WHAT ARE BOYFRIEND JEANS?

The boyfriend jean has been a favorite of many fashion industry insiders including icons from Marilyn Monroe and Katie Holmes to designers like Current/Elliott whose collection debuted in 2008. Despite being popular for many years, women are still wondering, “What are boyfriend jeans?” and have continually attempted to define it correctly.

Borrowed from the boys, the boyfriend jean cut involves a slouchy, relaxed fit, as if they were actually his but tailored for her. By understanding the history of the boyfriend jean, women can learn the evolution of this cut and how these jeans should be worn for a menswear-inspired, yet feminine look.

BOYFRIEND JEAN HISTORY

The “boyfriend” style of cut originates from the first true blue jeans created in 1873. Since then, jeans have taken on a variety of cuts and fits; and for as long as denim has been a style staple, it has continually evolved from its original design, eventually leading to the boyfriend jeans fit.

Marilyn Monroe began the boyfriend jeans craze in the 1960s after being spotted in them on the set of Misfits. She would often wear loose-fitting jeans in contrast to her extremely feminine looks and create a more masculine beauty.

Decades later, Katie Holmes would walk out onto the streets of NYC after a dress rehearsal wearing Tom Cruise’s jeans. This created a slouchy and baggy look on her petite figure and was a major step away from the popular skinny jeans silhouette. Boyfriend jeans soon became popular again and were seen on celebs such as Sarah Jessica Parker and Reese Witherspoon.

BOYFRIEND FIT JEANS

The Boyfriend jean is meant to be worn slouchy and relaxed. However, this doesn’t mean that boyfriend jeans always have to be worn extra baggy. In fact, more and more, new iterations of the boyfriend fit are being created – slimmer, more tapered versions that are still relaxed and slouchy but with a sleeker fit.

The loose fit is flattering on just about every body type. Because of the newer styles of boyfriend jeans, women can choose how baggy they fit and where the jean will lie.

If you want to flatter your figure and you generally prefer fitted and tailored clothing, choose a slimmer and more structured boyfriend jean. If you want to go more authentic with the look, size up and choose a baggier cut.

A classic iteration, the Boyfriend cut jeans is a closet essential. It’s much more relaxed than a skinny jean, yet just as chic. Known for its comfortable and loose fit and favored by many fashion icons, the boyfriend jean is the epitome of effortless chic dressing with a touch of boyish charm.