A great pair of jeans will make you look and feel amazing, despite the setting or activity. An amazing pair of jeans can be worn into the office, on a mountain, and anywhere in between.
When you’re on the hunt for jeans that will stand up to your active life and look spot-on in every situation, it comes down to fit. Knowing how long your jeans should be is a big part of choosing a versatile and long-lasting pair.
Before you buy your next pair of jeans, find out how they should fit. Check out this guide to selecting the proper length of jeans:
How Jeans Should Fit
The right length jeans won’t look sharp unless they fit you well everywhere. Jeans should fit loosely enough that they allow relatively unrestricted movement while being fitted at the waist. To look your best, find a pair of jeans that properly fits your unique shape.
You know jeans are too loose when your body shape is completely lost in them. While people often choose roomy pants to make them appear smaller or more fit, they ironically have the opposite effect. When jeans are too baggy, they make you look less put-together. Jeans that are too tight will also make you seem larger than reality.
Here are three common signs your jeans are too tight:
- They leave marks from the seam on your skin.
- You can't grab a small pinch of fabric from the thigh and calf area when standing.
- Wrinkles in tight areas face inwards, rather than pushing outward.
Jeans worn too tight
How Long Should Jeans Be
Generally, jeans should be long enough to reach the tops of your feet with a little extra fabric, but short enough that the hems aren’t dragging on the ground. Jeans promote an effortless style, so their fit should reflect that.
Jeans can look great with a bit of extra length stacking on your shoes and equally great cuffed above the ankle. They’re much more adaptable to your personal style preferences than more formal pants like chinos and trousers.
Right now, jeans are trending to fit shorter than in the past. But we believe in finding a look and length that’s timeless.
Choose jeans that are long and fitted enough to give you some flexibility in the length you choose to wear them. Find jeans that are long enough to have a bit of a break (a small crease in the denim around your shin), rather than creating a stick-straight or overly stacked look. Remember, you can always roll your jeans up to make them shorter, but you can’t easily add length.
Men's Jeans worn at three different lengths
What Length Should Skinny Jeans Be?
Skinny and slim fit jeans are popular right now, and for good reason. They’re some of the most versatile styles. They can be paired with a variety of footwear and can be worn at different lengths. Plus, they’re usually made with a bit of stretch (especially ours), so they’re perfect for looking good and being ready for anything--as long as you have the right length.
Skinny jeans are stylish at a few different lengths. Females look great rocking skinny jeans that hit a few inches above the ankle bone--also known as ankle jeans. Skinnies that reach within an inch above or below the ankle are always a good pick for guys or gals.
Pair skinny jeans with your favourite low-rise Converse and wear them a few inches above your ankle or lace up a stylish pair of baroques and let your jeans come just short of the shoe rim.
Women's Jeans worn at three different lengths
How Long Jeans Should Be, Based on Footwear
| Jean Length/Footwear | Boot | Athletic | Dressy |
| 2" + above ankle | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| 1" above ankle | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| At the top of shoe | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| At the laces/top of foot | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
When you’re set up with a pair of jeans that fit your body well, you can wear pretty much can shoe you feel like and still look great. Here are some helpful tips on how to wear your jeans with three popular types of footwear:
Athletic Shoes
When you have denim that’s made for movement, you’re going to need a pair of shoes that can keep up. With your Converse, Keds, and Nikes, wear jeans rolled to a few inches above the ankle or sweeping the tops of your laces.
Boots
Sleek Chelsea boots, stylish chukkas, and rugged hiking boots are all worthy partners for a durable pair of jeans. Roll up your pants a few inches to showcase your noteworthy footwear. Your jeans should just meet the top of your boots; an effortless look that says you’re ready for anything.
Dress Shoes
You can spruce up a pair of dark denim with a classy pair of kicks. Loafers, oxfords, and slides are all great complements for your favourite skinny or tapered jeans. Try pairing these shoes with a fancy sock, too. Avoid too much fabric stacking on your dress shoes.
Jeans worn with three different footwear styles
Rolling Up Your Jeans for the Best Length
Even with all the style guidelines on how long your jeans should be, there’s one great fall-back tactic: Rolling your jeans to a good length. Rather than needing a pair of jeans for every style of shoe you own, customize your jeans to your mood.
There’s a sharp looking way to roll every pair of jeans, regardless of footwear.
Check out our article on how to roll your jeans for all the details on getting the right cuff length.
Where to Find Jeans that Fit Well
Do you have a pair of jeans that fit you like a glove? When your jeans fit you well, you look better, feel better, and can do more.
To find your new favourite pair of high-performance denim, check out our selection of Men’s Jeans and Women’s Jeans.
