Why Mom Jeans Are Perfect for Curvy Women: A Style Guide
As fashion trends come and go, one style that has stood the test of time is the classic Mom jeans. Made popular in the 1980s, these high-waisted and relaxed-fit jeans have made a major comeback in recent years.
Not only are they comfortable and easy to wear, but they are also perfect for curvy women. The Mom jeans’ high-waisted design is a godsend for ladies who want to highlight their curves while also providing support and comfort. Additionally, the relaxed fit of Mom jeans creates a flattering silhouette on curvy women, making them the perfect choice for any occasion.
In this style guide, CrunchyTales will take a closer look at why they are a must-have for curvy women over 50, and provide some tips on how to style them to look your best.
What are Mom Jeans?
Mom jeans are a style of high-waisted jeans that are usually loose-fitting and relaxed. They typically have a straight leg and a vintage-inspired wash.
Famous for being versatile and accessible, easy to climb into, these days they have been reclaimed as reliable all-rounders, meaning that whether working from home, doing chores, or nipping out for the school run or getting essential groceries, even the most fashionable of us could get away without changing outfits.
Often made from 100% cotton denim, which gives them a sturdy and durable feel, they are also well known for their ability to flatter a variety of body types.
The History of Mom Jeans
Mom jeans first gained popularity in the 1980s when high-waisted jeans were in style (not only amongst mums). They were often paired with oversized blouses or sweaters and were a staple of the era’s fashion trends. However, it wasn’t until the late 2000s that Mom jeans made a comeback, with celebrities over 50 like Jennifer Lopez, Sofia Vergara, Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow sporting the style.
But what really sparked this resurgence? It’s possibly due to nostalgia for the glorious ’80s, or maybe because midlife women with curves prefer a bit more room in their jeans after living in joggers for the past few years.
Of course, the goal here is to find an outfit that feels fresh and fun — and not like the punchline of an SNL skit.
“Today, the overall look is much more sculpted than the ones of the ’80s,” explains the wardrobe whisperer, stylist Jessica Cadmus. “They’re meant to be a little cheekier compared to those of the past, But the overall blueprint has stayed the same: These jeans have a higher waist, are cut similar to a straight-leg, and often come in a lighter wash.“
Why Mom Jeans Are Perfect for Curvy Women
Mom jeans are perfect for curvy women because of their high-waisted design and relaxed fit.
Unlike low-rise jeans, which can create a muffin top effect (think boyfriend style), Mom jeans draw attention to the smallest part of your waist while highlighting curves in the hips, smoothing out the midsection and providing a flattering silhouette making them perfect if you want to hide belly fat and love handles.
Additionally, the full coverage and extra space in the seat, crotch and hips provided by Mom jeans can help to balance out curvier hips and thighs, creating a more proportionate look. If you have broader shoulders mom fits balance your figure shaping out your bottom half, too.
Ideal for women of all ages, they’re especially great for women over 50 thanks to their curve-loving silhouette and fashionable appeal, without feeling overly trendy. Utterly timeless, they work with just about anything, making them an ideal candidate for slipping into a capsule wardrobe.
How to Style Mom Jeans for Curvy Women
Styling Mom jeans for curvy women is quite easy. All you have to do is to find a pair that will make you feel comfortable enough to move around in but rigid enough to last a good few years and then play around with your favourite tops (just avoid pairing them with oversized items that can create a shapeless silhouette).
Once you’ve chosen a length that flatters your leg shape, the best way to wear them in our opinion is with a blouse or white shirt, a tee or some knitwear – but preferably tucked in. This helps to create a more polished look while also highlighting the high waistline of the jeans. V-necks, print camis, sleeveless shirts, and denim jackets pair with ease, too.
However, because high-rise, loose-fitting of mom jeans do have the potential to look frumpy, style influencer Nena Evans says structured pieces provide a welcome contrast.
“I love styling mom jeans with a button-down and loafers or blazer and tennis shoes — simple combinations that work every time,” Evans tells InStyle. “When done right, they look effortlessly chic and timeless.“
Meant for making you instantly ready for whatever the day throws at you, Mom jeans easily pair not only with comfortable shoes, but also classic pump and ankle boots– just roll up the hems for extra style points. But please, avoid wearing flats or sandals with them as these shoes can make your legs look shorter and wider.
To create more of an hourglass silhouette, we also recommend adding some definition with a belt too.
The Best Brands for Mom Jeans
Many brands offer Mom jeans in a variety of washes and styles. Here are some of the best ones you can find on the market according to CrunchyTales’ fashion editors.
Levi’s is a classic denim brand that has been around for over 150 years. Known for their high-quality and durable denim, Levi’s offers a variety of Mom jeans in different washes and styles.
The iconic 501 Original jeans from Levi’s happens to be one of the original mom jean styles—like, the same style worn by moms in the ’80s. In addition to being the original mom jean, we love this Levi’s style because it features a tailored yet relaxed fit and is made to fit the body like a glove, moulding over time to curve the more you wear it. It’s also available in a ton of great washes and you can even find some 501s in different colours and patterns, too.
2. American Eagle Stretch Ripped Curvy Mom Jean
American Eagle is a popular clothing brand that offers a variety of Mom jeans in different washes and styles. Their jeans are known for their affordable prices and comfortable fit. Most of their styles are straight at the hip and thigh, which makes curvy and stretchy silhouettes a great choice for those with curves.
Our top pick for the best curvy mom jean is the AE Stretch Ripped Curvy Mom Jean. The high-waisted light-wash denim comes with a lived-in feel with ultra-soft and stretchy mid-weight fabrication and a limitless waistband.
Recently launching a whole new series of fits, New Look currently has a whopping 46 options for mom jeans on its website, offering a high waist and slim leg silhouette made with responsibly sourced cotton.
The Tori is available in many styles, from light to dark washes, patchwork, smarter executions, and ripped and distressed varieties. With Tori’s across all categories, if you’ve struggled to find a pair of the best mom jeans to fit your body shape.
4. Wrangler Mom Straight In Coolio
Every wardrobe needs a pair of Mom jeans for those laidback looks and everyday comfort. This pair of vintage-inspired Mom Straight jeans feature contrasting denim with a flattering curved high waist and a classic straight leg. Perfect if you look for a sustainable option too: this garment was made with fabric that contains at least 54% recycled cotton.
Good American jeans have become a firm favourite amongst stylish women over 50. It might be a celebrity-owned label, but this American clothing brand has proved it’s all about great cuts and quality.
The jeans are sized from a US size 00 to a size 24, making them one of the most inclusive denim ranges on the market right now and one of the best jeans for curvy women. A pair of mom jeans that will withstand the test of time and be that one you reach for over and over again.
Conclusion
So, what have we learned? Mom jeans are a must-have for curvy women. Whether you’re dressing up for a night out or running errands on the weekend, they are a versatile and stylish choice. And guess what? They can make you look like you’ve just stepped straight out of an early episode of Friends (did you know Rachel Green is the patron saint of mom jeans?)
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