Do women’s jeans even need an introduction? They have been there for as long as women decided to shatter patriarchal expectations of frilly and non-utilitarian dresses and chose to work when the men were away participating in other’s wars. They have now reached a status when it is nearly impossible to even imagine that there was a time when there were no jeans for women. In this blog, Debenhams will talk about the rich legacy of women’s jeans and pick out some of the best women’s jeans to build a staple wardrobe.
History of Women’s Jeans
If you were in the 1930s today, it would still be uncommon for women to be wearing jeans. Now imagine a person from 1930 travelling to the current timeline and dying of shock to see the many varieties of women’s jeans in the market- especially ribbed ones. It wouldn’t be too shocking though, since back then, any garment that bifurcated in the between was unladylike, or revolting.
Historically jeans were worn by men, and women would only put them on at home or farms, but never in the open. Women apparel at the time consisted of structured and restrictive silhouettes with an uncomfortable fit- all to ensure that they looked snatched. Coco Chanel did start the free flowing jeans in the 1920s but these were nothing more than evening wear. It was in the 1930s that western cinema and the cowboy visage had begun transforming the world with Levi’s jeans on the likes of iconic figures like John Wayne, Jeames Dean and Marlon Brando. This fascination gave rise to the Dude Ranch aesthetic, where people would visit a ranch and experience unique western lifestyles while riding on a horse.
The trend became so popular that it gave the green light to the first even women’s jeans by Lady Levi’s in the year 1934. It was a statement on its own which effectively proclaimed that women need not shop from the men’s section anymore. They had comfortable clothing of their own.
Of course one of the first female celebrities to make the denim jeans look iconic was the evergreen, ever-sensual Marilyn Monroe. Clad in a gorgeously fitted pair of Levi’s Monroe appeared in the movie The Misfits in 1961 and the rest is history.
The 60s saw the rise of flared jeans, the 70s had straight legs, the 90s had mom jeans, the 2000s had the low waist and in 2023 we have a literal inclusion of everything.
Types of Women’s Jeans
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Skinny Jeans
Skinny jeans, as the name suggests, are close to the skin and hug the body well. They take the shape of your legs and trace them lengthwise. Skinny jeans come in low, mid, and high-rise styles and are typically all stretchy, making them twice as good.
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Boyfriend Jeans
Made famous by the iconic Marilyn Monroe, who was first seen wearing her boyfriend’s jeans, the loose, loose fit of this style of women’s jeans has been popular since the 1960s. Choose a looser piece of boyfriend style jeans, tapered at the waist and free-flowing at the thighs. They work great in combination with a fitted top.
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Straight Jeans
If you like jeans that hug your body but aren’t as tight as skinny jeans, we have the answer- Straight leg jeans. Their fit is somewhat between skinny jeans and flared jeans and make your legs look longer than they actually are.
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Bootcut Jeans
The bootcut jeans are inspired by the trousers worn by sailors in the 1850s. You’ve probably seen photos of your parents in their youth wearing bootcut jeans. The new bootcut jeans, however, are tapered more narrowly than the original boot cut styles, reflecting millennial trends.They fit perfectly up to the knees and open slightly behind the calf muscles.
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Flared Jeans
These jeans were popular as a fashion statement in the 1990s and are now making a comeback. While boot-cut jeans gradually loosen up below the knees, this design physically flares out. They’re a cross between bootcut and bell bottom jeans. Flared denims are currently popular among Generation Z, who prioritise comfort over anything else. Wear them with your favourite sneakers, a sloppy tee, and a bucket hat.
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Cargo Jeans
Cargo pants are both comfortable and fashionable, thanks to their numerous pockets. They were popular in the 1930s and were utilised by military men due to their usefulness. While they are often composed of cotton and other light materials, cargo jeans are an ideal way to get the same style in a more casual setting.
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Ripped Jeans
Ripped jeans are often stigmatised as inappropriate, even though they look uber cool and grungy. Choose one with a slight rip, so it could be good for everyday use or a concert. If you don’t want to reveal too much of your skin, choose ripped jeans with tears near or below the knees.
Top Picks for Women’s Jeans
1. Grace Turn Up Ripped Jegging
These comfortable Grace Turn Up Ripped Jeggings have a perfectly comfortable cotton blend fabric that provides you with a good stretch so it remains comfortable. The elasticated waist gives it a comfortable fit while the turned up hem looks cool and chilled out.
2. Petite High Waist Straight Leg Jean
These High-Waisted Mom Jeans fit you perfectly in just the right places. The straight fit gives it a relaxed and laid back look which might exactly be what you are looking for. The high waist will flatter your figure and the comfortable fit will let you engage in physical activities without much of a hassle.
3. Plus Mid Rise Utility Denim Cargo Joggers
These pair of stunning Utility Denim Casual Cargo Joggers are perfect for casual chills, when you want nothing more than a relaxed fit and maximum comfort. They have an elasticated waist too, adorned with a drawstring cord and cuffed lengths which will definitely give you an uber cool look all day long.
4. Plus Ripped Distressed High Waisted Mom Jeans
These Ripped Distressed High Waisted Mom Jeans are perfect for dressing up or down, and can easily be a favourite in your wardrobe. The high waist allows you to show off your curves, and also flatters your waistline. Pair it with a hoodie, or a satin cowl neck top, you will be ready in no time with a cool or dressy look.
5. Bootcut Jean
These Bootcut Women’s Jeans are made of a premium denim fabric and have a high waist that looks quite flattering on your waist. They feature both back and front pockets, a secure zip up front and a tailored finish top to bottom.
Conclusion
For those who started the fight for comfort in women’s dressings, women’s jeans really were an invitation to be bold, to break boundaries, and to rewrite the rules. From the iconic classics that have stood the test of time to the contemporary styles that push the boundaries of what denim can be, women’s jeans offer a boundless realm of possibilities. Check out the all-inclusive list of suggestions for women’s jeans curated by Trendingcult and enlarge your jeans wardrobe today! For more options visit the Debenhams website today. They have very inclusive jeans pieces and a varying size range which accommodates all body types, and will definitely help you find the right pair of jeans for women for you.