Mom Jeans vs Paperbag Jeans: What's the Difference and Which is Better?

The main difference is in the waistline: mom jeans sit high on the natural waist with a fitted waistband, whilst paperbag jeans feature a gathered, cinched waist with a tie or elasticated detail that creates a relaxed, "paper bag" effect at the top. Both styles offer a high-waisted silhouette, but paperbag jeans have that distinctive ruched waistband that sets them apart. After styling hundreds of clients over the years, I can tell you that neither is objectively "better"—it all comes down to your body shape, personal style, and what you're pairing them with.

What Exactly Are Mom Jeans?

Mom jeans are named after the practical, unfussy denim our mothers wore in the '80s and '90s. They're characterised by a high waist that sits at or just above your natural waistline, a relaxed fit through the hips and thighs, and a tapered leg that's neither skinny nor wide. The rise is typically generous—usually around 12 inches—which makes them incredibly flattering for most body types. They nip you in at the smallest part of your waist whilst giving you breathing room everywhere else.

What I love about mom jeans is their versatility. They work brilliantly with tucked-in shirts, cropped jumpers, and fitted bodysuits. The structured waistband creates a clean line that's perfect for defining your silhouette without any fuss.

Understanding Paperbag Jeans

Paperbag jeans take their name from the gathered, scrunched appearance at the waistline—imagine the top of a paper lunch bag cinched closed. This style features excess fabric at the waist that's gathered with a belt, tie, or internal elastic, creating soft pleats or gathers. The waistband sits high, often even higher than mom jeans, and the overall effect is more relaxed and fashion-forward.

These jeans tend to have a looser fit through the leg, ranging from straight to wide-leg cuts. The gathered waist adds volume at the top, which sounds counterintuitive but actually works beautifully—the cinched belt draws the eye to your smallest point whilst the fabric drapes away from your body, creating an elongating effect.

The Key Differences

Beyond the obvious waistband distinction, these jeans have different styling personalities. Mom jeans are your reliable everyday jean—they're structured, predictable, and endlessly wearable. Paperbag jeans have more of a statement vibe; they're the jeans you reach for when you want to look like you've made an effort without actually trying too hard.

The fit differs too. Mom jeans typically hug your curves more closely through the hips and bum before tapering down. Paperbag jeans skim over your hips and thighs, offering more room and a looser, borrowed-from-the-boys feel. The paperbag style also tends to pool slightly at the waist due to the gathering, whilst mom jeans lie flat against your body.

Styling Advice for Your Body Shape

If you're petite, go for mom jeans every time. The structured waistband and tapered leg create a streamlined silhouette that won't overwhelm your frame. Paperbag styles can add bulk where you don't want it. However, if you're taller with a longer torso, paperbag jeans are magnificent—that extra fabric at the waist balances out your proportions beautifully.

For pear shapes, both styles work, but for different reasons. Mom jeans will define your waist whilst the relaxed fit accommodates curvier hips. Paperbag jeans draw attention upward with that gathered detail, balancing wider hips. If you're apple-shaped or carry weight around your middle, choose mom jeans with a touch of stretch—the smooth waistband is more forgiving than gathered fabric.

Where to Shop: High Street Heroes

Zara absolutely nails both styles, with their mom jeans offering that perfect vintage wash and just-right tapered leg. Their paperbag styles come with matching belts that actually look expensive.

Mango does exceptional denim at this price point—their mom jeans have a slightly more refined cut than most high street versions, and the fabric quality punches well above its weight.

Topshop (now at ASOS) built its reputation on jeans, and their Editors and Jamie jeans are modern mom jean perfection. Great length options too.

H&M offers brilliant value with their mom jeans, especially their organic cotton range. Don't overlook them—I've found pairs here that rival designer denim.

ASOS stocks everything under the sun, including their own-brand mom jeans in every wash imaginable. Their ASOS DESIGN Organic range does a particularly good paperbag style.

Levi's invented the jean, and their Wedgie and Ribcage styles are technically mom jeans. Expensive for high street but they last forever—I've had mine for six years.

Whistles creates beautifully cut mom jeans with premium details like contrast stitching and better hardware. Worth the investment for jeans you'll wear constantly.

For something more unique, Monki (owned by H&M) does playful, oversized paperbag jeans perfect for a Scandinavian-inspired look, whilst Organic Basics creates sustainable mom jeans with a cult following amongst stylists.

Premium Picks

Citizens of Humanity makes the Liya and Daphne styles—these are mom jeans for grown-ups, with impeccable fits that look expensive because they are. Around £250, but the fit is transformative.

Reiss offers refined versions of both styles with European sizing that tends to run true. Their denim holds its shape brilliantly throughout the day.

Luxury Investment Pieces

Agolde is the cool-girl denim brand—their Dee Ultra High Rise is a cult paperbag jean, whilst their 90s jeans epitomise the mom jean aesthetic. Expect to pay £200-280.

Isabel Marant Étoile does the most elegant paperbag jeans with European flair—they're cut to look effortlessly undone whilst being incredibly flattering.

So Which Is Better?

Honestly? You need both in your wardrobe. Reach for mom jeans when you want a polished, put-together look—they're your 9-to-5, running errands, looking casually chic option. Choose paperbag jeans when you're dressing up a bit—weekend brunches, relaxed evenings out, or when your outfit needs something with more personality.

If I had to choose just one, I'd go mom jeans for sheer versatility. But paperbag jeans bring something special to your rotation that standard denim simply can't match.

Find Your Perfect Jean Size with Tellar

Here's the thing about buying jeans online—sizing is absolutely maddening. A size 12 at Zara fits nothing like a size 12 at Levi's, and don't even get me started on "vanity sizing." This is where Tellar.co.uk becomes your secret weapon.

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Plus, explore the Tellar Fashion Hub—a library packed with free posts from top stylists. Honest, unbiased, independent, and always free. Whether you need style advice, top picks, or brand recommendations, it's all there.

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