If the question is, “what is the difference between mom jeans and boyfriend jeans?”, the answer can depend on the brand and on the particular pair of jeans. In another article on boyfriend jeans vs mom jeans, I compared the classic cuts of these styles and pointed out the differences. This time I am going to look at boyfriend jeans vs mom jeans where both styles are by the same brand. In this article I will compare, side by side, boyfriend jeans and mom jeans from Levi’s, James Jeans, Free People, Lee Jeans and Wrangler Jeans.
What are boyfriend and mom jeans?
Other than being jean styles named for people who may be close to use, what exactly are boyfriend jeans and mom jeans? Boyfriend jeans have a borrowed-from-the boys look. Classic fit boyfriend jeans have a slouchy cut and sit lower on the hip. The cuffs are often rolled or turned up for a casual vibe.
Boyfriend jeans can be baggy and loose fitting or have a more slim fit – the more fitted version is sometimes labeled as girlfriend jeans. (For a detailed look at a comparison of boyfriend jeans and girlfriend jeans check out the post Girlfriend Jeans vs Boyfriend Jeans). The jeans rise on boyfriend jeans can be high-rise, mid-rise or low-rise, but if they are the baggier version, they will sit lower on the hip than say skinny jeans.
Mom jeans are a high-rise, tapered style jean that was popular in the late 80’s/early 90’s. Classic mom jeans are made of 100% cotton, rigid denim and are without style elements such as whiskering, fading or distressing. By the early 2000’s figure hugging, low-rise jeans were in with the trendy crowd so the high-rise, tapered style was seen mostly on middle-aged moms who may have favored the style in the 1980’s.
Mom jeans have been notorious for being challenging for some figures and for flattening your rear end. But mom jeans have made a comeback over the past few seasons. You are likely to see influencers and fashionistas on Instagram showing their styling chops in mom jeans.
Classic Mom Jeans and Boyfriend Jeans Comparison
The following photo illustrates the difference between classic styles of boyfriend jeans and mom jeans. This image is from another post, Mom Jeans vs Boyfriend Jeans, Classic Styles Difference in Fit. With classic styles, it’s easier to see what is the difference between mom jeans and boyfriend jeans.
Boyfriend Jeans vs Mom Jeans: Levi’s Jeans
The Levi’s brand jeans to be compared are the high-rise, straight leg Levi’s Wedgie Icon Fit Jeans and the mid-rise Levi’s New Boyfriend Jeans. As you can see, both are adjusted versions of the classic mom jeans and boyfriend jeans.
First up the Levi’s Wedgie Icon Fit Jeans. Those that love these jeans are really enthusiastic about them. You only have to look at user reviews to know this! Unlike classic cut mom jeans which can flatten your rear, these mom jeans style Levi’s can actually make your butt look good (hence the name Wedgie Fit). They are especially constructed to lift your backside and highlight your curves. You can buy Wedgie Fit jeans made from rigid, 100% cotton denim or made with denim fabric that has a bit of stretch.
Next, Levi’s New Boyfriend Jeans. They are cut loose in the hips and thighs and are made from denim with a bit of stretch. These jeans have a borrowed-from-the boys look but the roomy hips and thighs and stretch fabrics accommodate female curves.
As you can see in the comparison of the Levi’s boyfriend and mom jeans, the main difference is the jeans rise. They have a similar look – the high-rise mom jeans aren’t so mom-like and the mid-rise boyfriend jeans have a more fitted cut.
Boyfriend Jeans vs Mom Jeans: James Jeans
Just like the Levi’s mom jeans and boyfriend jeans, the brand James Jeans has a similar look for these two jean styles. Both are made with stretch denim. The high-rise, (10.25 inch rise) James Jeans Donna Mom Jeans are inspired by the 90’s but are updated – they come in different washes and some come with distressing. The rolled-cuffed, low-rise (8.25 inch rise) James Jeans Neo Beau Boyfriend Jeans has a flattering slim silhouette – a pair of jeans you can dress up or go casual in.
Check out the James Jeans styles at Amazon!
Boyfriend Jeans vs Mom Jeans: Free People Jeans
The photograph below is illustrated to show the difference between Free People Zuri Mom Jeans and Free People Clean Girlfriend Jeans (girlfriend jeans are usually labeled as such because they are a more fitted boyfriend jeans style). Note the difference in zipper length.
The two styles of Free People Jeans illustrate the difference in the zipper area between boyfriend jeans and mom jeans. Both jeans styles are made with stretch denim and are high-rise, but you can see that the Free People Zuri Mom Jeans have a longer zipper and are roomier in the crotch area than the Free People Clean Girlfriend High Rise Jeans. The Zuri Mom Jeans also have distressing and are made with black denim for a more updated look.
Here are more examples from the Free People label of boyfriend style jeans and mom jeans that have added style elements for an updated spin on the classic jean styles. The gray Free People Girlfriend Jeans feature a cropped length and floral embroidery detailing for a feminine touch. Classic mom jeans are made from light wash denim without fading or whiskering but the Free People Fast Times High-Rise Jeans have whiskering, fading details and a cropped, released hem for an updated look.
Boyfriend Jeans vs Mom Jeans: Lee Jeans
In contrast to the Levi’s, James Jeans and Free People labels, the Lee Vintage 90’s Mom Jeans and Rider’s by Lee Boyfriend Jeans have more of the classic silhouette of mom jeans and boyfriend jeans. The vintage look Lee mom jeans are made from rigid denim with a uniform wash. The Rider’s by Lee Boyfriend Jeans have the classic relaxed fit and cuffed hem of boyfriend jeans.
Check out similar 100% cotton high-rise Lee jeans and the Rider’s boyfriend jeans at Amazon.
Boyfriend Jeans vs Mom Jeans: Wrangler Jeans
Wrangler is another iconic jeans brand that like the Lee jeans brand sticks to the classic moms jeans look in some of the jeans they offer. Both the Lee and Wrangler vintage look mom jeans are made from rigid denim with a uniform wash and they don’t feature detailing like whiskering or fading.
Wrangler adds cute touches of style to their boyfriend jeans. Try the cropped pair of Wrangler Boyfriend Jeans with ripped knee distressing or the Wrangler Retro High Rise Boyfriend Jeans that have a kick flare hem for something a little different.
Check out the classic Wrangler Cowboy Cut Jeans.
See at Amazon: Wrangler Women’s Cowboy Cut Slim Fit Natural Waist Jeans
So it should be clear that what is defined as mom jeans or boyfriend jeans depends on the brand or may even vary within a brand. It’s easiest to see what is the difference between mom jeans and boyfriend jeans with classic versions of these styles. See the classic mom and boyfriend jeans compared in a previous post, Mom Jeans vs Boyfriend Jeans, Classic Styles Difference in Fit.
Images: Pinterest
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