The Mom Jeans Trend

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Angie is co-founder of YLF and its resident fashion stylist.

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The Mom Jeans Trend

— by Angie

on April 10, 2014

Wikipedia calls “Mom jeans” a “humorously pejorative term for a specific type of fit of women’s jeans, considered to be both unfashionable, and unflattering to the wearer’s body shape. This style usually consists of a high waist (rising above the belly button), making the buttocks appear disproportionately longer, larger, and flatter than they otherwise might. It also tends to have excess space in the zipper/crotch and leg areas”.

Well, Mom jeans are a fringe trend right now and considered a fashion forward item. The pictures below are a good representation of the look. Like I’ve said before, items are frumpy right up until they become fashionable. It’s hip to be square in 2014.

Actually, Mom jeans are much like the oh-so-trendy and mainstream boyfriend jeans, but with a much higher rise and a fitted waist. It’s when tops are tucked or partially tucked into Mom jeans that they look completely different to regular hip and cool boyfriend jeans. There is very little visual difference between the two styles when tops are worn untucked. And since we’ve grown accustomed to the look of masculine, hip hugging and straight-waisted boyfriend jeans, we probably don’t mind the look of these Mom jeans with untucked tops.

The ultra fashionable way to wear Mom jeans is with midriff baring cropped tops, which work well with high-waisted bottoms. Pair the bottoms with trendy footwear, like cut-out booties, peep-toe booties, pointy toe pumps, slip-on sneakers, loafers and Birkenstocks. Top off the look with an open moto, boxy cropped jacket, bomber or long lightweight coat.

This is not a mainstream look and is certainly a challenge to wear at any age. Matching Mom jeans with untucked upscale sweatshirts, welted knitwear, and high-low blouses, tees or pullovers is a more manageable execution of the trend. However, you might as well wear regular boyfriend jeans if you’re going to cover the high waist and rise of Mom jeans. That said, if you enjoy the comfort and girdling integrity of high rises, don’t like to wear belts, and prefer to wear tops untucked, Mom jeans are a practical alternative to boyfriend jeans. Wear them with an on trend support act and no one will know you are wearing Mom jeans.

I have no desire to wear Mom jeans with either an untucked or untucked top. I don’t like high rises at the best of times, so I’ll be sticking to low slung slouchy boyfriend jeans. I do like the outfit with the cropped top and moto jacket, and fully support it on those who pull it off with style. And if Mom jeans are a more comfy fit for you than boyfriend jeans with untucked tops, I fully support that too.

Over to you. What’s your take on the Mom jeans trend?

140 comments · Add a comment

Forum conversations about this post

WIW - Keeping the Mom jeans — by CocoLion
Hawt mama in mom jeans. — by Sona

Tanya

Veteran

This is one of those looks I will appreciate on others, but I will pass. I actually like higher rises sometimes, but this whole silhouette looks too challenging for me.

April 10, 2014 at 4:13 am

Joyce B

Veteran

I think they can look very nice on a curvy figure and a long rise and torso can help balance them. If you look at the first picture of the model in the gray it looks like she is wearing her Dad’s pants. Then look at the last two rows of pictures, the jeans on the left and you see that the curvier models can actually get a great fit in them.
They are nice, curvy, baggy and comfortable. I think they will be a good fit for me.

April 10, 2014 at 4:20 am

Runcarla

Veteran

Been there, done that…in the ’90’s…and won’t go back. I have a high hip, so already there is a ‘disproportionately long backside’ to contend with. Now, I’m loving the return of the flare, and enjoying my baby boot-cuts.

Question: in the late ’70’s, early ’80’s white ‘painter pants’ were a big trend with jean and coloured versions followed as designers jumped on board. These pants had high waists and pegged legs with the hammer loop and pockets down the leg. Are they a ‘mom jean’ though they were worn mostly be teens and young adults at the time? I don’t know if they were adopted by adults. I know my mom never wore them!

April 10, 2014 at 4:21 am

Glory

Veteran

These won’t work for me so I will pass. I actually do think it can look lovely on certain people. However at my age and current figure I think I would look just dreadful and since I am short the waist might be right up to my ribcage! Yikes.

April 10, 2014 at 4:24 am

Gennifyr

Active Member

This is why I don’t ardently follow the trends. Just because it’s sooooo 2014 doesn’t make it less ugly. Trend does not always equal style. Same goes for those awful pants that make it appear as you are wearing a diaper underneath. Huge pass from me.

April 10, 2014 at 4:26 am

Aquamarine

Veteran

Pass from me too! Of course anything can look good on young, thin models, but the vast majority of us would look like we were stuck in a time warp. Heck, I know women that still own and wear these and not in a fashion forward way.

April 10, 2014 at 4:34 am

ATLynn

Veteran

I think I will leave these to the young, thin, or uber cool. The people I’ve seen pull this off (on and off YLF) typically meet at least two of those criteria

April 10, 2014 at 4:38 am

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I’ll pass. Not much of a fan even in the most fashion-forward stylings, I’m afraid. I wonder if it’s because I wore them unironically the first time around and later realized how unflattering they are. It does not help that these are particularly difficult for my type of body — short waist, ample hip and ample chest.

If someone can make them work in a JFE way, I salute them, but this is a trend I would prefer to see fade quickly before gaining much mainstream traction. There are so many wonderful denim selections out there that are edgy and more flattering! I’m happy we have so many choices now.

April 10, 2014 at 4:41 am

Karie

(website)

Veteran

I had a pair almost exactly like the ones in the bottom photo that I wore in the late ’80’s – they were my very favorite jeans at that time, and probably of all time. They went well with my big hair (shoulder length and permed!).

I wore them then, and I’d wear them now!

April 10, 2014 at 4:50 am

Karie

(website)

Veteran

I wore them then, and I’d wear them now!

