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Jeans shape guide

With so many jean styles out there, knowing where to start can be tricky. That’s where our Jeans Style Guide comes in - it breaks down each leg shape with easy styling tips so you can pick the best pairs for every occasion.

The bootcut & flare

Bootcut jeans are fitted through the hips and thighs, then softly widen from the knee to the ankle — just enough to comfortably sit over boots.
They’re a timeless and balanced style. Flare jeans usually start to widen lower on the leg, flaring out more dramatically to create a bold, retro-inspired silhouette.

Styling Tips
  • Avoid a baggy fit — a clean, tailored line is what you’re after.
  • Length matters
    • Full-length - the hem should almost skim the ground when you’re wearing your chosen footwear. A slight break at the front of the shoe is fine, but too short and they look awkward; too long and they bunch.
    • Cropped - make sure they’re above the ankle to give clear definition.
  • Footwear Pairings
    • Full-length - heeled boots and wedged sandals - the classic pairing. Adds height, complements the flare, and elongates the leg.
    • Cropped - flatform sneakers or loafers - for a casual vibe.  
  • The Top Half - Bootcut & Flare styles are best friends with 
    • Shirts, knits and jackets that hit just above the hip, elongating the leg and balancing overall proportions.
    • Longerline tunics can work if they finish mid-thigh and have shape through the waist.

The wide

Wide leg jeans have a relaxed fit through the hips and thighs, creating a silhouette that continues to widen down to the hem. They can be styled casual or polished and are comfy enough to wear from morning to night.

Style Tips
  • Wide-leg jeans are best when fitting well at the waist and hips, providing structure before the release.
  • Length matters
    • Full-length - the hem should almost skim the ground when you’re wearing your chosen footwear. A slight break at the front of the shoe is fine, but too short and they look awkward; too long and they bunch.
    • Cropped - make sure they’re above the ankle to give clear definition.
  • Footwear Pairings
    • Full-length - best with heels, platforms or chunky sneakers - adds height and elongates the leg.
    • Cropped - anything goes, but particularly good with loafers and sandals.  
  • The Top Half - Wide styles are best friends with
    • Shorter hip-skimming tops and jackets, whether shaped or boxy and wrap-around blouses.
    • Boyfriend shirts - styled with a French tuck or fully tucked and topped with a blazer, gives a European vibe.

The barrel

Barrel leg jeans have a rounded, slightly tapered shape that’s wider through the thigh and narrows gently toward the ankle.  This creates a soft, curved silhouette resembling the shape of a barrel — roomy but structured, offering both comfort and a unique, modern look.
Style Tips
  • Barrel jeans are at their best when fitting well at the waist and hips, providing structure before the release.
  • Length is flexible - mostly cropped, but you’ll find everything from calf grazing to ankle embracing.
  • Footwear Pairings
    • Anything goes - cropped versions are perfect with ankle boots and sneakers, finish longer lengths with loafers or block heels.
  • The Top Half - Barrel styles are best friends with - Versatility.
    • Slightly cropped shirts or partially tucked boyfriend shirts and boxy tees topped with shorter jackets or cardigans .
    • Flowy blouses give a relaxed boho vibe.
    • Oversized sweats and sweaters work, but consider a partial tuck, giving a little definition around the waist.

The straight

Not too fitted, not too wide, straight leg jeans strike the perfect balance. They fall straight from the lower thigh, creating a clean, versatile silhouette.

Style Tips

  • Avoid a baggy fit — a clean, tailored line is what you’re after.
  • Length is flexible
    • Full-length - can finish anywhere from your ankle or grazing the top of your foot.
    • Cropped - the options are endless, varying from mid-calf to above the ankle.
  • Footwear Pairings - anything goes, but if you want to wear an ankle boot, they’re best paired with an above ankle length jean.
  • The Top Half - Straight styles are best friends with - everything.
    • Classic shirts, knits and jackets that hit just above the hip if you want to accentuate shape and elongate the leg. 
    • Styles that sit below the hip also work for a more relaxed feel.
    • Longerline tunics can work if they finish mid-thigh and have some shape through the torso.

The slim

Sitting somewhere between straight and skinny, slim-leg jeans follow the natural line of the leg with a closer fit through the hip and thigh, tapering gently from knee to hem — sleek, but not tight.

Style Tips

  • Length - generally focuses from above the ankle to just below.
  • Footwear Pairings - anything goes, ankle boots, loafers, sneakers and heels.
  • The Top Half - Slim styles are best friends with - longer lengths.
    • Relaxed boyfriend shirts or boho blouses with cropped vests or jackets over.
    • Classic tees with relaxed longerline cardigans or soft blazers
    • Elevated blouses with a blazer or soft trench coat.
    • Snuggly jumpers and sweats that finish below the hip.

The skinny

Skinny jeans are form-fitting from top to bottom, hugging the hips, thighs, and calves with a sleek, narrow ankle.

Style Tips

  • Length - ankle grazing
  • They're perfect under longer tops, tunics, or floaty layers to balance the proportions.
    • Oversized tees with coatigans over
    • Relaxed boyfriend shirts with soft blazers .
    • Belted shirtdresses, partially unbuttoned at the hem.
    • Knee-grazing boho dresses or longline empire-waisted blouses
  • Footwear Pairings - anything goes, ankle boots, loafers, sneakers and ballet flats

NYDJ Fits

In NYDJ, we stock two of their fits - the Womens & Missy....  so whats the difference?

  • The Womens fit is designed with extra room through the hips, thighs, and seat—perfect for curvier figures like hourglass or pear shapes.
  • The Missy fit suits those with straighter hips, offering a sleeker, more tailored silhouette through the waist and thigh.

If you prefer a contoured, roomy fit, go Women’s; if you want a streamlined shape, try Missy.

Delivery & Contacts

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All prices and payments are in AUD.

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