• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
  • About us
  • John Lewis Brands
  • Our shops
  • Customer services
  • Our services
  • Track order
  • My John Lewis
  • Partnership Credit Card
  • Insurance
John Lewis & Partners Home
  • Sign in
    Profile24PxOutlinedIconTitle
    Account
    Wishlist24PxOutlinedIconTitle
  • 0items in Basket
    Basket24PxOutlinedIconTitle
    Basket
  • Menu
    Open Menu
    Menu

  • Home & Garden
  • Furniture & Lights
  • Electricals
  • Women
  • Men
  • Beauty
  • Baby & Kids
  • Sport & Leisure
  • Gifts
  • Brands
  • Sale & Offers
Home & GardenBedroomLiving RoomBathroomDining Room Kitchen Home OfficeKids' Bedroom Laundry & Utility RoomHome GymGardenDuvet CoversBed SheetsPillow CasesDuvetsPillowsThrows & BlanketsKids' BeddingShop all Bedding Cookware & BakewareTableware & CutleryGlasses & DrinkwarePots & PansFood PreparationServewareKitchen Utensils & GadgetsKitchen BinsHome AccessoriesCushions & Bean BagsCandles & Home FragranceBathroom AccessoriesTowelsArt, Prints & FramesMirrorsRugsStorageWallpaper, Paint & DIYCurtainsMade to Measure CurtainsCurtain Poles & AccessoriesBlindsShutters ServiceFabricsCarpets & FlooringNew In HomeNew Home BrandsWinter WarmersSAD LightingHome & Furniture OffersShop Special BuyInterest Free Credit now available onlineIdeas & InspirationHome Buying GuidesHome Design ServiceHome ServicesHome InsurancePet InsuranceFurniture & LightsSofas & ArmchairsBookcases, Shelving Units & ShelvesCabinets & SideboardsCoffee TablesConsole TablesSide TablesTV StandsShop all Living RoomBedsMattressesBedside TablesChests of DrawersDressing TablesWardrobesKids' BedroomShop all BedroomDining TablesDining ChairsDining BenchesBar Chairs & StoolsShop all Dining RoomOffice DesksOffice ChairsHome StorageShop all Home OfficeCeiling LightingDesk & Table LampsFloor LampsWall LightingLamp ShadesOutdoor LightingLight BulbsShop all LightingNew in HomeNew: Foxmoor Furniture RangeNew Home BrandsWinter DuvetsHome Design ServiceHome & Furniture OffersShop Special BuyFitted BathroomsFitted KitchensFitted BedroomsCarpets & FlooringElectricalsGreat savings on selected Apple productsClaim up to £300 cashback on selected Samsung TVsTelevisionsHome Cinema & SoundbarsTV Stands & Wall MountsTV Recorders & Streaming DevicesSpeakers & Sound SystemsHeadphonesiPad & TabletsLaptops & MacBooksPCs & Desktop ComputersComputer & Tablet AccessoriesMonitorsProjectorsPrintersGamingWashing Machines & Tumble DryersFridges & FreezersDishwashersCookers & OvensMicrowaves & Small Cooking AppliancesAir FryersEnergy Efficient AppliancesMobile Phones & AccessoriesCamerasSmart & Fitness WatchesFitness MachinesSmart HomeHome TelephonesTop Travel GadgetsKitchen AppliancesCoffee MachinesKettlesToastersVacuum CleanersBeauty Tools & DentalFans, Heaters & PurifiersIroningWinter WarmersNew: Samsung Galaxy S23Electrical Buying GuidesDiscover Wellness IdeasWhat is Quiet Mark?Tech tipsWork from home gadgetsJoin the quiet revolutionAppleBoschDysonHPLGPanasonicSamsungSonyWomenNew In Clothing, Shoes & AccessoriesCashmereCoats & JacketsDressesJeansJumpers & KnitwearJumpsuitsLoungewearShirts & TopsShortsSkirtsSports ClothesSwimwear & BeachwearTrousers & LeggingsPlus SizePetiteMaternity ClothesOccasionwearWedding BoutiqueWorkwearHoliday ShopModest ClothingWedding Guest DressesWork DressesDay DressesView all DressesLingerie & UnderwearBrasKnickersShapewearPyjamas & NightwearRobes & Dressing GownsSocksTightsWinter WarmersBootsCourt ShoesSandalsShoesSlippersTrainers & PlimsollsAnkle BootsWellingtonsHandbagsWomen's JewelleryHair AccessoriesHats, Gloves & ScarvesOccasion Hats & FascinatorsPursesSunglassesBeltsWatchesFace CoveringsReading Glasses & Glasses CasesKeyringsUmbrellasDate Night OutfitsFashion RentalGifts for HerGifts for HimJewellery GiftsLingerie & Nightwear GiftsMore Valentine’s Day IdeasWomenswear Sale & OffersExplore our BrandsTrending: MonochromeTrending: Apres SkiExplore NowMenNew In Clothing, Shoes & AccessoriesBlazersCashmereCoats & JacketsJeansJumpers & CardigansLoungewearPolo Shirts & Rugby ShirtsShirtsShortsSmart CasualSports ClothesSuits Sweatshirts & HoodiesSwimwearTrousersT-ShirtsWaistcoatsWedding & FormalwearHoliday ShopPyjamas & NightwearRobes & Dressing GownsSocksUnderwearWinter WarmersTrainersShoesSandalsBootsLoafersWalking BootsSlippersChelsea BootsWellingtonsView all AccessoriesBagsBeltsHats, Gloves & ScarvesJewelleryTies & Bow Ties SunglassesWalletsWatchesAftershaveGroomingSmart