Harem pants, not my thing. Boyfriend jeans I love. The new trend in denim is a savvy hybrid of the two culminating in a fresh new loose jean look dubbed ‘the slouch’. You might ask, ‘what exactly is the difference between the two jeans’? To which I would reply – good question!
Boyfriend jeans hit a mid-rise and use a shorter zipper, they range from very loose to a skinnier silhouette style which are able to show off your good bum. The new slouch jeans have a low rise and a longer zipper (rendering a slight drop where the legs come together, or as to be so crude – the crotch area), and are slung low on the hips. They don’t highlight the bum per se which for us flat bottomed girl can be a welcome benefit. They are offered in the same clean and distressed finishes, and like the boyfriend jean look best either cropped or rolled to a shorter length. They are also being offered in a skinnier leg which is my silhouette of choice!
Slouch jeans have been made with 100% cotton (no stretch) which according to Kiya Babzani, cofounder of Self Edge, was due to “a huge uptick in women wanting an undistressed, raw jean, something that will fade naturally over time. This is a jean that isn’t going to be as comfortable as what women are used to right off the bat—but those looking for a fun experience of wearing in a jean for themselves are up for the challenge.” But, more and more brands are taking in to account that women still like stretch, and are incorporating a small amount, enough so that it moves with you and allows for more comfort.
These jeans aren’t cheap, so far they’re for the denim connoisseur – prices ranging from $200 – to upwards of $400. The Japanese cult fav, Chimila, whose slouch jeans retail at Madewell for, are you ready, $466.00. But, not to fret, I’ve heard Gap, under new creative director Rebekka Bay, is getting into the game with a much more affordable version. I’m looking forward to getting my first pair!!
Clockwise from top left: R13 Slouch Skinny Blue Shredded Barneys // Acne Studios Pop Vintage Boyfriend Jeans Net-a-Porter // Rag & Bone The Dash Tattered Slouchy Jean // Lovers & Friends Ezra Slouchy Skinny Jeans // Point Sur Slim Stacker Selvedge Jean J Crew // Chimala Selvedge Straight Leg Jeans Madewell
Curators of Style 