April 10, 2014 at 4:50 am

Vildy

Veteran

I always prefer high waisted jeans because the lower the waist, the more likely they slide down my straight hips unless cinched tight with a belt, which I hate the look and feel of. I found a pair much like the acid-washed ones at the thrift store a couple weeks ago for a dollar. I was ecstatic. Love acid wash, too! What with the long winter and its icy streets there was much less daily walking and much too much of eating starches. Hence they were a little small around my temporarily expanded waist. Expect that will be remedied now and I bought them anyway. I *never* buy too small clothes but I made an exception with these, I liked them that much. And then I can think about a crop top.

April 10, 2014 at 4:53 am

gryffin

Veteran

All your pics are very glam, just proving on the right body type with the right styling pretty much any style can look awesome. That being said, my length is in my legs, so I would be a little peanut torso and head in this style. As you said, I can get the same comfy proportions with boyfriends jeans or slouchy skinnies but keep my leg/torso proportions more flattering. Since I am a tucker this is the way I will go. However, I think these jeans look awesome with cropped tops and i look forward to seeing how the people who embrace this style rock them!!

April 10, 2014 at 4:57 am

Jjsloane

Veteran

I gave in the late 80’s so I’ll pass this time around. I had no idea how unflattering they were and cannot imagine how much worse they’d be on me now that I’m not in my 20’s…

April 10, 2014 at 4:58 am

Vildy

Veteran

Ha! Was inspired to go try them on and note progress or lack of.
Today I can zip and button them!

April 10, 2014 at 5:00 am

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I don’t know…Like you I like the outfit with cropped tops but I don’t see myself wearing them. I thik I will stick to the BF jeans as well for now.
I also find that high waist is tricky for me to fit because of the big waist / hip ratio.
On the other hand I would give a try to high waist wide leg trousers if I ever find those – love them!

April 10, 2014 at 5:02 am

Sarah A

Veteran

Hmmm… This cut is probably well suited to my body shape with slight curves and a quite long torso. I think i may sport them as a BF alternative with untucked tops since i have a tendancy toward too much rear exposure with lower back rises. This is an idea i hadnt considered before. Thanks Angie

April 10, 2014 at 5:05 am

Anne

Active Member

Are you sure this isn’t another April Fool’s Joke?

April 10, 2014 at 5:09 am

Diana

Veteran

Definitely passing on this trend. I hate high rise pants and find them both uncomfortable and unflattering on my short waist. And I certainly don’t need my butt to appear any larger or longer than it already is!

April 10, 2014 at 5:16 am

MRL

Veteran

I too have a curvy shape and am tall, but will pass on this. The look is cute on the young models, but on “50 something” me will most likely come off as looking like I haven’t shopped since the 90’s!

April 10, 2014 at 5:18 am

Vildy

Veteran

Not having any extra short tops, I found a grey and white diagonal check sleeveless shirt that was cut higher on the sides – I like to show off what little high hip curve I have. Then I knotted it instead at the waist – old-time Hollywood pinup style. Added a double stranded light grey faux pearl necklace and champagne metallic low heel pumps (for going up and down two flights of stairs in my house). I feel quite like Rockabilly Time Traveller.

April 10, 2014 at 5:21 am

greenglove

(website)

Veteran

I would wear them.
I love high waists and cropped tops.
I might try a pair like the urban outfitters style.
I think they can be very cute.
I wore that style before and it works for my body type and life style.
I do not like the bother of belts which I have to wear with my boyfriend jeans.

April 10, 2014 at 5:21 am

Diane G

Hmmm, I’m not overly keen on them. I’m guessing it’ll be a pass from me too.

April 10, 2014 at 5:24 am

April

Veteran

I have to say that I’ve never understood the opinion that the high waist is unflattering to the rear view. For those of use who don’t have dramatic curvature, I think that rear expanse of jean creates kind of a fake waistline and suggests more curve than actually exists. Of course, YMMV…

April 10, 2014 at 5:24 am

Dianne

Active Member

Uggh horrible 80s

April 10, 2014 at 5:27 am

mari

I have worn them as teenager in the 80ies and I never will wear them again. I do not even like to look at the old pictures of me!

April 10, 2014 at 5:31 am

Vildy

Veteran

I’m with April. The rear curve is the only one I have in the lower half.
Don’t mind at all showing 100% of it. In fact, I shun the hi front low back tops for this very reason that it is the opposite of what I’m trying to achieve.

April 10, 2014 at 5:36 am

Ledonna N.

Veteran

I think I actually have a version of these I love the high waist trend. I have 1 pr of Denim clam diggers I wear year round tucked into boots and with my P.F. Flyers
2pr of slim leg Denim for tucking into boots in the winter and fall

April 10, 2014 at 5:37 am

kerry

Veteran

Thank you Tina Fey et al on SNL for the hilarious “mom jean” sketch! This is a look I’ll take a pass on. I see my middle school girls wearing this trend and even on their virtually flawless figures it’s a look I can’t find flattering. But never say never, maybe my eye will adjust!

April 10, 2014 at 5:42 am

sarah

Veteran

Although I really like the look high-waisted trousers with cropped tops (on others), I somehow cannot get behind this trend. Too many associations with my deep past and Saturday Night Live commercials.

http://www.nbc.com/saturday-ni.....ans/n11727

Also, this style does not work with my body type, at all.

April 10, 2014 at 5:44 am

merwoman

Veteran

DD has a huge poison eye for this and would probably rip the pants right off me if she ever spotted me in them. I’ve worn high waisted pants in the past for more years than I can count – but I’m loving a low to mid rise these days and find it far more appealing. That said, I can still appreciate how this trend will look fantastic on others.

April 10, 2014 at 5:47 am

Laurinda

Veteran

I have a sugar eye for acid wash but I’ll pass on the profile. If you have a couple minutes the SNL video posted above is worth a watch.

