Can Women Wear Men’s Jeans? What to Know Before Wearing

Can women wear men’s jeans? Absolutely! These days, the lines between men’s and women’s fashion are not so clear cut. More and more women are shopping in the men’s section for jeans that are comfortable, stylish, and versatile.

But before you start trying on men’s jeans, it’s important to know how they’re different from women’s jeans when it comes to fit, sizing, and styling.

This guide will tell you everything you need to know to rock a pair of men’s jeans with confidence.

Key Differences Between Men’s and Women’s Jeans

While jeans have a unisex appeal, there are some noticeable differences between men’s and women’s jeans in terms of fit, style, and sizing. Understanding these key differences will ensure you buy the right size and style of men’s jeans for your body.

Fit

The major difference lies in the fit. Women’s jeans hug the natural curves of the female body, while men’s jeans sit straight and loose.

• Women’s jeans are tailored to accentuate the waist, flatter the hips and rear, and contour the thighs. Many styles like skinny jeans cling tightly to showcase the legs.
• Men’s jeans have a boxier fit through the hip and thigh with straight legs, made to sit loosely on the male body shape. Relaxed, loose fits are more common.

Rise

The rise refers to the distance between the crotch seam and waistband.

• Women’s jeans typically have a shorter rise hitting below the navel. Low rise and mid rise styles are very common.
• Men’s jeans tend to have a higher rise sitting near the belly button for comfortable wearing, with some reaching even higher.

Leg Length

• Women’s jeans come in standard or petite lengths to suit shorter female figures. Cropped jeans are also very popular.
• Men’s jeans have longer inseams designed to fit taller male frames. Length options tend to start at 32″.

Styling

• Women’s jeans embrace trends with stylized embellishments, unique colors, and feminine details like floral embroidery or jeweled back pockets.
• Men’s jeans lean towards a simpler, classic look with fewer decorative features. Dark indigo denim is the most common.

Sizing

• Women’s jeans are sized numerically from 0-20 based on hip and waist measurements, like 31/28 for a size 6. Some brands also use petite, tall, and curvy size modifiers.
• Men’s jeans are sized according to waist and inseam measurements in inches, such as 32×30. Sizing is more consistent across brands.

Fabric

• Women’s jeans may use super stretchy fabrics and blends for maximum flexibility and comfort.
• Men’s jeans typically opt for sturdier, rigid denims less prone to stretching out. But stretch fabrics are becoming more common in men’s styles too.

While the above reflects the typical differences, brands are coming out with more unisex fits and washes, so the lines are blurring!

Men’s Jean Sizing Guide for Women

Finding your ideal size is the first step to looking and feeling great in men’s jeans. Pay close attention to these handy tips for choosing a flattering pair:

Measure Your Waist and Inseam

Unlike women’s jeans that go by hip/waist sizes like 27 or 31, men’s jeans are sized by waist and inseam measurements in inches. Take out your tape measure and wrap it around the narrowest part of your natural waistline to determine your waist size.

For inseam, measure from your crotch to the floor barefoot. Choose a men’s jean inseam 1-2 inches longer to allow for heels. Add 2 inches if you prefer cuffing or stacking jeans.

Choose the Right Rise

Measure the front rise of jeans you already own and love to determine your ideal rise height. Low rise men’s jeans may not provide enough coverage. Aim for a 10-12 inch front rise measurement for the most comfortable fit.

Consider Your Hip Measurement

While men’s jeans won’t hug your curves, the waistband still needs to slip over your hips. Measure the widest part of your hips and choose a men’s size at least 2 inches larger for comfort.

Size Up

It’s better to size up and wear a belt than to go too small. Remember, men’s jeans won’t stretch much. Allow some extra room in the waist and hip so the jeans don’t feel too tight and restrictive.

Know Your Body Type

• Slim, narrow hips – Relaxed and loose straight fits work well. Size down for a bit more shape if desired.
• Curvy, fuller hips – Look for relaxed or loose tapered fits with extra room. Size up.
• Petite – Opt for cropped or cuffed styles. Hem longer inseams to perfect the proportions.
• Athletic legs – Try relaxed and loose styles to accommodate muscles. Size up.

Tips for Styling Men’s Jeans

Finding that perfect pair of men’s jeans is only half the battle. Styling them in a feminine, flattering way is key to looking chic, not sloppy. Follow these easy tips:

Roll Up the Cuffs

Rolled cuffs instantly make longer men’s jeans fit your proportions better. Cuff skinny jeans a couple times or loosely roll up wide leg styles. This also shows off cute sneakers or heels.

Pair with Heels

Add an instant dose of femininity by pairing cuffed or cropped men’s jeans with strappy stilettos, block heels, or wedges. The contrast of loose menswear and ultra-feminine heels is very chic.

Belt at the Waist

Cinching men’s jeans with a belt accentuates your waistline. Try a wide corset-style belt, embellished belt, or pop of color belt to add flair.

Tuck in Tops

Create definition by tucking fitted feminine blouses and crop tops into men’s jeans. The blousy top balances the loose jeans.

Go Cropped

Cropped lengths help shorter women master the art of wearing men’s jeans. Try raw hem cropped jeans or roll up longer styles. Pair with heels for legs that go on for miles!

Contrast with Jackets

Layer with tight leather jackets, cropped blazers, or bold printed kimonos. The contrast between the loose jeans and fitted top works perfectly.

Don Chunky Sweaters

For casual cool vibes, pair men’s jeans with oversized sweaters, cardigans, or hoodies. Balance the roomy top with cuffed jeans.

Opt for Oversized

Try wearing men’s jeans with other oversized menswear pieces like button-down shirts or blazers for a boyfriend look. Add heels and feminine accessories.

Wrapping Up

So, can women wear men’s jeans? The answer is a big yes! By knowing the differences between men’s and women’s jeans and following the tips in this guide, you can easily find a pair of men’s jeans that look great on you.

Pay attention to the rise, length, and fit that work best for your body type, and have fun trying out different ways to style them.

Don’t be scared to mix things up and try men’s jeans – you might be surprised at how much you love the comfort and style they offer. Go ahead and broaden your denim game today!