The 1 Rule You Need To Follow When Trying On Bootcut Jeans

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You've heard of the TikTok girl math trend and probably totally relate. But have you figured out bootcut jeans math? It's simple: Women's bootcuts plus a short zipper equals a style emergency. The verdict is in and this style needs a long zip, since short ones throw off the silhouette, disrupt the all-important rise-to-flare ratio, and channel Y2K fashion in the worst possible way. A simple way to check if your zipper is the right length is to follow New York stylist Liz Teich's "toothpick rule." If your zip is the length of a toothpick, it's too short, and that pair is unlikely to do you any favors.

A pro tip is to remember that short zippers are usually found on outdated low-rise jeans, which rarely work with bootcuts. They can give your hips an exaggerated, overly rounded look that skews the whole fit and structure of the bootcuts. So, if you have a shorter torso, ditch the low-waisted cuts and go for a mid-rise pair like the Wrangler Mid Rise Boot Cut Ultimate Riding Jeans. And if your torso is longer? High-waisted picks like the Wrangler High Rise Bold Boot Jeans will be a splendid fit.

Before you go searching for your next pair of short-zipped denim, though, let's clear up a common confusion surrounding the difference between bootcuts and flares. Both have wider hems, so they often get mixed up. But here's the cheat sheet: Bootcut flares start below the knee and are just wide enough to skim over your boots (hence the name), while flares go bigger and are often wide enough to nearly swallow your shoes whole. The subtle flare in bootcuts is easier to style and more casual, which explains why the '90s denim bootcut trend continually makes a comeback.

One reason bootcut jeans are a timeless trend and haven't been exiled by Gen Z the way skinny jeans have is because they're more comfortable and flatter most body types. Unlike leggings, skinnies, and other clingy cuts that spotlight the belly and thighs in contrast with slimmer calves, bootcuts offer balance. They frame the hips and thighs without exaggerating proportions, and the gentle flare smooths out the silhouette instead of slicing it in half.

Women's bootcuts are also pretty forgiving. They pair well with a wide range of tops, so you can pick a 'fit that works with your body and the shape of the jeans. But here's the catch: While most tops technically work, some combos can make your outfit look dated fast (think classic peplum tops with stiff fabrics and dramatic flares).

Shoes are also a major point to consider, even though most shoes that work with your flared jeans will work with bootcuts. As a rule of thumb, Liz Teich suggests going for dainty shoes for the best effects. "Today's bootcut jeans work best with a delicate shoe. Think heels with a pointed or almond-toe silhouette," she noted (via Wall Street Journal). Nonetheless, even sneakers can work with bootcuts, and the only hard line to avoid is clunky footwear. Heavy boots, chunky heels, or bulky sneakers can kill the freshness of your 'fit and send you on a one-way stroll straight back to Y2K.