April 10, 2014 at 5:52 am

Kimberley

Veteran

I hate to say never, but this is a look that will be difficult for me to embrace … it’s too reminiscent of my mother. That is to say, I dearly love my mother, but I sure don’t want to dress like her.

April 10, 2014 at 5:54 am

Active Member

When I was 13 I got my first pairs of jeans. Both were mom jeans and I struggled then to understand why I felt so frumpy & ugly in an item that is supposed to be so uber cool! Now they I know better I wld rather go pantless than wear these. In fact my dislike of mom jeans is why I also don’t like BF jeans. They just seem similar and being back very frumpy feelings.

April 10, 2014 at 5:58 am

Ceit

These don’t work for me – I remember wearing these in the 80s, and the waistband was always halfway up my ribcage.

Styled right, I think they look pretty fun, but they are a no for me personally.

April 10, 2014 at 6:03 am

Jewell

Veteran

In the spirit of one of my favorite children’s books:

I would not wear them here or there.
I would not wear them anywhere.
I do not like mom jeans for me.
I do not like them dear, Angie

April 10, 2014 at 6:05 am

Beth Ann

Veteran

Well, you know, high-waisted pants are far better and managing that bit of fluff that can be around the waist. No muffin top, which is a definite plus! I just purchased a pair of exercise leggings just because they had a drawstring and a higher rise, which is far more flattering on my body in the gym that the low waist models!

That said, I will definitely keep up the hunt for my high-waisted Kate Hepburn trousers, but leave mom jeans to the hipster sisters! A wide leg drapey trouser fall over the bum and crotch almost like a skirt, which is a whole different proportion than the mom jean.

April 10, 2014 at 6:19 am

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

As an apple shape with a very high waist, this style of jean actually works well for me in terms of girdling and the waistband being at my actual waist. It completely eliminates any sign of muffin top and I like the look with an untucked top. Tucking only shows just how high my waist is and I don’t care for that look. Unfortunately, the rear view is not so great. My backside does not need any “visual enlargement” – but again, this can be eliminated with an untucked top. I would roll the hems and wear them as BF jeans. In fact, I really like the look you’ve shown with the faded (almost white) pair rolled and paired with the graphic black and white tank.

April 10, 2014 at 6:19 am

rute

Veteran

Yes, I saw this morning a blogger with ones similar to the ons on the last picture with a cropped top!

April 10, 2014 at 6:22 am

Sara L.

Veteran

It’s a NO for me. It’s too challenging to make them look current/trendy. Plus, I don’t like high rises on me, although I think they can look good on others. Also, since I am a mom, I would be afraid that they would just look like “Mom jeans” and not in a trendy way.

April 10, 2014 at 6:23 am

MuseumGal

Veteran

I suddenly understand why there was a period in my life I thought that jeans were the most uncomfortable thing in the world. Those highwaisted jeans are torture on my short and apple-y midsection. I seriously went a good 5 or 7 years without a single pair of jeans in the late 80s early 90s. Then suddenly I started wearing jeans again, but didn’t really know why – it’s because the low rise ones work much better for my bod.

April 10, 2014 at 6:29 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Quite the mixed and fascinating response. (This is not an April Fools joke).

Hah. Jewell. You crack me up.

I wore acid wash Mom Jeans in the ‘80s with crop tops – and loved it. High five, Karie and Greenglove. I did suffer a little with the high rise because I find a lower rise more comfortable. A lower rise is also better suited to my body type.

Vildy, I would love to see your outfit.

Runcarla, I think you’re referring to what I called Carpenter pants. I only saw boys and men wear them in my neck of the woods. It was not a girly thing.

April, I don’t find Mom Jeans all that unflattering from the back either. It’s a look. I DO think it’s important to wear them in an intentionally fashionable way to prevent looking dated.

April 10, 2014 at 6:32 am

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Some of these comments are cracking me up!

Another deterrent for me: my husband has told me he would divorce me if I ever wore mom jeans.

April 10, 2014 at 6:33 am

Thirkellgirl

Veteran

Oh, I wore them in the 80s and I loved them! I thought then, and think now, that they accentuated what I had…small waist, big rear end. I did wear them with cropped sweaters and tops, though. I’d give them another go-’round if they become ubiquitous enough.

April 10, 2014 at 6:34 am

Susie

Veteran

I will be passing on the mom jeans; I don’t find the style appealing, even in the more trendy stylings. Something about all that fabric below the zipper just looks strange to me.

April 10, 2014 at 6:40 am

Eliza

Veteran

I think these are a pass for me. I am most comfortable in a medium rise jean and think that styling is crucial to make this look deliberate. With a cropped top being a good option to create a fashion forward look, I am even less likely to try it, though some of the looks pictured seem to work on the models.

Thanks, Angie.

April 10, 2014 at 6:40 am

Patience

(website)

My 18-year old daughter is wearing this trend. The day she came home from Urban Outfitters with a pair of acid washed, high waisted jeans, I could not believe my eyes! If this is what the kids want to wear, that’s fine, but I will not be joining them!

April 10, 2014 at 6:43 am

jan82

Just because it’s a trend doesn’t mean it looks good, pass!

April 10, 2014 at 6:47 am

Alecia

Veteran

I like some of the looks you posted but I don’t think I’ll be going there myself. And I certainly wouldn’t dare do it with Birkenstocks. Ugh. You note above that they need to be worn in an intentionally fashionable way. That is a hard bar for me anytime so there’s real danger in wearing these that I’d just look like a bad flashback.

April 10, 2014 at 6:54 am

viva

Veteran

I think that in order to make these work now you really have to be ready to both embrace them and push them to the edge. Greenglove, I can see them on you and bet you would rock them in a way your students would really appreciate!
For me, it’s a pass. I have neither the body type nor the commitment to make them work well.

