Flared and Bootcut Jeans for Women

Flared and Bootcut Jeans for Women

What are bootcut jeans?

Bootcut jeans for women fit closely at the hip and thigh and flare out slightly from the knee down. The flare is subtle – just wide enough for the denim to sit loosely over a boot, which is exactly where the name comes from. The gently flared hem beautifully balances proportions and creates an instant lengthening effect on the legs. At Tom Tailor, bootcut jeans feature a flattering high rise that accentuates the waistline, available in classic blue and grey shades with a touch of stretch for comfortable everyday wear.

What are flared jeans?

Flared jeans – also known as flares or bell-bottoms – feature a leg that is significantly wider from the knee down than a bootcut style. They fit close to the body at the top before widening noticeably towards the hem, creating a bold, '70s-inspired look. This wide-leg dramatic silhouette makes flared jeans an effortless statement piece. While the bootcut is subtle and understated, the flared style is the more characterful of the two. Both cuts create a beautiful, leg-lengthening effect thanks to the flared leg.

Are flared and bootcut jeans still in style?

Both cuts have their roots in the 1960s and '70s and belong to those iconic denim styles that keep coming back. Flared jeans are currently very much in demand, offering a stylish alternative to both skin-tight and ultra-wide cuts while creating a beautifully balanced silhouette. The bootcut is a timeless classic that transcends passing trends, whereas the flared jeans lean more heavily into that covetable retro aesthetic. Both are a foolproof choice if you're looking for jeans with a flared leg.

What is the difference between flared and bootcut jeans?

Both cuts fit closely at the top and begin to flare out from the knee. The key difference lies in the width of the flare:

• Bootcut: A subtle flare, classic and understated, designed to fit easily over boots.
• Flared: A significantly wider flare, bolder and featuring a stronger retro character.

In short: bootcut is your understated, everyday option; flared is the more eye-catching choice. If you're looking for a quiet classic, go for bootcut; if you want to make a style statement, go for flared jeans. Both are incredibly easy to style in many different ways.

Who are flared and bootcut jeans suitable for?

Both cuts suit many different body types, as the flared leg balances out the silhouette and visually elongates the legs. A few styling pointers:

• Bootcut jeans: The subtle flare makes them effortless and great for everyday wear – a solid choice for a relaxed, timeless look.
• Flared jeans: The wider leg is more striking – ideal if you want a bolder, more expressive style.
• Petite frames: A high rise combined with a length that just skims the floor creates a powerful leg-lengthening effect.

A high rise accentuates the waistline beautifully in both cuts. Ultimately, the most important thing is choosing what makes you feel comfortable and confident.

Which shoes go with flared jeans?

Because the leg flares outwards, the denim falls over the shoe and usually requires a little extra length. Some tried-and-tested combinations include:

• Boots and ankle boots, over which the flare falls perfectly.
• Heels or platform shoes, which lift the hem, lengthen the leg, and let the jeans drape beautifully.
• Trainers, especially with cropped styles where the shoe stays clearly visible.

Length matters: with flat shoes, the hem should just skim the floor; with heels, the jeans can be slightly longer to keep that long, continuous line.

How do I style bootcut and flared jeans for women?

Both cuts work best with contrast: a flared leg at the bottom paired with a narrower, more fitted top half. A tucked-in T-shirt or a fitted blouse draws attention to the waist thanks to the high rise, keeping the silhouette beautifully proportioned. In winter, a slim-cut knit jumper adds clean structure on top. A dark wash looks sleeker and more evening-ready, while lighter styles feel effortlessly casual. This makes flared and bootcut jeans incredibly easy to dress up or down, taking you from day to night with ease.