Casual OutfitsGifts for HerGifts for HimMen’s AftershaveMore Valentine’s Day IdeasMenswear Sale & OffersExplore our Menswear BrandsTrending: Ivy StyleTrending: Apres SkiBeautyAesopCliniqueDr.Jart+ElemisHourglassKiehl'sL'OccitaneOlaplexA-Z BrandsWomen's PerfumeMen's AftershaveUnisex FragranceCandles & Home FragranceView all MakeupFoundationsLipsticksEyeshadowsTinted MoisturisersMascarasNail Polish & CareHand & Nail SetsMakeup BrushesMakeup BagsMakeup AccessoriesSkin Care & TreatmentsCleansersMoisturisersFace MasksBath & ShowerBody CareLip Balm & CareHand & Foot CareBeauty Tools & TechnologyMen's GroomingSun Cream & After SunHair CareShampooConditionerHair TreatmentsHair Styling ProductsHair BrushesElectrical Hair & BeautyMen's AftershaveMen's Skin CareMen's Bath & BodyMen's Hair CareShaving ProductsGrooming DevicesWash BagsMen's Gift SetsShop all WellnessSleep & RelaxEnergy & FocusRecovery & ImmunityOffersGift SetsNew ArrivalsWellnessVegan BeautyValentine's Day Gift IdeasExclusivesBestsellersBaby & KidsNew in Boys' ClothesNew In Girls' ClothesAll Boys' ClothesAll Girls' ClothesSchool Uniform ShopKids Wedding & Party ClothingBoys' NightwearGirls' NightwearBoys' Coats & JacketsGirls' Coats & JacketsGirls' DressesBoys' ShoesGirls' Shoes Teenage Boys' ClothesTeenage Girls' ClothesKids SportswearNew in Baby ClothesAll Baby & Toddler ClothesBaby Boys' ClothesBaby Girls' ClothesSleepsuitsSnowsuitsBaby & Toddler ShoesBaby Hats & GlovesBaby SleepingBaby Bathing & ChangingFeeding & WeaningNursery FurnitureKids' BedroomSafety & HealthcareBaby MonitorsBaby ChecklistBaby ThermometersPushchairs & PramsBuggies & StrollersCar SeatsBaby CarriersBaby Travel EssentialsShop all Buggies & TravelShop all ToysBaby & Preschool ToysCharacter ShopGames & PuzzlesGifts for KidsGifts for BabiesToys OffersLEGO: 20% offBaby & Kids OffersOccasion ClothingWinter WarmersKids & Baby BrandsTrending: Kids Ski WearBaby & Nursery Guides and AdviceBuying GuidesBaby ChecklistNewborn essentials you'll need Tips for ParentsSport & LeisureWomen's Sports ClothingMen's Sports ClothingWomen's Sports TrainersMen's Sports TrainersHome Gym EquipmentSports EquipmentBikesTreadmillsExercise BikesCross TrainersWeightsSmartwatchesGym, Training & FitnessCyclingRunningSwimmingYoga & PilatesGolfWalking & HikingSkiingadidasSweaty BettyTherabodyThe North FaceUnder ArmourPelotonExplore our BrandsHaberdasheryGames & PuzzlesCraftsStationeryBooksSewing Machines Wool & YarnArt SuppliesView All LuggageBackpacksCabin CasesSuitcasesHoldalls & Weekend BagsCampingOutdoors & AdventureHoliday ShopSports & Leisure Sale & OffersExplore our Sports BrandsThe Apres Ski EditWomen's Outdoor Activewear EditMen's Outdoor Activewear EditSki Wear RentalBuying the best running gearBuying home gym equipmentBest fitness trackersGiftsGifts for HerGifts for HimGifts for KidsGifts for Teenage GirlsGifts for Teenage BoysGifts for CouplesGifts for GrandparentsGifts for BabiesGifts for PetsValentine's DayBirthdayWeddingNew HomeEngagementAnniversaryNew BabyChristeningRetirementThank YouGet Well SoonGifts under £20Gifts under £50Gifts under £100Gift Cards & E-Gift CardsAll Gift Food & DrinkHampersAlcoholChocolateBiscuitsSweets & FudgeHot DrinksGifts for FoodiesGifts for Coffee LoversGifts for Gin LoversBeauty & Fragrance Gift SetsPampering & Relaxation GiftsGifts for Home LoversGifts for TechiesGifts for GardenersGifts for Sporty TypesCandles & Home FragranceWomen's PerfumeMen's AftershaveJewelleryGames & PuzzlesToysCraftsStationeryWellbeing GiftsLuxury GiftsUnusual GiftsNovelty GiftsPersonalised GiftsGift ExperiencesAfternoon TeaGift Wrap, Cards & PartyShop AllBirthday CardsGreeting CardsWrapping PaperBrandsSale & OffersBeauty & FragranceHome & FurnitureWomenswearMenswearBaby & KidsElectricals NurseryToysSports & LeisureDressesShirts & TopsShoes & BootsKnitwearCoats & JacketsHandbags & PursesFurnitureBeddingCook & DineFurnishing AccessoriesBathroom AccessoriesHome AccessoriesLightingLEGO: 20% offBaby & Toddler ClothesGirls Clothes Boys Clothes ToysNursery T-ShirtsShirtsJumpers & CardigansAccessoriesShoes & BootsCoats & JacketsTelevisionsComputers & TabletsMobile Phone OffersVacuum CleanersSmart HomeCoffee MachinesLaundry AppliancesWomen's SportswearMen's SportswearHaberdashery
  • The Edit
  • Fashion & Outfit Ideas
  • Women's Fashion & Outfit Ideas
  • The 2021 Jeans Cheatsheet
THEJEANSCHEATSHEET
Spotlight on Spode
Denim
THE 2020JEANSCHEATSHEET
Holly Swayne,-Digital Editor