April 10, 2014 at 6:59 am

Lisa

Veteran

I adore my bootcut, straight leg and boyfriend jeans too much to give them up for mom jeans. This style just doesn’t speak to me so I’ll enjoy it on others.

April 10, 2014 at 7:01 am

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

A big pass on these – though I, like others, wore them in the late 80’s and even early 90’s I suppose. Back in the 80’s cropped tops were the choice, and later tucked in everything. I still cringe looking at those old photos.

April 10, 2014 at 7:02 am

Joy

Veteran

Mom jeans were difficult to fit on a rectangle who was less boxy in the 80’s before Menopause. If the waist fit, the hips were too big. If the hips fit, the waist was way too tight. These babies were the reason I went for decades without a pair of jeans in a pro-jean everywhere society. I can see them looking wonderful on some of our members though.

April 10, 2014 at 7:14 am

Catnip

Veteran

These are definitely not for me. I have a short waist and mom jeans would come up to my rib cage or higher. That said, I do think they could look good on someone with the right body proportions.

I always try to find a style that is flattering to my body. Right now that seems to be straight legged jeans. I have some that are a little bit loose, and those are my boyfriends. Real boyfriends, like the ones from J Brand that I just bought and returned, make me look like I’m wearing two sacks belted at the waist. Mom jeans would probably look even worse.

April 10, 2014 at 7:18 am

Patricia

No matter how you style it, it’s still “mom jeans” and unflattering as hell!

April 10, 2014 at 7:25 am

Adelfa

Veteran

I think they would look cool on people with a lot of waist definition.

April 10, 2014 at 7:31 am

Dana

(website)

Veteran

I’m usually not so closed minded and crass,but…

NO! Ew, NO!!!

April 10, 2014 at 7:40 am

BethL

(website)

Veteran

I’m not apt to wear this type of jean again, though I really like how the ultra-faded (or white?) jeans look with the black graphic tee and birks. I also like what Viva said about pushing them to the edge if you’re going to wear them. And, yes, I can see Greenglove totally rocking them! Shannon, you too.

I think we have to be a little careful that our poison eyes don’t give us poison tongues. Some of our members have come up with brilliant stylings for things that some of us might not care for, such as harem and cross-over pants. We may not care for the clothing or the stylings, but we should be considerate in the words we use to classify or describe things.

Vildy, your running commentary cracked me up, and I would dearly love to see your outfit.

April 10, 2014 at 7:44 am

giddyup

Active Member

I love the look with the cropped tops. I would wear them, it fits my lifestyle.

April 10, 2014 at 7:47 am

rae

(website)

Veteran

DH asked me about this when we saw a gal wearing Mom Jeans Shorts the other day. The way I put it was, “I think the idea of wearing my boyfriend’s old jeans is cool. I don’t find the idea of wearing my mom’s old jeans very cool at all.”

There’s a lot of “why” in there – from a general love of tomboyish style to my relationship with my mom to the fact that my bubble butt and gut don’t like any extra volume up near the waist on top of everything. But the bottom line is that Mom Jeans don’t call to me.

April 10, 2014 at 7:51 am

cheryl

Veteran

No thank you, I am much more comfortable in lower rise pants.

April 10, 2014 at 7:52 am

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Well…my first vote would go to high waisted trousers vs. jeans. (High-five, Sveta). I find those elegant and very wearable.

But I would try the jeans. I hesitate a bit because I remember some discomfort in them, back in the day — it seemed trickier to get the rise right — even though I’m long in the rise! (So you would think this would be a slam dunk for me). Still…I don’t rule this out for the future. I’ll watch and see what happens to the trend. If it catches on, I might give it a whirl.

Greenglove, you would look great in a pair of these with your new crop top.

April 10, 2014 at 7:55 am

columbine(erin)

Veteran

I nearly have a poison eye for mom jeans. However, some people will look good in them and I’m happy for the many jean silhouettes out there right now, something for everyone. Personally I am liking the boyfriend silhouette more because it’s lovely to see a looser, kinder jean, after a winter of people stuffing themselves into too-small leggings and skinnies. I also love that flares are coming back, how fun!

April 10, 2014 at 8:06 am

Parsley

Veteran

No thanks- not a good style for me, but I’m fine with them on others.
For someone my age, it’s really hard to wear a style ironically when you look like you may just never have thrown out your old ones!

April 10, 2014 at 8:06 am

gardenchick

Veteran

Now that I look at the pictures… I did wear these in the 80s, before I knew better!
Will stick with my AT modern low-rise fits, which are 1000x more flattering on me. But thanks for bringing this trend to our attention

April 10, 2014 at 8:06 am

Suzanne (ambergreen)

Veteran

To my mind, the true “mom jean” was a less fashion-forward version of these in conservative, uninteresting washes and tapered legs that descended from unfashionably straightforward fits at the top (usually with a pleat or two. Ugh!). They were worn unironically with boring black ballet flats or big, ugly white sneakers and emerald green, plum, or royal blue turtlenecks by completely fashion-clueless moms. (I should say that my mom wasn’t part of this problem. She’s always been a lot more stylish.)

Anyway…I don’t really mind these that much if they’re worn with the right pieces and the right attitude. I can wear waistlines from high to low, but I get annoyed with having to wear different things with each of them. It’s just too fussy for me anymore. I don’t feel a need for anything like these OR boyfriends…just not interesting enough. I won’t be doing wide-legs either.

April 10, 2014 at 8:09 am

Angela K

Veteran

Ditto what Dana said…….

April 10, 2014 at 8:10 am

Aziraphale

Veteran

I see these jeans on a few women at art school. Art school is an environment where you see many, many young people (men and women) who are at the bleeding edge of fashion. The women who wear mom jeans (and look cool doing it) are young and have killer style already, and — I hate to add this — they are also slender. I have not seen this look on a woman with a fuller figure, even the super-stylish ones.

