Girlfriend Vs Boyfriend Jeans: What’s The Difference?

We only feature products that we hope you will love. We may earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you.  

Boyfriend jeans are well-loved by many for their relaxed cut and loose fit. But did you know that girlfriend jeans exist, too? Check out our guide to the differences between girlfriend vs boyfriend jeans.

Nowadays, there are so many different styles of jeans that it’s quite hard to keep track and identify which is which. You’ve got the mom jeans, straight-leg jeans, dad jeans, and now there’s also the question: what’s the difference between girlfriend vs boyfriend jeans?

Girlfriend jeans and boyfriend jeans are both casual styles, but they’re so different. From their origins to the way they look on your body type, there are many ways that these two types of denim can be distinguished from each other.

If you’ve ever wondered what makes a pair of jeans “boyfriend” or “girlfriend”, then this guide is for you. We’ll cover everything you need to know about these popular trends and explain why it’s important that you understand them before purchasing your next pair of jeans.

What Are Boyfriend Jeans?

Boyfriend-style jeans originally came about in the 1970s when they were worn by men. They’re loose and comfortable, and they’re often straight-legged with a baggy silhouette (meaning they’re not very fitted at all).

They sit lower on the hips than regular denim or denim straight-leg jeans—perfect for relaxed, casual looks. So if you’re looking for a pair that will give your legs a little breathing room, this style is it!

Girlfriend vs Boyfriend jeans: Boyfriend jeans from Aerie
Get these boyfriend jeans on Aerie

Although they may look like your boyfriend’s old jeans, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wear them! Boyfriend jeans can be stylish on your frame if you find the right pair.

What Are Girlfriend Jeans?

Girlfriend jeans are cut for a closer fit and a tapered leg, sitting higher on your waist. The rise of these jeans is usually mid-rise or high-rise. They’re similar to skinny jeans but somewhat more relaxed in both their design and silhouette.

Girlfriend vs Boyfriend jeans: Girlfriend jeans from Gap
Get these jeans on Gap

Essentially, they’re the feminine version of boyfriend jeans, with a slim silhouette.

Girlfriend VS Boyfriend Jeans: What’s The Difference?

1. Fit

Boyfriend jeans have a slightly boxier appearance with their straight-legged cut, whereas girlfriend jeans have a more tapered silhouette. This is why they sit higher on the waist while boyfriends sit lower on the waist with an overall slouchier fit. These jeans are great when paired with a fitted top or even with a structured blazer.

However, there are options that feature a slim boyfriend jeans look. These are still very relaxed and casual but they do have more structure than typical boyfriends, thanks to their tapered legs.

Many ladies find this gives them just enough shape without being skin-tight or uncomfortable on their thighs or rear end (like skinny jeans can sometimes be).

Girlfriend jeans can have a more relaxed, tighter fit but still accentuate the hips in a flattering manner. The boyfriend jean tends to be more of a looser-fit straight leg style where there is no curve at the waistband. This means that these types of jeans may not look as good on curvy figures.

Girlfriend jeans offer a more fitted, more feminine look — they hug your curves while still being comfortable enough for everyday wear since they fit closer to your body’s shape rather than pulling away from it. These jeans are great when paired with a cropped top or an oversized shirt!

2. Fabric

Girlfriend jeans often also come in softer, stretchier fabrics for a tailored look without sacrificing comfort when compared to the bf jeans’ stiffer denim fabrics. However, there are plenty of gf styles made from stiffer fabrics too, so don’t let this deter you if it’s what works best for you!

Boyfriend jeans are also versatile, more so than regular denim because of their relaxed nature, so it’s easy to dress them up or down depending on your needs.

If you’re wondering why boyfriend jeans are so popular, it’s because this classic fit was made popular by Marilyn Monroe in the 1960s in the movie The Misfits.

Back then, women wore them as a way to look more casual and relaxed without having to sacrifice their femininity. It also gave them a slightly looser fit than girlfriend jeans.

As we have started to place more emphasis on casual clothing and comfort over everything in the recent jeans, it’s not surprising that young women today prefer boyfriend jeans: they’re much more comfortable and non-constricting than many other types of jeans!

With the rise of street style fashion, many of the cute outfits you’ve seen online influencers post on social media include baggy boyfriend jeans and mom jeans among the more restricting skinny jeans styles.

Styling Tips

To get a more feminine look out of your boyfriend jeans (or girlfriend jeans), opt for a light wash pair, and style it with a crop top or another casual top. A pale pink blouse and heels will give you an effortlessly pretty and trendy look while keeping the focus on how comfortable those denim jeans make you feel.

If you’re looking to spice things up and show off your personal style in an unexpected way, try pairing your boyfriend jeans with a cute summer corset top and some sultry strappy sandals. This is a great way to show off your legs without having too much skin on display.

If you’re going for something edgier, try wearing dark wash boyfriend jeans with a graphic tee and black ankle boots. This outfit is perfect for transitioning from day to night!

Another great casual look would be to pair your girlfriend (or boyfriend) jeans with a chic white button-down shirt and a pair of white sneakers.

Final Thoughts

While it may seem like there are a lot of differences between girlfriend and boyfriend jeans, in reality, the two terms are often used interchangeably.

It’s important to remember that both styles of jeans offer a wide range of different fits and styles so finding the right pair for you is just about knowing what works best with your personal taste and body type.

And there you have it! If you’re still looking for more fashion inspiration, check the posts down below.

Get More Fashion Ideas

15 Best Agolde Jeans That Are So Trendy Right Now

10 Best Shoes To Wear With Boyfriend Jeans

Versace Jeans Vs Versace: What’s The Difference?

Browse All Fashion Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.