Bootcut vs. Flare Jeans—What’s the Difference?

The Superbowl was in early February, but here I am *still* thinking about . But maybe you found yourself wondering in the middle of his performance, "Are those flared jeans or bootcut?" And if that question didn't occur to you, good for you, I'm here to answer it anyway. You're the one on this page after all, so I know you're curious! (The answer is flared, btw.

) Being aware of all the different jean styles and silhouettes can be a journey, especially when the variations are so slight. Whether you want to be informed or you want to save yourself the embarrassment of mixing up the names, I applaud you for learning! Below, I'm here to provide clarity on the difference between bootcut and flare jeans. I even tapped 's in-house stylist, Ashley Catuzzi, and president of , Christine Chung, to give us their expert breakdown.



What are bootcut jeans? Bootcut jeans are a classic, versatile denim style that is often fitted at the waist and hips with an ever-so-slight flare at the leg opening. Like the name suggests, Chung says the style is great to pair with boots. The slight flare gives enough room to wear a shoe with a wider shaft, so it works for ankle or even knee-high boots.

The larger leg opening on bootcut jeans is pretty subtle, and you can also opt for cropped bootcut jeans to show off more of your shoe. Chung explains that you can find them in low-, mid-, or high-rise forms, and they are a bit wider than a straight-leg jean if you want a tad more room around the ankle. If you like having the option of dressing your jeans up or down, Catuzzi suggests a bootcut silhouette because you can wear them with heels, sandals, boots, or sneakers.

What are flare jeans? Okay, we can see how this is confusing. Catuzzi explains that flare jeans are basically bootcut jeans with a more dramatic leg opening. See the difference? (So Kendick's jeans were definitely flared because they really brought the drama.

) These jeans are normally fitted through the thigh area and then flare out in a more pronounced way once they hit the knees. If you love the effect of a lengthened leg and often wear heels, Chung recommends trying this silhouette. With their boho aesthetic, Catuzzi says the fit of these gives off a playful, but refined charm.

If you put these babies on, your bottoms the outfit. What’s the difference? TLDR: The leg opening of bootcut jeans is closer to the ankle, whereas flare jeans have an even wider leg opening that starts at the knee. You can pretty much narrow it down by zeroing in on the ankle area.

If the shape looks exaggerated, it's probably flared, and if it's a more subtle taper, it's probably bootcut. Low-rise bootcut jeans were often spotted on red carpets in the early aughts. While they were popular in the decades before, flared jeans are normally what comes to mind as the denim of choice in the '60s and '70s.

Icons like Cher and Jane Birkin sported the style, and with designer Chemena Kamali giving luxury brand Chloé a new life, a boho renaissance is a great reason to add a pair to your wardrobe now. Best Overall Levi's Wedgie Bootcut Women's Jeans Levi's are always a staple. These ones are under $100, come in seven different washes, and three lengths, so you have allll the options to choose from.

They only have a touch of stretch, so if you prefer a more rigid jean with a button fly, these are definitely for you. Best Affordable Silver Jeans Co. Suki Curvy Slim Bootcut Jeans This mid-rise style only comes in a black wash, but it offers two inseam options if you want your jeans shorter or longer.

They're also under $75, so you don't have to break the bank just to get a new pair of denim. The waistband prevents any of that annoying gaping, and the stretch allows them to hug your shape. Best for Extended Sizing Good American Always Fits Good Classic Bootcut Jeans These best-selling bootcut jeans come in a light and dark wash and have a four-way stretch that feels like a second skin.

If you find that your sizing fluctuates often, these jeans adapt easily to your shape without gaping at the waist. The slim bootcut opening makes them look sleek with boots, heels, or sneakers, depending on the occasion. Best Stretch Just Black Denim Mid-Rise Straight Bootcut If you like your jeans to have some give, but also don't want them to bag out and lose their shape, consider these.

The mid-rise sits just below your naval for a fit that's just right, and you can choose from three washes. Keep things effortless with a raw hem—and keep your wallet happy with the less-than-$100 price tag. Best for Petites Mother Denim PETITES The Lil Insider Flood Bootcut jeans are often on the longer side, which can be frustrating if you're shorter.

No one wants to hem all their bottoms so they don't drag on the ground. These Mother ones are designed for those with shorter frames, so you can rock your bootcut jeans without them pooling around your ankles and fraying. What are the best flare jeans? Best Overall Gap High Rise '70s Flare Jeans Gap is so back.

These come in almost every option from petite, regular, and tall inseam lengths to tons of washes. Make your pick! They also happen to have more than 2,000 5-star ratings and hundreds of rave reviews complimenting the fit, shape, and comfort of these must-have jeans. Best Affordable Levi's Ribcage Bell Bottom Jeans There's always an Amazon deal out there.

These Levi's faves are as affordable as they come, and available in so many cool washes. After reading the reviews, it seems that they come in a 32-inch inseam length, and you can't designate an inseam length on the site. If you don't want to deal with any hemming, you can find other options on the , where they are available in lengths 30 through 34.

(Though the jeans are not discounted there, just FYI.) Best for Tall Sizes Good American Good Legs Flare If you're on the tall side (or you like wearing very high heels!), this will be your new favorite jean. The inseam options are 33.

5 or a whopping 37 inches, so your legs will look like they go on for days, especially when paired with stiletto heels if you're going for major height. The smoothing technology and comfy stretch are great bonuses, too. Best High-Rise AG High-Rise Flare For an ultra-high-rise with retro-looking front pockets, opt for this AG style.

It comes in a medium wash or a for warmer days ahead. With a touch of stretch, it has that worn-in feel straight out of the packaging. Who doesn't love that? Best Non-Stretch ROLLA'S Sailor Jean Hey, some people like a rigid jean! These can run a little narrow in the hips, and because they don't have much give, it might be a good idea to size up.

But once you do, you'll love the patch pockets, cropped leg, and the feel of this sturdy denim. These also come in a longer 32-inch inseam and you can find a wider array of colors on the , although the "Ashley Blue" pictured here is the most popular hue of the bunch. I'm Cosmopolitan's Associate Fashion Editor and write about any and all trends, major celeb fashion moments, and why wide-leg jeans are basically the best.

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