I’ll let you know if this high-rise baggy mom jeans trend shows up on non-slender women, but I don’t expect it will. It’s too challenging. (I do see tight high-rise jeans on fuller figures, but these don’t look like mom jeans).

One thing’s for sure. I won’t be wearing high rise jeans of any kind. I don’t know how people do it — I find them so, so uncomfortable! It digs right into my sensitive midsection.

April 10, 2014 at 8:19 am

Suzanne (ambergreen)

Veteran

I’ll add for the heck of it that back in the day, the version of this I wore and liked best were jeans by Marithé et François Girbaud. But they didn’t make butts look this long and were pretty flattering, considering how relative that could be in the 80s.

(This trend appears to have returned too late for them…looks like they folded recently after being around since 1964 [!] Had no idea they were as old as I am. Eep.)

April 10, 2014 at 8:19 am

Laurie

Veteran

LOL – went straight to find the Mom Jeans SNL skit, and see someone already posted it.

Wore them in the bad old fashion days. Never again!

April 10, 2014 at 8:27 am

rachylou

Veteran

Isn’t it funny, I think I’m more likely to do mom jeans than bfs…

April 10, 2014 at 8:31 am

Helena

Veteran

Pass! But mind you, I said the same thing about skinnies 10 years ago and now I refuse to give them up … so never say never, I suppose …

April 10, 2014 at 8:41 am

clearlyclaire

Angie, painter’s pants were always white, and made of canvas rather than denim. They did have the same hammer loops and pocket style as carpenter jeans though, if I remember correctly. My older sisters wore painter’s pants in the late 70’s. Then came the parachute pants-remember them?

I wonder if what we consider flattering changes. When I was wearing mom jeans back in the day, I remember looking in the mirror sideways and seeing how slimming that view was (important since I was still loosing my baby weight). The high rise also lengthens the legline. I don’t remember fashion being as obsessed with the rear view then as it is right now, so maybe areas of focus change over time? I imagine we will look back at low rise jeans one days and say, “Ugh! Look how short those made our legs look. And yet we wore them anyway, why?” Because they flatter *other* areas I guess.

I don’t need any denim right now, but I’m not opposed to a slightly higher rise jean. I’m sure they will tweak the silhouette into something a bit more palatable to the masses if the trend is to take hold. At that point I’ll decide.

April 10, 2014 at 9:03 am

tracina

Those jeans always looked pretty good on me. I am very sensitive to tightness around my natural waist and wore them just a bit loose around my waist line. The problem was when sitting the waist band would be right under my breasts which at times drove me nuts. I was thrilled when lower rise jeans came about. I can’t say I never wear the style again but I’m not planning on it anytime soon.

April 10, 2014 at 9:26 am

kkards

Veteran

i’ll pass on the acidwashed and bleached, to much of a throw back. but i love the light blue BCBC pair with the slanted pocket!

April 10, 2014 at 9:45 am

kkards

Veteran

sorry, i meant the urban outfiters pair.

April 10, 2014 at 9:47 am

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

As some of you know through my multiple forum posts, I’ve spent some time trying to make this look work on me. Still waffling on the UO Mom jeans which I’ve purchased in 2 sizes. Today I’m thinking “keep” — yesterday it was “return.” The fashion-forward way to wear these, with a bare sliver of midriff, is not an option for me. Which makes me wonder, to Rae’s point, if I’m aged out of this trend. However the UO Moms are just $58 plus tax so why not take a chance, I tell myself. I do like this look and think everyone’s eye could become adjusted to it but it could take 2-5 years, like boyfriend jeans circa 2009, and skinnies circa 2005 and harem pants in 2007.

April 10, 2014 at 9:53 am

Lee

(website)

All that’s missing is big hair and shoulder pads-

April 10, 2014 at 9:54 am

cciele

Veteran

High-rise anything is not for me, so this one I am passing on…. I will instead enjoy the comfort of pajama jeans

April 10, 2014 at 10:08 am

rabbit

Veteran

The lower right hand model needs to be wearing some white Adidas. Her shoes interrupt the normcore flow

April 10, 2014 at 10:09 am

Linda

Active Member

THOSE were the days, my friend!! LOL

I wore them back then, and I love a higher waist, but it no longer loves me back. I’ll pass, this time around, and sub BFs for Moms.

Did anyone see a recent article, I think it was in the NYT, about Wikipedia trying to attract more women writers? I wonder whether maybe that definition was written by one of the many, many males who write there? Just sayin’.

April 10, 2014 at 10:09 am

kavita

Active Member

At 5’1″, I think I’ll need to pass! I think if it were to have any chance of looking good, it would need to be on folks who have more vertical clearance than I do

April 10, 2014 at 10:16 am

Aida

Veteran

I’m a bit surprised at such visceral reactions to these. Like other trends that come around, there is usually a detail or two that makes them different and more “now” during its current iteration. I’m sure these are no different; the backside in particular seems to be cut a bit differently to me.

I like these with the cropped tops best; the tucked versions are definitely harder to sort out, that seems like the most difficult challenge. In general I don’t wear high-rise bottoms, excepting for one pair of WIDE denim trousers for my super-70s days. I’m also personally uncomfortable showing a sliver of skin with cropped tops, though I really love the look. And lastly, wearing things ironically is not my kind of rebellion. So all that to say, I’ll be enjoying this look on others for now. Karie, Jean, Vildy, Denise, and others I hope we’ll get to see a few of your looks if you pick up a pair!

