by Vicki King, Vogue, October 2016
There was a time when the silhouette of boyfriend jeans felt niche. Gone are those days—in fact, the baggy denim style is as ubiquitous in our wardrobes as other mainstays like straight-leg jeans or bootcut jeans. With its signature slouchy silhouette, it’s no surprise that trousers that prioritize comfort and ease take up closet fronts and the top of our shopping lists.
The hallmarks of the best boyfriend jeans include a borrowed look from boys and a roomy fit across the thigh. But not all boyfriend jeans are the same. Variations often come into play, including the placement of denim at the waist (high waistlines are often preferred to contrast laid-back leg silhouettes, but the low-waist trend has faltered in recent years). Also, boyfriend jeans were once synonymous with rolled cuffs, but some brands are eschewing the look in favor of a loose hem that drops at the ankle.
If you want a leg For wider, looser boyfriend jeans, you’ll find them this season in The Row and Off-White (each leaning toward fall’s full-length look). Meanwhile, at Los Angeles denim labels like Grlfrnd and SLVRLAKE, loose silhouettes shine in details like heavy distressing and light washes. If sustainable denim is your priority, you’ll find many jeans made from organic cotton in the comfortable boyfriend fit you know and love. Up front, the 20 option is considered to be added to your rotation.
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