Jeans for Women

Women's jeans by Tom Tailor

In 1873, a German immigrant and a tailor in the United States were granted a patent for an exceptionally hard-wearing pair of work trousers for gold miners. Neither could have imagined the remarkable story their invention was about to write. Jeans quickly established themselves as leisure wear, and the first pairs for women arrived in shops in the 1930s. The cut barely changed until the 1950s, when the textile industry began to recognise the vast market for different styles and fits. Designers built on those early shapes and created more and more new cuts. Today, jeans are far more than just a pair of trousers. They are a statement, a cultural icon, a status symbol. According to surveys, women own an average of around eight pairs, making jeans the single most owned item of clothing in the wardrobe.

What fits are available in women's jeans?

Tom Tailor offers women's jeans in a wide range of fits:

• Skinny jeans: close-fitting from waistband to leg opening, defining the line of the leg
• Slim jeans: close to the body but not skin-tight — a narrow leg with a little more room
• Straight jeans: a straight leg from hip to hem, classic and timeless
• Wide leg jeans: a wide, straight leg for a relaxed, flowing look
• Bootcut and flared jeans: narrow at the thigh, gently flaring out from the knee
• Mom fit jeans: high waist, relaxed leg with a slightly tapered cut
• Relaxed jeans: an easy-going cut with extra room at the thigh and through the leg

Which women's jeans are on trend right now?

Wider cuts are especially popular at the moment. Wide leg jeans are firmly in demand, as are mom fit jeans with their high waistband. Bootcut and flared styles are also making a comeback. At the same time, classics like the straight jean and the skinny jean remain consistently popular because they suit many occasions and are easy to style.

How do you tell a good pair of jeans?

A good pair of jeans fits well from the start and keeps that fit after repeated washing. The leg should fall without pulling, and the waistband should neither dig in nor slip down. A small amount of elastane in the fabric means the jeans move with you without permanently stretching out of shape. Neatly stitched seams, sturdy rivets and an even denim weave are further signs of good quality.

Which jeans suit which body type?

There's no cut that only works for one body type. That said, there are helpful pointers. Those who want to emphasise the waist do well to choose a high-waisted style, which features in cuts like the mom fit and wide leg. A long, straight or gently flared leg makes the legs look longer. The skinny jean traces the leg and looks particularly sleek in slimmer cuts. Those with fuller thighs will find more room in a straight or relaxed jean. Ultimately, the most important thing is wearing what feels good.

What belt goes with women's jeans?

Whether a belt suits the jeans and which style works best depends mainly on the cut and rise. With high-waisted jeans, a narrow belt works particularly well because it draws attention to the waist. With mid or low-rise styles, a wider belt can also look great. A plain leather belt in black or tan is the most versatile choice, as it goes with almost any wash and colour. For something with more character, a woven belt or one with a statement buckle adds a nice finishing touch.

How do you style women's jeans?

Jeans work with almost anything because there is a cut for every occasion. With close-fitting skinny or slim jeans, both fitted and loosely cut tops look great. With wide leg jeans, a close-fitting top or a tailored blouse is the better choice to keep the overall look balanced. A knitted jumper in a regular fit works with all cuts. Tucking the front of a top loosely into the waistband emphasises the waist when wearing high-rise styles.