April 10, 2014 at 10:19 am

skylurker

Veteran

I like the silhouette, they make the same look as carrot pants, they make a tiny waist then they cuuurve down to the tapered hem and I like the look of that curve.
I could never make carrot pants work for me, though, on my short waist tucked or cropped tops look silly. Hiding the waist doesn’t make sense to me (I’m not into BF).

I found Rae’s comment very interesting, because she talks about the connotations of the style, beyond the objective shape of the clothes.

April 10, 2014 at 10:26 am

Day Vies

Veteran

This is not a trend that would flatter my body type. It still looks dated to me because it takes me back to middle school. I sort of like it with crop tops but not enough to try it out myself at this point. Perhaps it will grow on me?

April 10, 2014 at 10:31 am

christieanne

Veteran

I don’t even like them on the models that could most likely make any clothes style look appealing after the tailoring and fitting that goes into photo shoots. I am good with high waisted as a concept, but something about the thigh tailoring/tapering in these makes little sense.

April 10, 2014 at 10:31 am

Deb

(website)

Sometimes a high waist pant can look really flattering, cool and modern. It’s all in the cut, fabric and the figure of the person wearing it. They can give a leg lengthening effect too, which is beneficial for petites particularly. The 3rd and 4th examples you have given look quite hip, whereas the others look blatantly daggy and frumpy. A reasonable example of how fabric can make a difference. Denim doesn’t quite work for this cut but a beautiful fabric or leather can. Personally I don’t like the tatty jean trend but am happy wearing this higher waist ( but not above the umbilicus ) style in a classier way. I agree with Gennifyr……trend does not necessarily equal style.

April 10, 2014 at 10:31 am

K. Period.

Veteran

Nope. They are painful to me. I still own a pair of very light blue Calvin Klein jeans from high school that I’ve kept to show that I once wore them. And they remain firmly in the nostalgia bin for me. I tried them on for a lark this summer and my husband almost passed out laughing. Ultimately, once he got himself under control, he said it was amazing how unflattering they are compared to contemporary jean cuts. Plus WOW uncomfortable for gals like me without a pronounced waist. So not again if I can help it.

April 10, 2014 at 10:33 am

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Well, I really thought they were flattering on me once, so I imagine my eye will readjust again. If Cocolion is trying them, I may have to as well! (I am quite susceptible to her style influence!)

April 10, 2014 at 10:33 am

infinitea

No thank you! I’m passing on this look.

April 10, 2014 at 10:42 am

Kay

Active Member

Pass, pass, pass. I can’t believe I ever wore these, but I know I did. Never again!

April 10, 2014 at 10:54 am

deb

Veteran

Unless I try on a pair that makes my rear look fantastic, I will skip this time around.

April 10, 2014 at 10:57 am

sewingmom3

Active Member

Love my Mom jeans with a vibrant top, usually untucked. Low rise just makes people look too hippy and not to mention muffin tops. I like a sleeker look. Mine have no slouchiness, no extra room in the crotch. To each her own. I am glad fashion has caught up!

April 10, 2014 at 11:03 am

Sona

Veteran

Bring ’em on.
High waist/boyfriend= the new sexy/’hawt’/………….
ok well to me anyways jeans!!

April 10, 2014 at 11:38 am

(website)

Veteran

I haven’t read any comments, so if I’m repeating, sorry. These are looser than what I picture traditional mom jeans to look like. They do, indeed look closer to BF jeans. I remember mom jeans creating unsightly belly pooches with the combination of high rise and odd fit. Along with longbutt syndrome, of course.

April 10, 2014 at 11:44 am

Marley

Veteran

Its that long butt thing that really throws me off – as well as I have the SNL sketch permanently etched into my brain – and so, I’m not so sure about them. I really hope that if people start wearing them, that they style them in a current way – rather than thinking “oh yea, mom jeans are back!” – and they pull out their turtlenecks and white tennis shoes.
I would be very willing to give them a try – except that I can’t imagine how to style them with a crop top without skin showing – which I don’t think would be flattering on me! I’m open, but skeptical!

April 10, 2014 at 11:47 am

Linda

Active Member

I found some high waisted jeans and jean leggings that are more fitted in the crotch area and around the thighs. They look and feel nicer. The pictured jeans do not flatter me, and actually accents my pear-shape figure more. If they are baggy, I don’t like it cinched at the ankles unless it is the harem-style in a softer fabric.

April 10, 2014 at 11:54 am

Antje

Veteran

Even though I’m a big fan of high waisted pants (love the “tucked in” feeling they provide), I won’t be riding this trend as shown above. You gotta be super fashion forward to pull this off well and that just ain’t me. I’d want to add a belt, do anything to not have it look these pants so “straight” and dorky. And PLEASE not with Birkenstocks!!!

April 10, 2014 at 12:10 pm

Gracey at Fashion for Giants

(website)

Active Member

Well, as much as I like making my “buttocks appear disproportionately longer, larger, and flatter” than they actually are, I’m going to pass on this trend. I don’t always dress to flatter my body, I admit that, but I never actively dress in clothes that are purposefully unflattering either. And to me, this are purposefully unflattering. Especially in the horrible, dated washes shown above.

April 10, 2014 at 12:24 pm

Inge

(website)

Moderator

I do like the feel and fit of a higher rise, and could see myself wearing these kind of jeans with a welted pullover (I shall admire the bare midriff look on other ladies), but don’t really plan on actively seeking out a pair of my own.

April 10, 2014 at 12:30 pm

krishnidoux

Veteran

OMG! Jeans wise, we are now stuck between Boyfriend and Mom? Very uncomfortable!

Lol, I the first pair shown is an exact replica of a pair I had circa 1992, where I don’t want to go back to. And I wasn’t even a mom yet back then!

But your post explains a very ugly pair of Free People baby-blue thin denim pleated jeans that confused me tremendously in the dressing room. Once on, they made me look like I was wearing a diaper. Now I “get” it a little better.

