Fashion

Why bootleg jeans are the timeless classic that aren’t going anywhere

And seven of our favourite pairs that prove it.
Getty /Christian Viereg

Bootcut jeans have etched their place in the fashion world as a timeless classic. With a history dating back to the 1960s and ’70s, these jeans have evolved into a style that effortlessly combines comfort and elegance.

What sets bootcut jeans apart is their distinctive silhouette. Starting with a snug fit around the hips and thighs, they gently widen as they flow down towards the hem. This gradual flare creates a subtle ‘bootcut’ shape that’s not too overwhelming. This unique design is what makes them so versatile.

The best bootcut jeans for women in Australia

Have we convinced you to try out a pair for yourself? Below are some of our very favourite bootcut jeans for you to shop and style.

01

Debbie Bootcut Jeans

$89.98 (usually $179.95) at Neuw Denim

The perfect high-rise bootcut silhouette, these stylish classic jeans are flattering on any body type. They’re available in a range of denim washes, but we can’t help but lust after this versatile pair.

Sizes: 6 – 14

Colours: Boston indigo and perfect black

Materials: 99% premium organic cotton, 1% elastane

Key features:

  • Relaxed in the seat
  • More narrow in the knee than in the leg opening
  • Super high-rise jeans designed to sit at the navel

02

Dusters Bootcut

$79.98 (usually $159.95) at Rolla’s Jeans

Made in collaboration with Aussie style icon, Phoebe Tonkin, this pair of blue bootcut jeans give off just the right amount of vintage glamour.

Sizes: 5 – 14

Colours: LA blue, Soho black and Brad blue

Materials: 99% premium organic cotton, 1% elastane

Key features:

  • Tight around the seat but will soften with wear
  • Specially angled and shaped in the back
  • Zip closure

03

Stretch Bootcut Flare Jean

$59.99 at Cotton On

Want to try out the style without breaking the bank? This pair from Cotton On is more low-rise than your usual bootleg, yet still has that classic soft flare that suits all kinds of outfits.

Sizes: 4 – 24

Colours: logans blue/utility, jewel blue, oxford blue, bells blue, logans blue, black pepper/utility and smokey black

Materials: 99% premium organic cotton, 1% elastane

Key features:

  • Mid-rise
  • Snug fit
  • Comfort stretch

04

Mother The Hustler Ankle Boot Jeans

$425 at David Jones

A great option for those on the shorter side, a pair of cropped bootleg jeans can help to lengthen legs and create a longer illusion. Pair with some strappy heels and a blazer for the perfect night-on-the-town look.

Sizes: 23 – 32 inch

Colours: Au Revoir, fairest of them all, home movies and not guilty

Key features:

  • High rise
  • Bootcut
  • Ankle length

05

Curvy Fit Bootcut High Jeans

$44.99 at H&M

Made with curvy girls in mind, these comfortable bootcut jeans are ultra-flattering and a dream to style thanks to their versatility.

Sizes: 4 – 22

Colours: black, denim blue and dark denim blue

Materials: cotton, denim

Key features:

  • High waist
  • A zip fly with a button
  • Five pockets

06

Frame Le Mini Boot

$405.84 at Net-A-Porter

If you’re after something on the luxury side of denim, we can’t help but obsess over this midrise pair from Frame.

Sizes: 23 – 34

Colours: mid denim and black

Materials: 92% cotton, 6% polyester, 2% elastane

Key features:

  • Mid-rise
  • Made from premium stretch-denim
  • Button and concealed zip fastening at front

07

Women’s Westward High-Rise Bootcut Jean

$69.97 (usually $109.99) at Wrangler

Ultra flattering, these form-fitting-yet-comfortable jeans are from the brand’s heritage collection so you know they stand the test of time.

Sizes: 24 – 35

Colours: heartbroken, hot in here and Saturn

Key features:

  • Fitted seat and slim leg
  • Zip-fly with button closure

Are bootcut jeans in style in 2024?

While we aren’t believers in sticking to what’s trending, bootcut jeans have certainly cemented their place in the fashion zeitgeist.

Have you heard of the 20-year rule? It’s actually called Laver’s Law (after famed fashion historian James Laver) and its concept is that fashion is cyclical and trends usually re-emerge every 20 years.

Considering that the bootcut style first soared to fame in the 1970s, experienced a resurgence in the ’90s, and now finds itself back in vogue amidst the revival of late ’90s and Y2K fashion trends, it’s safe to say that the enduring appeal of bootcut jeans has been unequivocally confirmed.

How to style bootcut jeans

Styling vintage silhouettes in 2024 is a lot easier than you think. You don’t need to go full Woodstock to introduce these to your wardrobe (although we are not opposed to a crochet vest and clogs). Instead, simply think about how to modernise a timeless silhouette.

These universally flattering jeans can be worn with sweaters and hoodies on these chilly winter days, and when it comes to footwear a pair of trendy Mary Janes give off that French je ne sais quoi, ballet flats are all about comfort or some strappy heels or boots can take you from the office to the bar in no time.

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