Last updated: October 9, 2022
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A friend called me the other day, and we got into a discussion on – of all things – jeans! We laughed about the styles of the yesteryears, especially the ones that were popular while we were in college. The topic naturally turned to mom jeans.
Mom jeans were initially designed for women who had just given birth and needed roomy clothes that would accommodate their post-pregnancy bodies, but now they’re used by many different body types. Mom jeans will suit you best if you have an hourglass figure or a pear shape.
Since the style of mom jeans is making a comeback – with many younger women choosing it, I thought of writing this post. In particular, I will discuss why so many of my equestrian friends love mom jeans for riding and also the body types these jeans are best suited for. We will also cover the best mom jeans in the market.
(Until recently, I wasn’t aware that Mom Jeans wasn’t just a style of jeans popular in the 1980s and 1990s. It is also a fake brand – apparently ‘created’ by Tina Fey after she joked about them on a popular TV show. Mom Jeans, by the way, is also a music band!)
But, I digress…
What are Mom Jeans?
Mom jeans are a style of jeans that first gained popularity in the 1990s, typically worn by middle-aged moms and considered ‘unstylish’ and unhip by young women.
Traditionally, mom jeans had a high waist, ankle-length, and featured a rather loose and large hip area that made the wearer’s bottom seem uncharacteristically wide. They were also only available in blue, unlike modern jeans.
You’d typically see moms wearing them at Walmart or when dropping off and picking up their kids from school. Today, the style is making a comeback. More and more younger women in their 20s and 30s are opting for this style because they are comfortable and stylish, and the jeans look good with cowboy boots.
Mom jeans have undergone some cosmetic changes, although the wide hips, high waist, and ankle-length features remain.
Are Boyfriend Jeans and Mom Jeans the Same?
Boyfriend jeans and mom jeans are not the same. Boyfriend jeans are low-waist jeans, and mom jeans are always high-waist, irrespective of style and cut.
Boyfriend jeans also have less-tapered legs and are also less baggy and not as loose as mommy jeans. Mom jeans often stretch at the waist, and boyfriend jeans don’t.
Did you know that there are also ‘girlfriend jeans’? But that is a topic for another post.
What is the Difference Between Straight Jeans and Mom Jeans?
Mom jeans and straight-leg jeans have only one similarity: their straight legs. The main differences between the two styles are:
- Both styles are relaxed, but mom jeans are baggier and looser. Mom’s jeans are also loose all over: waist, legs, hips, etc.
- Mommy jeans are shorter than straight jeans as they end just above the ankles.
- Straight jeans have a slimmer fit than mom jeans, and they can be low-rise, mid-rise, and high-rise, whereas mom jeans are only high-rise.
What Body Type do Mom Jeans Look Good on?
Many celebrities have made mom jeans very popular, including America’s sweethearts like Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow, and even supermodel Gigi Hadid.
Here are different body types that can wear mom jeans with confidence:
Tall women
The loose, baggy style is great for accentuating long legs. Super-model Gig Hadid, who is nearly 5’ 10” or 1.78m tall, has shown us just that. You can see Gigi’s stylish look here. The loose and baggy style also eases movement.
Curvy women/hour-glass/pear-shaped
Even women with an hourglass figure can opt for mom jeans. The high-waist style accentuates those curves and highlights the natural waist. Besides this, its tapered leg also elongates the body and balances the contoured shape.
For those with belly fat
Mom jeans are ideal for hiding belly fat and love handles. They also prevent muffin tops that are so characteristic of other jeans styles.
Now, let’s look at the top four mom jeans:
Signature Strauss by Levi’s Gold Label Mom Jeans
We love Levi’s at my house – almost everyone owns a pair. Levi’s Gold Label mom jeans feature the classic high waist and five pockets, making these jeans great for horse riding.
In addition to cotton, they have 2% elastane which makes them slightly stretchy. The style detailing includes some trendy ‘distress’ points.
Pros
- Excellent quality
- Stylish
- Comfortable
- Affordable
Cons
- Make a crunching noise while walking or horseriding.