Although I welcome the higher rise, I am really not sure I want to go all the way and jump on the Mom Jeans bandwagon. Not quite yet, anyway.

April 10, 2014 at 12:37 pm

Patricia

Angie … this isn’t on topic but a general “thank you” for helping me to step up my style. Thanks to you I’ve challenged myself to wear scarves everyday for a month (it worked, now I regularly grab one for that added something special), wear white jeans once a week and style them differently every time (six weeks in with no repeats), and re-hem some jeans that were way too short and now they elongate my short legs).
This is all due to your post about style challenges or goals for the coming year.
Thanks!

April 10, 2014 at 1:05 pm

amiable

Veteran

Hmm… I must admit that I’m not sold on this style, and doubt that I’ll be trying it out very soon…. They look to me like slouchy pants pulled up too far

April 10, 2014 at 1:16 pm

Anita M.

Active Member

Ummm, no.

April 10, 2014 at 1:42 pm

DonnaF

Veteran

I’ve never liked low rise jeans because they make my already short legs look so.darn.short. But Mom jeans? I have a very long torso and smallish waist with an already pancake butt, so I’m pretty sure they would flatter me at least from the front. But I’m not sure I could get the rest of the pieces current enough to avoid the time warp look. Since I’m 5’1″, a regular (non-petite sized) crop top probably wouldn’t flash skin; I would just get cold. At the moment, I definitely do not need more jeans, but given the negative reaction to them here, maybe I could pick up a pair on serious markdown? If I ever need to kill time and am near Urban Outfitters, I will at least try on a few pairs.

April 10, 2014 at 1:50 pm

Robidi

Active Member

Nope. Never. No way.

April 10, 2014 at 2:02 pm

SarahTheWhite

Veteran

Ohhhhh… This makes me shudder a little.

April 10, 2014 at 2:33 pm

Deborah

Veteran

This is a difficult concept for me to grasp. My very first pair of jeans years ago would have been this cut and it is firmly ingrained in my mind that these are “daggy”. They certainly look fine on the lovely tall and thin models but I wonder how this translates to real woman. I am not sure this would be flattering enough for me and I’m not sure I could “go back there”. I know some ladies are going to rock these, but if am pretty sure I am not one of them:).

April 10, 2014 at 2:40 pm

crutcher

Veteran

I have been so critical in my head of MOM jeans…Like, can you believe that she still has on MOM jeans?…said with complete disdain…Until, I would be a hypocrite of the first degree if I even tried these babies on…
That said, I probably would not try them on even if I had not been Critical
Voice in My Head…
Some things are best left alone…

April 10, 2014 at 3:04 pm

MovingFashionForward

Active Member

I have about 8 pairs and love them when I am trying to dress in a way that will put others at ease. In fact, I wore some the other evening (very pale dusky pink, wide-ish tapered leg, rolled to a cropped length) with a slightly darker pinkish blouse, which I tied at the waist, revealing a tiny bit of a triangle of upper ab skin (really a VERY small amount — I am 50) and sparkly high-heeled shoes with a touch of pinkishness in the glitter, and several strangers gave me unsolicited compliments. This outfit is not really my style as a general rule (I hate jeans with a passion, am not keen on pink, and prefer my outfits to be a bit unexpected), but the ‘mom’ jeans added just enough rebellious/out-there/fashion-forward edge to satisfy me.

It may be that the high waist suits me because I have huge hips relative to my waist, as opposed to being more rectangular? I personally think the low-rise styles much more difficult to wear. They look so extremely ugly to my eye, with flesh bulging over the top of them, as often tends to happen with that style. And when I myself wear those, I am constantly having to pull them up, which I find really annoying. The high-waisted/’mom’ jeans don’t slip down.

Sarah

April 10, 2014 at 3:14 pm

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I agree with TS – love the look in 5/6. These could work for me with an untucked top. Even with a belt my boyfriends are always falling down.

April 10, 2014 at 3:19 pm

Debora

Veteran

Absolutely not, although I may or may not have said the same about skinny jeans a few years back. I’m pretty sure I would need to see Angie sporting these first in order to adjust my eye.

April 10, 2014 at 3:41 pm

Tricia

Veteran

No. No no no no no no no no no.

April 10, 2014 at 4:05 pm

Minnie

Active Member

It’s a no for me as well.
I don’t necessarily mind a higher rise and “flattering enough” is often good enough for me. However, I think real Mom jeans go a step further and are very unflattering for many women.
I think of Mom jeans as a combination of several of the following:
high rise combined with roomy hips and thighs with tapered legs; and the back pocket placement (too high and wide apart, often diagonal V shape) that creates a saggy, wide, long, flat, uni-butt.

April 10, 2014 at 4:35 pm

Ginger

Active Member

You make an excellent point about wearing them with un-tucked shirts/sweaters.
I like the straight leg of boyfriend jeans but with my curvy figure I have a difficult time finding boyfriends jeans that fit securely without a belt. My pear-shaped figure doesn’t need belt bulk at the hip. Jeans that close at my waist are much more secure and don’t need a belt.

It looks like this time around they’re skipping the pleats at the waist and the extreme taper of the legs — two features that will not flatter my figure.
I’ll skip the cropped top, but will give them at try!

April 10, 2014 at 5:25 pm

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Wow these jeans elicit lots of reactions! Unlike bf jeans, harem jeans and all sorts of other not universally appealing styles, which I nonetheless find attractive, these just don’t look that good to me. My favorite is the one with the light blue jeans and leather jacket that you picked out Angie, but I am not sure that is not in spite of, rather than because of, the jeans. Is it because of past associations, am I projecting how badly they would suit me, is it lack of exposure that might change? Time will tell!

April 10, 2014 at 5:54 pm

Jamie

Veteran

Hmmm. I think I’ll be passing this trend by. I might enjoy these on others, but they aren’t for me.