YOUR GUIDE TO THE MOST-COVETED JEANS SHAPES OF THE SEASON

Iconic and perennially stylish, there’s nothing quite like the enduring appeal of a denim jean. Dressed up or down, classic or high fashion – the humble jean has become an omnipresent building block in every woman’s wardrobe, no matter her shape, size or sartorial persuasion. 

But one jeans shape does not fit all, and with so much choice on the denim market today, it can be overwhelming to find your perfect pair. We’ve narrowed it down for you, with a guide to the top 9 jeans shapes of the season – plus the most stylish ways to wear them now.

1

THE WIDE LEG JEAN

John Lewis & Partners Denim - The Wide Leg Jean

The denim star of the season has to be the wide-leg jean – preferably in a trending bright-white wash. Offering an A-line shape that skims over hips and nips you in at the waist, this is a contemporary fit with real impact. Wear with knitwear or tops tucked in to save your outfit drowning you.

John Lewis & Partners Demin - The Wide Legged Jean

The denim star of the season has to be the wide-leg jean - preferably in a trending bright-white wash. Offering an A-line shape that skims over hips and nips you in at the waist, this is a contemporary fit with real impact. Wear with knitwear or tops tucked in to save your outfit drowning you.

John Lewis & Partners Demin - The Wide Legged Jean

1. THE WIDE LEG JEAN

The denim star of the season has to be the wide-leg jean - preferably in a trending bright-white wash. Offering an A-line shape that skims over hips and nips you in at the waist, this is a contemporary fit with real impact. Wear with knitwear or tops tucked in to save your outfit drowning you.

2

THE FLARED JEAN

John Lewis & Partners Denim - The Flared Jean

The s/s 2021 catwalks were awash with 70s looks, so it’s no surprise that the flare would make a comeback. To save things getting too Woodstock, keep the styling modern: a subtle black flare will feel more polished than blue and looks chic with a crisp white blouse and classic trench coat. Roll up the sleeves for extra style kudos.

John Lewis & Partners Denim - The Flared Jean

The SS20 catwalks were awash with 70s looks, so it’s no surprise that the flare would make a comeback. To save things getting too Woodstock, keep the styling modern: a subtle black flare will feel more polished than blue, and looks chic with a crisp white blouse and classic trench coat. Roll up the sleeves for extra style kudos.