How they compare
Most users found these mom jeans a bit loose – although mom jeans are meant to be baggy and spacious. Price-wise, these are affordable, long-lasting jeans under $40 from a reliable brand.
Little Vintage Girls Vibrant Classic Mom Jeans High Waist
Don’t let the brand’s name fool you. These mom jeans from Little Vintage Girls are suitable for women in their 30s and 40s. They are available in 7 different sizes and 13 attractive colors – you will never run out of what to wear!
I love the fact that this is an all-American brand, and the jeans are proudly manufactured in the US.
Features
- Ideal for women with long legs
- Contain cotton and Lycra for stretch-ability
- Sturdy and well-made
Pros
- Fit like a glove – accentuates the bottom and makes the waist look tiny.
Cons
- Expensive but worth the price.
- Returns are tricky since they charge a re-stocking fee.
How they compare
Pricier than most brands, Little Vintage Girls’ mom jeans are long-lasting, fit well, and are available in many shades, unlike the other brands here. Quality materials and USA-made; need I say more?
Ruisin Classic High Waist Jeans for Women Vintage Denim Pants
These vintage-style high-waist mom jeans from Ruisin will take you back to the 80s! They feature a comfortable high-waist, classic denim blue and are also available in other classic shades.
Features
- Cotton plus Spandex material
- High-quality denim, YKK zipper, and classic high-waist
Pros
- Ideal for women who want to hide belly fat
- Relaxed fit around thighs – super comfortable
- Available in attractive colors
- Truly vintage classic
Cons
- It could leave a gap at the back when riding – especially if you have a smaller waist in proportion to hips.
How they compare
Great pair of jeans under $50 bucks- true vintage style. They have gorgeous colors and very durable material. Most users found the fit very comfortable.
MASZONE Y2K Fashion Jeans for Women: High-Waisted Pants, Wide Leg
Teenagers love high-waist jeans with holes and distressed knees/thighs. My granddaughter is fond of such jeans too.
MASZONE Y2K high-waist jeans are available in 43 attractive colors – so there is something for every girl out there!
Features
- tall-straight high-waisted pants
- Holes and distressed fabric
- skin-friendly and breathable
Pros
- Plenty of choices
- Modern and hip mom jeans for younger women
Cons
- Size issues
- Fabric rips tend to get larger
How they compare
Super-affordable jeans under $35. Great for gifting. Classic jeans style with a touch of modern fashion!
Conclusion – Mom Jeans
Mom jeans are making a comeback. They were popular in the 1990s and considered unhip then, but today, the style is back with some modern embellishments. More and more girls are opting for it too- although they prefer the distressed fabric or “holey” jeans. The high-waist, baggy, and loose fit is perfect for equestrians too.
I recommend Levis’s Gold Label mom jeans as they are attractive, well-made, and affordable. The brand is well-known for its durable products and needs no introduction.
Do check out my other recommendations as well.
FAQs
Do mom jeans make one look fat?
Modern mom jeans won’t make you look fat. They are high-waist and often help one hide the muffin top. If you choose right, you can use it to flatter and accentuate your figure.
Are mom jeans good for pear-shaped body types?
Mom jeans look good on pear-shaped women well. A typical pear-shaped person has prominent hips, which the high-waist and roomy hips of mom jeans can help by accentuating their legs while slimming down the hips and belly.
Do mom jeans hide belly fat?
Mom jeans are good at hiding belly fat. In the style’s early days, that is what it was chosen for – to help reduce centimeters off the waistline. It eliminates love handles since it sits higher up on the waist and above the belly button.
Here is a funny YouTube video about mom jeans I thought you might enjoy:
Meet Miles Henry
An avid equestrian and seasoned racehorse owner, Miles Henry brings his extensive experience to the equine world, proudly associating with the AQHA, The Jockey Club, and various other equine organizations. Beyond the racetrack, Miles is an accomplished author, having published various books about horses, and is a recognized authority in the field, with his work cited in multiple publications.
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