeans run straight from the hip to the ankle, creating a clean and simple silhouette. Unlike tapered or skinny jeans, straight-leg jeans don't narrow or flare at the leg opening.

When were straight jeans popular?

Straight-leg jeans have been popular since their introduction in the early days of denim. They became a staple in the mid-20th century and have remained a timeless and enduring style. They have experienced a resurgence in popularity over the years, making them a consistent presence in the fashion world.

What's the difference between straight-leg and bootcut jeans?

The key differences between straight-leg and bootcut jeans lie in the cut of the leg:

1. Leg shape: Straight-leg jeans have a consistent, straight shape from the hip to the hem, while bootcut jeans widen slightly from the knee to the hem. Bootcut jeans are designed to accommodate boots, hence the name, and have a subtle flare.
2. Styling: Straight-leg jeans provide a clean and classic look. They are versatile and can be dressed up or down, making them suitable for countless occasions. On the other hand, bootcut jeans have a more distinct style with a slight flare at the hem, adding a touch of vintage or Western charm.
3. Footwear: Straight-leg jeans work well with a wide range of footwear, from sneakers to loafers and boots. Bootcut jeans are designed to be worn over boots and pair best with heeled or mid-calf boots.

Flare Jeans Defined

Flare jeans are characterized by a gradual and broader leg opening from the knee to the hem. They create a distinct bell-like or flared shape, adding a retro and '70s-inspired touch to your look. Here's a deeper dive into the world of flare if you're interested.

The flare-bottom jean has been a staple for Women's and Men's streetwear fashion, most recently showing up as stacked and super-stacked cuts. See what we mean in our Women's flare jeans and Men's flare jeans collections.

Bell Bottom Jeans Defined

Bell bottom jeans are a style of denim pants characterized by a dramatic flare from the knee to the hem. The term "bell bottom" refers to the distinctive bell-like shape created by the wide leg opening. These jeans have been an iconic fashion choice, particularly associated with the 1960s and 1970s.

They were most popular during the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s. They became synonymous with that era's counterculture and anti-establishment movements, often associated with hippies and the bohemian fashion trend.

While bell bottom styles existed in nautical and military uniforms before the 1960s, it was during this period that they became a fashion statement. The widening of the leg opening was adapted for civilian fashion and became a symbol of rebellion and individuality.

Is wearing bell bottom jeans today OK?

Bell bottom jeans have made occasional comebacks in fashion, but they are generally seen as a nostalgic and vintage style. They may not be as commonly worn today as other styles like skinny or straight-leg jeans.

However, fashion is about personal expression, and if you appreciate the retro aesthetic of bell bottom jeans, you can certainly incorporate them into your wardrobe. Pairing them with contemporary elements can create a unique and stylish look. So, it's absolutely OK to wear bell bottom jeans today, but it's a matter of personal style. Speaking of style, here are a few tips to up your game.