John Lewis & Partners Demin - The Flared Jean

2. THE FLARED JEAN

The SS20 catwalks were awash with 70s looks, so it’s no surprise that the flare would make a comeback. To save things getting too Woodstock, keep the styling modern: a subtle black flare will feel more polished than blue, and looks chic with a crisp white blouse and classic trench coat. Roll up the sleeves for extra style kudos.

Whistles Authentic Flared Jeans, Black

Whistles Authentic Flared Jeans, Black

Was £95.00, now £75.00

John Lewis Basic Cotton Shirt

John Lewis Basic Cotton Shirt

£24.00

3

THE RIBCAGE JEAN

John Lewis & Partners Denim - The Ribcage jean

Is this the most flattering jean ever created? The Levi’s ‘Ribcage’ has got everyone in the fashion world waxing lyrical about its shape-enhancing magic. Inspired by a pair of 90s-era vintage 501 Originals, its button fly and extra-high rise fit help define your waist and elongate your legs. We recommend the straight fit iteration, dressed up with a blazer.

John Lewis & Partners Denim - The Ribcage jean

Is this the most flattering jean ever created? The Levi’s ‘Ribcage’ has got everyone in the fashion world waxing lyrical about its shape-enhancing magic. Inspired by a pair of ‘90s-era vintage 501 Originals, its button fly and extra-high rise fit help define your waist and elongate your legs. We recommend the straight fit iteration, dressed up with a blazer.

John Lewis & Partners Demin - The Ribcage Jean

3. THE RIBCAGE JEAN

Is this the most flattering jean ever created? The Levi’s ‘Ribcage’ has got everyone in the fashion world waxing lyrical about its shape-enhancing magic. Inspired by a pair of ‘90s-era vintage 501 Originals, its button fly and extra-high rise fit help define your waist and elongate your legs. We recommend the straight fit iteration, dressed up with a blazer.

4

THE BOYFRIEND JEAN

John Lewis & Partners Denim - The Boyfriend jean

History credits Marilyn Monroe for kicking off the concept of ‘boyfriend’ jeans, after she wore a pair of men’s jeans on the set of 1961 movie The Misfits. The understated, relaxed fit has been a cyclical fashion trend ever since, but today you should be wearing it with feminine, prairie-style blouses and Western ankle boots.

John Lewis & Partners Denim - The Boyfriend jean

History credits Marilyn Monroe for kicking off the concept of 'boyfriend' jeans, after she wore a pair of mens jeans on the set of 1961 movie Misfits. Its understated, relaxed fit has been a cyclical fashion trend ever since, but today you should be wearing it with feminine, prairie-style blouses and Western ankle boots.

John Lewis & Partners Denim - The Boyfriend jean

4. THE BOYFRIEND JEAN

History credits Marilyn Monroe for kicking off the concept of 'boyfriend' jeans, after she wore a pair of mens jeans on the set of 1961 movie Misfits. Its understated, relaxed fit has been a cyclical fashion trend ever since, but today you should be wearing it with feminine, prairie-style blouses and Western ankle boots.

hush Boyfriend Straight Fit Jeans, Blue

hush Boyfriend Straight Fit Jeans, Blue

£75.00

5

THE CROPPED JEAN

John Lewis & Partners Denim - The Cropped Jean

This shape will flatter for myriad reasons: firstly, it’s cut mid-calf to show off the slimmest part of your leg, giving the illusion of extra leg length. And Jigsaw’s mid-rise waist also flatters most body shapes. Wear yours with ankle boots in the winter, swapping out for a block heel when the weather turns warm.

John Lewis & Partners Denim - The Cropped Jean

This shape will flatter for myriad reasons: firstly, its cut mid-calf to show off the slimmest part of your leg, giving the illusion of extra leg length. And Jigsaw's mid-rise waist also flatters most body shapes. Wear yours with ankle boots in the winter, swapping out for a block heel when the weather turns warm.

John Lewis & Partners Denim - The Cropped Jean

5. THE CROPPED JEAN

This shape will flatter for myriad reasons: firstly, its cut mid-calf to show off the slimmest part of your leg, giving the illusion of extra leg length. And Jigsaw's mid-rise waist also flatters most body shapes. Wear yours with ankle boots in the winter, swapping out for a block heel when the weather turns warm.

