Women’s bootcut jeans – a fitted cut with a subtle flare
Women’s bootcut jeans are usually fitted through the hips and thighs before widening gently from the knee towards the hem. The subtly flared leg is what distinguishes this popular denim cut from straight-leg jeans and gives it a naturally retro-inspired feel.
What defines bootcut jeans?
The characteristic feature of bootcut jeans is the shape of the leg. They remain relatively narrow at least as far as the knee, then gradually widen towards the hem, making the opening at the bottom wider than at knee level. Depending on the style, the fit around the hips and thighs may be more fitted or slightly more relaxed. At MADELEINE, the bootcut is generally understated, ranging from classic bootcut jeans to styles with only a lightly flared leg.
What does bootcut mean?
The term bootcut became established in the late 1980s and 1990s for jeans with a much subtler flare than traditional bell-bottom styles. The name comes from “boot cut”: the wider hem leaves enough room for the jeans to fall over boots without bunching around the lower leg.
Bootcut vs flare jeans – what’s the difference?
Bootcut and flared jeans both have a leg that widens towards the hem, but the degree of flare is different. Bootcut jeans are usually more fitted through the hips and thighs and widen gently from the knee downwards. The flare remains relatively subtle. Flared jeans have a much more pronounced shape and are closer to the distinctive look associated with classic bell-bottom jeans.
Which body shapes suit bootcut jeans?
The narrower fit to the knee combined with extra width at the hem can help balance broader hips visually. At the same time, the gently flared leg can make the legs appear longer. This makes bootcut jeans an option for both straighter and curvier figures. The most important factors are a good fit around the hips and thighs and the right leg length.
Petite bootcut jeans
Bootcut jeans can also work particularly well for petite women. With petite fits, the proportions are adapted to a shorter frame rather than simply shortening the hem. The knee position and the point where the leg begins to flare are positioned accordingly, helping to preserve the characteristic bootcut shape. The right length is especially important, as the hem should fall cleanly over the shoe without dragging on the floor.
Denim and stretch
MADELEINE bootcut jeans are available in different denim qualities and washes. Stretch fibres can provide extra flexibility and a comfortable fit, particularly through the more fitted area around the hips and thighs. More structured denim, meanwhile, emphasises the distinctive shape of the slightly flared leg. Alongside classic blue denim, the collection can include darker washes, grey and black bootcut jeans as well as styles with distinctive seams or decorative details.
What shoes go with bootcut jeans?
The shoes you wear with bootcut jeans have a noticeable effect on the overall look. Trainers give them a relaxed, casual feel, while retro trainers complement the slightly nostalgic character of the cut particularly well. Loafers create a sharper contrast with the feminine shape of the leg and work well for smarter everyday outfits. Court shoes and other heeled shoes can enhance the leg-lengthening effect of the cut.
In winter, boots and ankle boots are a natural match for bootcut jeans. After all, the cut was designed with a wider hem that could fall comfortably over boots. In summer, ballet flats, sandals and heeled sandals all work well. Flat styles keep the look relaxed, while heeled sandals make bootcut jeans easy to dress up for more elegant outfits.