Flare and bootcut jeans are two of the most popular jeans on the market today. However, many people often confuse the two and use the terms interchangeably.
While both styles have a similar silhouette, key differences set them apart. Understanding the nuances between flare and bootcut jeans can help you choose the perfect pair for your body type and personal style.
Here we will delve into the world of jeans and discuss the difference between flare and bootcut jeans. We will talk about different types of jeans, the defining features of flare and bootcut jeans, how to style them, fit and comfort differences between the two styles, and even answer if you can convert flare jeans into bootcut or vice versa. By the end of this post, you’ll better understand which style suits your body type and personal preferences.
What Is The Difference Between Flare And Bootcut Jeans – Understanding The Distinctions
Flare and bootcut jeans are two popular styles of denim that often get confused due to their similar silhouettes. However, their distinct differences can impact your overall look and how they fit your body type. Here’s a detailed comparison:
| Feature | Flare Jeans | Bootcut Jeans |
| Leg Shape and Opening | Dramatic widening from the knee down, pronounced bell-shape | Subtle flare from the knee, designed to fit over boots |
| Style | Bold, retro, bohemian | Classic, versatile, balanced |
| Versatility | Less versatile and more of a statement piece | Highly versatile, suitable for various occasions |
| Length and Fit | Worn longer, often covers shoes, best with heels/platforms | Falls just above or at the heel, suitable for flats/heels |
| Body Type Suitability | Elongates legs, balance wider hips, good for hourglass/pear shapes | Universally flattering and balances proportions without overwhelming |
| Fashion Trends | Cycles in and out of trends | Steady presence, timeless addition to a wardrobe |
| Ideal Footwear | Heels, platforms | Flats, heels, boots |
| Typical Length | Longer, sometimes covers shoes | Just above or at the heel |
| Best for | Making a bold fashion statement | Everyday wear, both casual and semi-formal |
1.Leg Shape and Opening
- Flare Jeans: Flare jeans are characterized by a dramatic widening from the knee down, creating a pronounced bell shape at the bottom. The leg opening is significantly wider, often reminiscent of 70s fashion.
- Bootcut Jeans: Bootcut jeans have a subtle flare starting from the knee and are designed to fit comfortably over boots. The widening is much less pronounced than flare jeans, giving a more tailored look.
2.Style and Versatility
- Flare Jeans: These bold jeans often appear more retro or bohemian. They can add drama to an outfit but might not be as versatile for everyday wear.
- Bootcut Jeans: You can dress up or down versatile bootcut jeans. They offer a classic, balanced silhouette for casual and semi-formal occasions.
3.Length and Fit
- Flare Jeans: People wear flare jeans longer, sometimes covering the shoes entirely. They look best with heels or platforms to prevent the hem from dragging.
- Bootcut Jeans: Bootcut jeans are usually designed to fall just above or at the heel of your shoes, making them suitable for flats and heels.
4.Body Type Suitability
- Flare Jeans: Flare jeans can elongate the legs and balance out wider hips, making them flattering for hourglass and pear-shaped bodies.
- Bootcut Jeans: Bootcut jeans offer a more universally flattering fit, providing a slight flare that can balance proportions without overwhelming the frame.
5.Fashion Trends
- Flare Jeans: Often seen as a statement piece, flare jeans tend to cycle in and out of fashion trends more distinctly.
- Bootcut Jeans: Bootcut jeans have maintained a steadier presence in fashion, making them a timeless addition to any wardrobe.
Styling Tips For Flare Jeans
-
Retro Chic
- Top: Pair with a fitted turtleneck or a vintage graphic tee.
- Footwear: Opt for platform heels or wedges to elongate your legs.
- Accessories: Add oversized sunglasses and a boho hat for a 70s-inspired look.
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Bohemian Vibes
- Top: Choose a flowy blouse with bell sleeves or a peasant top.
- Footwear: Wear with ankle boots or gladiator sandals.
- Accessories: Layer on long necklaces and bangles, and carry a fringed bag.
-
Modern Elegance
- Top: Tuck in a silk blouse or a structured blazer for a polished look.
- Footwear: Go for pointed-toe pumps or sleek-heeled boots.
- Accessories: Add a statement belt and a minimalist clutch.
-
Casual Cool
- Top: Wear with a simple tucked-in tee or a cropped sweater.
- Footwear: Style with white sneakers or espadrilles for a relaxed vibe.
- Accessories: Keep it simple with a crossbody bag and stud earrings.
Styling Tips For Bootcut Jeans
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Classic Everyday
- Top: Pair with a basic t-shirt or a tank top.
- Footwear: Choose ballet flats or loafers for a comfortable, stylish look.
- Accessories: Accessorize with a casual watch and a tote bag.
-
Office Ready
- Top: Wear with a button-down shirt or a tailored blouse.
- Footwear: Opt for block heels or dressy flats.
- Accessories: Add a structured handbag and a skinny belt.
-
Weekend Vibes
- Top: Go for a cozy sweater or a denim jacket.
- Footwear: Style with ankle boots or slip-on sneakers.
- Accessories: Choose a beanie or a scarf for a laid-back look.
-
Night Out
- Top: Pair with a sparkly top or an off-the-shoulder blouse.
- Footwear: Wear with heeled sandals or strappy heels.
- Accessories: Add bold earrings, a clutch, and a layered necklace.
How Can You Convert Flare Jeans Into Bootcuts Or Vice Versa?
Yes, it is possible to alter flare jeans into bootcuts or vice versa through tailoring. Flare jeans typically have a more pronounced wide flare at the bottom, while bootcut jeans have a subtler flare that accommodates boots.
