Bootcut vs. Flared Jeans: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to wide-leg denim styles, bootcut and flared jeans may seem similar at first glance, but they each bring a distinct vibe to streetwear. Both styles offer room at the hem, making them a strong alternative to straight-leg or slim-fit jeans, but the silhouette, proportion, and overall styling approach vary between the two.

• Bootcut jeans have a subtle, controlled flare, originally designed to fit over boots but now adapted into modern streetwear fits.
• Flared jeans feature a wider, more dramatic leg opening, channeling ’70s and Y2K aesthetics for a bold, statement-making look.

Understanding bootcut vs. flared jeans is about knowing which fit aligns with your style,  how to balance proportions, and how to pair them with sneakers or streetwear staples. Explore mnml’s latest drops to find new wide-leg denim fits that fit your wardrobe.

Bootcut Jeans: A Classic Streetwear Staple

Bootcut jeans first gained popularity in the 1970s, later making a comeback in the early 2000s, and now finding a place in modern streetwear. Unlike flared jeans, which widen dramatically below the knee, bootcut jeans feature a more gradual, subtle flare, giving them a cleaner, structured appearance. 

Over the years, celebrities and fashion icons have embraced bootcut jeans, reinforcing their timeless appeal. In the early 2000s, stars like Jennifer Aniston, Gisele Bündchen, Beyoncé, and Halle Berry made them a wardrobe staple, often pairing them with pointed-toe heels or sneakers. On the men's side, Brad Pitt, Pharrell Williams, and Timothée Chalamet have all been spotted in bootcut silhouettes, proving their versatility in both casual and high-fashion settings. More recently, artists like Kendrick Lamar have incorporated bootcut jeans into high profile performance fits, bringing them back into streetwear relevance. Whether styled for understated elegance or bold streetwear energy, bootcut jeans remain a go-to fit for all genders.

The Bootcut Denim from mnml is a great example of the form and versatility that make this style a streetwear staple. With its slim fit through the thigh and subtle flare at the ankle, it offers a clean silhouette that works effortlessly with sneakers, boots, or layered streetwear pieces. 

Why Bootcut Jeans Work for Streetwear

• A fitted look with movement: Bootcut jeans taper through the hip and thigh, then open up slightly at the ankle, allowing for easy layering with sneakers or boots.
• Versatile for different types of styles: Unlike exaggerated flares, bootcut jeans feel low-key but still fashion-forward, making them easy to style with both oversized and fitted tops.
• Ideal for relaxed but structured outfits: They soften the wide-leg aesthetic without overpowering an outfit, keeping things balanced and comfortable.

Flared Jeans: Bold and Retro Vibes

If bootcut jeans offer subtle structure, flared jeans are all about making a statement. Originally a staple of ‘70s fashion, flared denim pants saw a major resurgence in the Y2K era, becoming a defining piece of early 2000s pop culture. Today, they remain a go-to for progressive streetwear looks, blending retro influence with modern aesthetics.

Flared jeans have long been embraced by fashion icons and trendsetters, who frequently styled them with cropped tops and oversized layers, reinforcing their playful, exaggerated silhouette. Flares work across multiple aesthetics, which means this resurgence isn't just about nostalgia. Flared jeans are a statement of individuality, making them an essential part of bold, fashion-forward streetwear.

What Makes Flared Jeans Stand Out?

• A wider, exaggerated flare: Unlike bootcut jeans, which gradually widen, flared jeans expand significantly from the knee down, creating a bold, eye-catching silhouette.
• Perfect for retro and Y2K-inspired fits: Flared jeans pair well with oversized hoodies, cropped jackets, and statement footwear, making them a favorite for throwback and street-style aesthetics.
• High-fashion streetwear appeal: Flared jeans often appear in runway collections and luxury streetwear, proving that vintage silhouettes can feel modern and edgy when styled correctly.

Whether you’re leaning into retro influence or aiming for a progressive fit, flared jeans like our D519 Zipper Flare Denim make an undeniable statement in streetwear.

Styling Bootcut Jeans with Sneakers for a Modern Twist

One of the best ways to wear bootcut jeans in streetwear is pairing them with sneakers. The challenge is balancing the slight flare with the right kicks, ensuring the silhouette feels intentional, not outdated.

How to Style Bootcut Jeans with Sneakers

• Go for a sneaker with a solid sole: Chunky sneakers or platform-style kicks work best with bootcut jeans since they help fill the space under the flare, preventing the jeans from looking too long.
• Stick to low- or mid-rise sneakers: Super high-top sneakers can get lost under bootcut jeans, so go for low-profile or mid-top shoes for a clean finish.
• Pair with relaxed or oversized tops: Bootcut jeans already have a slightly fitted upper, so adding an oversized hoodie like our Contrast Stitch Hoodie or vintage-inspired graphic tee balances the proportions.

This styling approach modernizes bootcut jeans, proving they belong in today’s evolving streetwear scene. If you’re also exploring denim trends, learning how to style jorts can help you diversify your wardrobe with another streetwear staple.

Styling Flared Jeans with Streetwear Tops

Flared jeans bring volume and movement, so pairing them with the right tops is key to creating a streetwear-ready look.

Best Tops to Pair with Flared Jeans

• Oversized hoodies: A relaxed hoodie adds to the throwback aesthetic, creating a fluid silhouette that emphasizes the dramatic shape of the flares.
• Graphic sweatshirts: Vintage or Y2K-inspired sweatshirts enhance the retro feel, making the jeans feel cohesive with the rest of the outfit.
• Cropped jackets: A shorter jacket like our Cropped Strappy Jacket balances out the wide flare, keeping the look structured and modern.
• Layered tees: A long tee layered under a cropped jacket or vest creates a street-style-inspired proportion mix that works well with flares.

The key is leaning into volume while keeping the upper half structured, ensuring that the outfit looks intentional and balanced.

The Right Denim Wash for Bootcut and Flared Jeans

The wash of your jeans can change the entire vibe of your outfit. Here’s how to choose the right one for each style:

• Bootcut Jeans: Dark washes give a cleaner, more structured look, making them easy to style with streetwear basics. Light and distressed washes lean into a relaxed, vintage aesthetic.
• Flared Jeans: Lighter washes, faded finishes, and vintage distressing enhance the retro feel. Black or raw denim flares can create a high-fashion, modern streetwear look.

For a more elevated take on denim styling, consider adding a tweed jacket outfit to your rotation. Pairing a structured tweed jacket with wide-leg denim creates a fusion of classic tailoring and urban fashion. This combination adds contrast to casual streetwear pieces, making it a fresh way to experiment with textures and silhouettes.

Which Fit is Right for You? Bootcut vs. Flared

Choosing between bootcut vs. flared jeans comes down to personal style, proportions, and how much of a statement you want to make.

If you want a subtle, structured fit, bootcut jeans are a great choice. If you’re into bold, throwback streetwear, flared jeans bring high-fashion energy to any look. 

Bootcut or Flared, Both Bring Streetwear Style at mnml

No matter which fit you choose, both bootcut and flared jeans offer unique ways to incorporate wide-leg denim into streetwear. Bootcut jeans bring a sleek, structured look, while flared jeans add a bold, retro-inspired twist.

Explore mnml’s latest collections to find the best modern bootcut and flared jeans, designed for progressive, evolving streetwear fits.