April 10, 2014 at 6:09 pm

HardCoreMom

Active Member

No way no how. I have a shortish torso, and these would feel like they were right under my boobs. I’ll have to admire these on others.

April 10, 2014 at 9:48 pm

Neel

Veteran

Short waisted and apple shaped here. Pass! I love my boyfriend more

April 10, 2014 at 10:21 pm

Lantana

Veteran

There are some fierce negative reactions here but I think like everything people will come around to this look in a year or three.

April 11, 2014 at 12:23 am

ManidipaM

Veteran

Wore these v happily in the 90s actually. Too much tummy to girdle this time around.

April 11, 2014 at 4:40 am

Alexandra

(website)

Veteran

Yay, the 90’s are back! Or maybe not yay, judging from the other responses. It may be tricky to get the rise just so, but that’s the case with most pants. I think that as with most trends, this one will work for some and not so much for others. I like the shape (still mourning the long-discontinued LLBean Double L Wide Leg Jeans). But those acid washes and such, they can stay in the past.

April 11, 2014 at 5:26 am

Gail

Veteran

Pass for me, I cannot stand anything high waisted anymore due to excess in the stomach area ! Not even sure I like the look either but I am usually a bit behind in trends . Ask me next year !

April 11, 2014 at 5:38 am

Debra

Veteran

I think I’ll give them a miss this time round

April 11, 2014 at 12:38 pm

Sihaya

Veteran

I think I’ll pass

April 11, 2014 at 5:40 pm

fathenry

Veteran

OMG! Is this another April fools joke? NO.

April 11, 2014 at 7:25 pm

MissDisplaced

Mom jeans AND acid wash? Oh dear! I hear the 80’s calling.
Been there. Done that. Will not do again.

April 12, 2014 at 8:02 am

Bridget

I like the look with cropped top and moto jacket as well. But I will not be sporting the jeans nor a cropped top! I will always chuckle when I see mom jeans because it makes me think of the awesome SNL skit about mom jeans.

April 12, 2014 at 8:23 am

Poagec

Active Member

I feel like I just read an article blasting Obama for wearing Mom Jeans…..little did the author know that it is fashionable?!?

April 12, 2014 at 4:08 pm

mary

I see these on 20-something women all over Brooklyn. They look wonderful, but as someone said above, they are slender. On a 20-something, they also look intentional.

I like how they look intentional with heels.

I have a sage green pair that I thrifted because they were so comfortable. I’ve been wearing them like boyfriend jeans, as Angie describes. Though now I’m thinking of wearing them with a tucked in white blouse, silver belt, and booties. We’ll see ….

April 12, 2014 at 6:30 pm

Mac

Veteran

Hmmm. I swore that I’d never wear Boyfriend Jeans… but now they are staples in my wardrobe. So although these look dreadful to me now, I am willing to believe that my eye might adjust and I’ll love them. Never say never!

April 12, 2014 at 8:48 pm

Dawn

(website)

I really wish the eighties would stop encroaching on today’s styles. It’s just one decade where we were not looking our best.

April 13, 2014 at 9:00 am

Aimily

Active Member

I am a hourglass-shaped woman with, um, athletic thighs. I have always found it much easier to find pants that fit when they are cut roomier in the thigh (especially when pleated), so I am cautiously happy to see this trend coming back.

April 13, 2014 at 11:36 am

neonginger

Active Member

I have a friend who still wears mom jeans and I could never see her pulling off the above looks.

April 14, 2014 at 12:52 pm

dustt

Veteran

nope – I’m already really long torso’d with meaty thighs and a bit too much around my 54 year old middle – this would not be a good look!!

April 15, 2014 at 10:37 am

Deb R

It’s about having a choice! I have been frustrated for years with not having the option of a higher rise waist in everything from jeans to slacks to skirts. It is a constant battle to sit in pants that don’t cover all the real estate down south and having a skirt literally spin back to front when I’m walking because it’s sitting loosely on my hips. Don’t even get me started on muffin tops. All said, though, if designers insist on an acid-wash finish, they are missing an opportunity to make the high waisted look current,

April 15, 2014 at 4:19 pm

Pat Chenell

Active Member

Not loving these, but I’ve been watching teens scoop these up at Value Village for about 6 months now!

April 15, 2014 at 7:47 pm

Mander

(website)

Veteran

I had several pairs of acid washed high waisted jeans in the 80s and I loved them. They were especially cool with the extra-long, brightly-colored sweatshirts that my Mom made for me or with my favorite cropped t-shirt with a sailboat on the front, which I almost always wore with a matching sailor hat.

Of course I was a pre-teen at the time, so I could get away with these things to an extent. The look definitely doesn’t translate to my adult body, however!

May 3, 2014 at 1:08 pm

Marty

Love it. High rise jeans are great. Mom jeans are like a more flattering version of a boyfriend jean.

June 11, 2014 at 4:15 pm

Marty

Oh and the high rise jean is NOt soooo 2014. Or 1980, for that matter. People have worn high rise jeans in the 1920’s, 1930’s, 1940’s 1950’s 1960’s 1970’s( except for a blink where people wore hip huggers) 1980’s 1990’s..then in the late 90’s people decided to wear some weird pants that sit low, and in about 2008 a lot of people got tired of it, and started wearing NORMAL aka high rise jeans again, where the waist sits at the waist. what you are seeing is the low rise trend ending. Not a high rise trend starting.

June 11, 2014 at 4:20 pm

Susan Siebler

Oh ouch. I am 63 so been through high waisted before. Worse thing I ever wore. There for a while that was about all you could get. Digging into the ribcage. Nope never again. Liberated my waist long ago. I like mid rise but if I had my old shape would be low rise or what we called hip huggers back then.

June 16, 2020 at 7:46 am

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