The success of this alteration depends on the original shape and fabric of the jeans, but skilled tailors can typically make these adjustments to achieve the desired style. Converting flare jeans into bootcuts or vice versa involves some basic sewing and tailoring skills. Here’s a general guide for each conversion:
Converting Flare Jeans Into Bootcut:
Measure and Mark:
Put on the flare jeans and decide how much you want to taper the flare. Bootcut jeans have a more subtle flare that starts below the knee.
Mark the New Seam Line:
Using tailor’s chalk or fabric marker, draw a line from the knee down towards the ankle, gradually tapering in. Make sure the new line smoothly transitions from the existing seam.
Pin and Sew:
Turn the jeans inside out. Pin along the marked line to create the new seam. Start sewing from just above the knee down to the hem using a sewing machine or hand stitch, ensuring a straight and even seam.
Trim Excess Fabric (Optional):
If there’s excess fabric after sewing, trim it carefully to create a clean edge. Leave enough seam allowance for durability.
Finish the Hem (Optional):
If you’ve altered the length, hem the jeans to the desired length, ensuring it’s even all around.
Press and Try On:
Press the new seams to set them properly. Try on the jeans to ensure they fit well and the flare has been tapered to your liking.
Converting Bootcut Jeans Into Flare
Measure and Mark:
Put on the bootcut jeans and decide how much you want to widen the flare. Flare jeans have a more pronounced flare starting from below the knee.
Mark the New Seam Line:
Using tailor’s chalk or fabric marker, draw a line from just below the knee down towards the hem, gradually widening out. Ensure the new line smoothly transitions from the existing seam.
Pin and Sew:
Turn the jeans inside out. Pin along the marked line to create the new seam. Start sewing from just below the knee down to the hem using a sewing machine or hand stitch, ensuring a straight and even seam.
Trim Excess Fabric (Optional):
If there’s excess fabric after sewing, trim it carefully to create a clean edge. Leave enough seam allowance for durability.
Finish the Hem (Optional):
If you’ve altered the length, hem the jeans to the desired length, ensuring it’s even all around.
Press and Try On:
Press the new seams to set them properly. Try on the jeans to ensure they fit well and the flare has been widened to your liking.
Tips:
- Take your time: Precision is key to achieving a neat and professional-looking alteration.
- Use the right tools: A sewing machine (or needle and thread), fabric marker or chalk, pins, and scissors are essential.
- Practice on scrap fabric: If you’re unsure, practice the seam on a scrap piece of fabric before altering your jeans.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between flare and bootcut jeans can help you make more informed choices based on your body type and personal style. Flare jeans offer a bold, dramatic look with a wider leg opening that can elongate the legs and balance wider hips, making them perfect for those seeking a retro or bohemian vibe.
On the other hand, bootcut jeans provide a more subtle flare and versatile style that works well for both casual and semi-formal occasions, offering a universally flattering fit. By recognizing these distinctions, you can confidently select the right pair of jeans to enhance your wardrobe and complement your unique fashion sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.How Long Should Bootcut Jeans Be?
Yes, ankle boots can be worn with cropped jeans for a stylish and trendy look.
2.What Are The Differences In Leg Openings Between Flare And Bootcut Jeans?
The main difference between flare and bootcut jeans is in the leg openings. Flare jeans have a wider leg opening that gradually widens from the knee to the ankle, giving a dramatic bell-bottom effect. On the other hand, bootcut jeans have a more subtle flare that is wider at the ankle compared to the knee, allowing them to be worn over boots.
3.What are the differences between the Flaring of Flare Jeans And Bootcut Jeans?
Flare jeans are designed to have a more exaggerated flaring from the knee down, while bootcut jeans have a slight flare from the knee to the ankle, making them more subtle in comparison.
4.What Are The Differences In The Width Of The Legs Between Flare And Bootcut Jeans?
The legs of flare jeans have a wider bottom than bootcut jeans, creating a more exaggerated flare from the knee down. In contrast, bootcut jeans have a slight flare from the knee down to accommodate boots but are narrower compared to flare jeans.
5.What Are The Differences In The Waist to Hip Ratio Of Flare And Bootcut Jeans?
Flare jeans typically have a wider leg opening from the knee down, creating a more pronounced flare shape. On the other hand, bootcut jeans have a subtler flare starting from the knee to accommodate wearing boots. The waist-to-hip ratio may vary slightly between these styles, with bootcut jeans often featuring a more gradual knee taper than flare jeans.
6.What Are The Differences In Fit Between Flare And Bootcut Jeans?
The key difference between flare and bootcut jeans is in the leg shape. Flare jeans have a wider, more exaggerated flare from the knee down, while bootcut jeans have a more subtle flare that is typically smaller than flare jeans.
7.What Are The Unique Features Of Flare Jeans Compare To Bootcut Jeans?
Flare jeans are characterized by a wider and more exaggerated flare at the bottom compared to bootcut jeans, which have a less dramatic flare that starts subtly from the knee down.
8.What Sets Flare Jeans Apart From Bootcut Jeans?
Flare jeans are distinguished by their wider flare below the knee, creating a more dramatic bell-bottom effect. Bootcut jeans have a subtle flare that accommodates wearing boots underneath.
9.Do Boot Leg Or Skinny Jeans Make Legs Look Longer?
Bootcut jeans can create the illusion of longer legs due to their flared shape that balances out the proportions of the body. On the other hand, skinny jeans can also elongate the legs by hugging the body closely and creating a streamlined silhouette. Ultimately, both styles can help create the appearance of longer legs depending on personal preference and body shape.