Denim style guide
Every denim fit does something different to your silhouette. Here is what each of our cuts actually does, so you can pick by shape rather than by name.
Straight leg
Falls in a clean line from hip to hem with no taper. The most versatile cut in the range and the easiest to wear with almost any shoe. If you only own one pair of jeans, this is the safe one.
Wide leg
Fitted through the waist and hip, then opens out from the thigh down. Lengthens the leg, especially with a heel or platform, and balances a fuller top half. Best worn long — just skimming the floor.
Barrel leg
Curves out through the thigh and knee and then comes back in towards the ankle. A softer, more relaxed shape than a wide leg, and more interesting than a straight leg. Works best with a fitted top so the volume stays on the bottom half.
Baggy
Loose through the whole leg with a relaxed seat. Casual and comfortable. Keep the top half close-fitting or short to stop the outfit swamping you.
Bootcut
Narrow through the thigh and knee, then flaring slightly from the calf. Flatters a curvier hip and balances the shape of a boot or heel. A quietly slimming cut.
Tapered
Roomy at the top, narrowing towards the ankle. Gives you comfort through the hip and seat without volume at the bottom. Good with trainers and ankle boots.
Skinny
Close-fitting all the way down. Best in a denim with real stretch, and useful under long boots or an oversized coat where a wider leg would bunch.
Crossover
A straight or wide leg with an asymmetric crossed waistband. The detail sits at the front, so keep the top tucked or cropped to let it show.
Comfort denim
Softer, stretchier fabric with an easier waistband, cut in several of the shapes above. The choice when you are wearing jeans all day.
Getting the length right
Wide, barrel and bootcut fits want to be long — a short hem cuts the leg line and makes the shape read as a mistake. Tapered and skinny fits can sit at or just above the ankle. Our jeans come in separate leg lengths, so see the jeans size guide to pick yours.
Looking after denim
Wash cold, inside out, and as rarely as you reasonably can — it protects the colour and the stretch. Skip the tumble dryer, which is what breaks down elastane and shortens the life of a pair.
Questions about a specific style? Email mostwanted@fviainboxes.com.