Straight-Leg Jeans vs. Mom Jeans – A Comprehensive Guide to Their Differences and Fashion Evolution

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One style that straight-leg jeans are commonly compared (and confused!) with is the so-called mom jeans.

The nickname is synonymous with high-waisted jeans that jumped on the fashion scene in the late 1980s and became the go-to style for middle-aged women during the late 1990s.

These high-waisted and ankle-length jeans are seen as less flattering to your natural silhouette as they aren’t figure-hugging around the waist or bum.

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While they might be called ‘mom jeans,’ the style has experienced a resurgence in recent jeans amongst younger women who want a more comfortable style.

With skinny jeans canceled, you can expect to see more teenagers and twenty-somethings stepping out in this style.

The go-to styling for these jeans is to wear them with an oversized sweatshirt or t-shirt for a laidback and casual look.

While you might think ‘mom jeans’ are similar to straight-leg jeans, there are a few significant differences. Mom jeans have a baggier fit, especially in the back.

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Straight-leg jeans have a slimmer fit that is ideal for curvier silhouettes. While both styles tend to feature a high waist, you can also find straight-leg jeans with a mid-rise cut.

Straight-leg jeans are a more universally flattering style, while mom jeans are a good choice for those who want to bring extra attention to their waist.