Boyfriend Jeans - The Ultimate Guide: What Body Shape They Flatter, How to Style & Best Brands

Boyfriend jeans are the relaxed, borrowed-from-the-boys denim that flatters virtually every body shape when styled correctly, offering that perfect balance of comfort and effortless chic that's made them a wardrobe staple for over a decade.

As someone who's spent years helping women navigate the often bewildering world of denim, I can tell you that boyfriend jeans are one of the most versatile pieces you can own. The key lies in understanding how to work with their relaxed silhouette rather than against it, and knowing which brands cut them best for your particular shape.

What Exactly Are Boyfriend Jeans?

Boyfriend jeans are characterised by their relaxed, slightly oversized fit that mimics the look of borrowing your partner's jeans. They typically feature a mid to high-rise waist, a looser fit through the hips and thighs, and often come with rolled or cuffed hems. The wash tends to be more casual—think lived-in blues, faded indigos, or distressed finishes.

Unlike skinny jeans that hug every curve, boyfriend jeans create a more relaxed silhouette that can actually be incredibly flattering when you understand how to balance proportions.

Which Body Shapes Do Boyfriend Jeans Flatter?

Pear Shape: Brilliant choice! The relaxed fit through the hips balances wider hips with narrower shoulders. Tuck in a fitted top or wear a cropped jumper to define your waist.

Apple Shape: Look for boyfriend jeans with a higher rise that sits comfortably at your natural waist. The loose fit won't cling to your midsection, whilst the structured waistband provides gentle support.

Straight/Rectangle Shape: Perfect for creating curves where there are none. The relaxed hip area adds volume, whilst tucking in tops or adding a belt creates the illusion of a defined waist.

Hourglass Shape: Choose a pair that's not too oversized—you want to hint at your waist. Higher-rise styles work beautifully, and always tuck or half-tuck your tops.

Petite Frame: Opt for cropped boyfriend jeans or cuff full-length pairs to avoid being swamped. Stick to darker washes and avoid heavily distressed styles which can overwhelm smaller frames.

How to Style Boyfriend Jeans Like a Pro

The Foundation Rule: Balance is everything. If the bottom half is relaxed, the top should be more fitted, and vice versa.

Daytime Casual: Pair with a classic white t-shirt tucked in, a leather jacket, and white trainers. Roll the cuffs to show ankle for a cleaner line.

Weekend Smart: Try a silk camisole half-tucked, a structured blazer, and loafers or ankle boots. Add delicate jewellery and a crossbody bag.

Evening Ready: Dress them up with a fitted bodysuit, statement heels, and a leather jacket or tailored coat. The contrast between relaxed and polished is effortlessly chic.

Footwear Guide: Heeled ankle boots elongate the leg, whilst trainers keep things casual. Avoid flat shoes that cut the leg line—pointed toe flats or low-heeled mules work better.

Best Boyfriend Jean Brands by Budget

High Street Heroes (£20-£60)

Monki: Their 'Kimomo' boyfriend jeans offer great value with an authentic vintage feel. Excellent for petites.

ASOS Design: Wide size range including Curve and Tall options. Their 'Ritson' style is particularly well-cut.

H&M: Reliable basics with frequent new washes. Look for their 'Relaxed High Waist' style.

Uniqlo: Superior denim quality at this price point. Their boyfriend jeans have just the right amount of structure.

Premium Picks (£60-£150)

& Other Stories: Trend-conscious cuts with European sizing that runs slightly smaller—perfect for achieving the right fit.

Cos: Minimalist aesthetic with excellent construction. Their boyfriend jeans are cut longer, ideal for taller women.

Arket: Sustainable focus with organic cotton options. Great rise and hip fit for curvier figures.

Whistles: Their 'Casual' boyfriend jean strikes the perfect balance between relaxed and structured.

Reformation: California-cool with a focus on sustainable materials. Their 'Cynthia' style is a cult favourite.

Designer Investment (£150+)

Agolde: The '90s boyfriend jean from this LA brand is perfection—authentic vintage vibes with modern construction.

Citizens of Humanity: Their 'Emery' style offers luxury denim craftsmanship with flattering proportions.

Frame: 'Le Garcon' boyfriend jeans are consistently rated among the best-fitting by stylists worldwide.

Golden Goose: Italian craftsmanship with perfectly placed distressing. Investment pieces that improve with wear.

Sizing and Fit Tips

Boyfriend jeans should be relaxed but not sloppy. You want them to sit comfortably at your hips without sliding down, and there should be ease through the thigh without excess fabric pooling.

Rise Matters: Higher rises are more flattering for most body types and create better proportions when tucking in tops.

Length Guidelines: Full-length should graze the floor when wearing flats. If you prefer heels, opt for cropped styles or professional hemming.

Washing and Care

Turn inside out and wash in cold water to preserve colour and prevent shrinkage. Air dry when possible—tumble drying can cause unwanted shrinkage and wear. For premium and designer pairs, consider professional cleaning for the first few washes to maintain their shape.

Find Your Perfect Boyfriend Jean Size with Tellar

Finding the right size in boyfriend jeans can be tricky since they're meant to be relaxed but not ill-fitting. Tellar.co.uk is the UK's leading sizing tool that matches your body exactly to over 1,500 brands instantly—no more guessing games with size guides!

How Tellar Works:

Measure once using your bust, waist, hip measurements, or your existing brand size
Use their Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise size in any brand—COS, Arket, Frame & more
Always free, no downloads needed—works directly in your browser

Plus, explore the Tellar Fashion Hub—a library packed with free posts from top stylists. Honest, unbiased, independent advice that's always free, covering style tips, top picks, and the best brands.

Related Tellar Guides:

Final Thoughts

Boyfriend jeans aren't just a trend—they're a wardrobe staple that, when chosen and styled correctly, can be incredibly flattering and versatile. The key is finding the right balance between relaxed and structured, and investing in a pair from a brand that understands how to cut them properly for your body type.

Remember, the best boyfriend jeans are the ones that make you feel confident and comfortable. Don't be afraid to try different brands and rises until you find your perfect pair—with tools like Tellar, you can shop with confidence knowing you'll get the right fit every time.