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It may seem that upswing in popularity of the best bootcut jeans is derived solely from a particularly historic and symbolic Super Bowl Halftime performance—and you wouldn’t be entirely off the mark in thinking that. Although Kendrick Lamar illuminated the silhouette when he took to the stage, the bootcut jeans resurgence coincides with other ’70s and early aughts-inspired garb having a moment right now. You know the ones—bohemian blouses, low-slung pants, and all things suede.
Vogue’s Favorite Bootcut Jeans:
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Bootcut jeans were created for, well, boots, of course. They were the choice style for ranch hands and cowboys—those working long, strenuous hours in nature and needed denim that would cover their boots in full while riding. They continued to be a favored choice, although a less utilitarian one, throughout the ’90s and early 2000s, with celebrities and fashion heroes sporting the cut, albeit much more low-slung on the hips. But, as trends redirected towards skinnier styles and then oversized fits, bootcut jeans fell out of favor, until 2024’s nostalgia boost.
They can be described as fitted at the waist and flared at the ankle—but don’t mistake them for a wide-leg silhouette or a baggy straight-leg! These can resemble a skinny jean until your eyes pan down toward the shoe. For shoe lovers, it is the best option—what other style shows off a sleek kitten-heel pump, or glossy ankle boot so well?
When it comes to choosing the best bootcut jeans, we at Vogue suggest starting with tried-and-true denim brands, like Levi’s, 7 For All Mankind, and Re/Done. Meanwhile, contemporary finds secure their place in our denim rotation, like a black pair from Kallmeyer, a faded find from EB Denim, and a high-waist cut from Favorite Daughter. There are high-street alternatives too, that are as chic as they are well made, from Zara, Mango, and Madewell. Then, for those ready to dive deep into an investment, look to Khaite’s elongated Dane jeans, Saint Laurent’s lived-in style, or Valentino’s roomier denim.
For spring, we’re styling ours with sporty outerwear, cropped trenches, classic white T-shirts, and polo tops—but the options are endless. Ahead, find your perfect bootcut jeans for the new season, and beyond.