AND/OR Rudi Leather Lace Up Hiking Boots, Black

AND/OR Rudi Leather Lace Up Hiking Boots, Black

Was £145.00, now £87.00

6

THE BARREL LEG JEAN

John Lewis & Partners Denim - The Barrel Leg Jean

A key player for spring, the barrel leg is having a fashion moment. High on the waist, loose-fitting on the leg and slightly cropped at the ankle, this shape may be a little different to what you’re used to, but most find it unexpectedly flattering. Take the Whistles barrel leg pair as evidence: a bestseller for seasons now (and available in five colours).

John Lewis & Partners Denim - The Barrel Leg Jean

A key player for spring, the barrel leg is having a fashion moment. High on the waist, loose-fitting on the leg and slightly cropped at the ankle, this shape may be a little different to what you’re used to, but most find it unexpectedly flattering. Take the Whistles barrel leg pair as evidence: a bestseller for seasons now.

John Lewis & Partners Denim - The Barrel Leg Jean

6. THE BARREL LEG JEAN

A key player for spring, the barrel leg is having a fashion moment. High on the waist, loose-fitting on the leg and slightly cropped at the ankle, this shape may be a little different to what you’re used to, but most find it unexpectedly flattering. Take the Whistles barrel leg pair as evidence: a bestseller for seasons now.

Whistles High Waist Barrel Leg Jeans, Dark Denim

Whistles High Waist Barrel Leg Jeans, Dark Denim

£95.00

7

THE CIGARETTE JEAN

John Lewis & Partners Denim - The Tailored Jean

If you only buy one pair, make it the cigarette cut. While skinny jeans follow the line of the leg and fit snugly from hip to ankle, the cigarette is cut straight from knee to ankle for a straighter, more classic shape. They will go with everything – from slick denim jackets to feminine blouses.

John Lewis & Partners Denim - The Cigarette Jean

Take your denim and make it work-appropriate. This style from John Lewis & Partner’s in-house label Kin is designed in a vintage-inspired balloon shape for the ultimate relaxed-yet-tailored look, with a back buckle for added practicality.

John Lewis & Partners Denim - The Tailored Jean

7. THE TAILORED JEAN

Take your denim and make it work-appropriate. This style from John Lewis & Partner’s in-house label Kin is designed in a vintage-inspired balloon shape for the ultimate relaxed-yet-tailored look, with a back buckle for added practicality.

AG The Prima Mid Rise Skinny Ankle Jeans, Yardbird

AG The Prima Mid Rise Skinny Ankle Jeans, Yardbird

£240.00

8

THE CROPPED FLARE

John Lewis & Partners Denim - The Cropped Flare Jean

If you’re not ready to go full 70s, this is the shape for you. A mostly straight leg fit with a subtle kick at the hem makes this an entry-level look into the trend. 

John Lewis & Partners Denim - The Cropped Flare Jean

If you’re not ready to go full 70s, this is the shape for you. A mostly straight leg fit with a subtle kick at the hem makes this an entry-level look into the trend. Wear them with a blazer and mid heels at the office, with a cami underneath for post-work revelries.

John Lewis & Partners Denim - The Cropped Flare Jean

8. THE CROPPED FLARE

If you’re not ready to go full 70s, this is the shape for you. A mostly straight leg fit with a subtle kick at the hem makes this an entry-level look into the trend. Wear them with a blazer and mid heels at the office, with a cami underneath for post-work revelries.

9

THE SKINNY JEAN

John Lewis & Partners Denim - The Skinny Jean

There’s always a place in your wardrobe for the faithful skinny jean. With over 300 pairs to choose from at John Lewis & Partners, we’ve got every wash and colour covered. A classic black skinny will prove the most versatile; but make it summer-ready with a linen blouse and sliders.

John Lewis & Partners Denim - The Skinny Jean

There’s always a place in your wardrobe for the faithful skinny jean. With over 300 pairs to choose from at John Lewis & Partners, we’ve got every wash and colour covered. A classic black skinny will prove the most versatile; but make it summer-ready with a linen blouse and sliders.

John Lewis & Partners Denim - The Skinny Jean

9. THE SKINNY JEAN

There’s always a place in your wardrobe for the faithful skinny jean. With over 300 pairs to choose from at John Lewis & Partners, we’ve got every wash and colour covered. A classic black skinny will prove the most versatile; but make it summer-ready with a linen blouse and sliders.

Leah Alexandra St Christopher Pendant Necklace

Leah Alexandra St Christopher Pendant Necklace

£162.00

PAIGE Skyline Mid Rise Skinny Jeans, Black Shadow

PAIGE Skyline Mid Rise Skinny Jeans, Black Shadow

£210.00

L.K.Bennett Alice Block Heel Suede Sock Ankle Boots, Black

L.K.Bennett Alice Block Heel Suede Sock Ankle Boots, Black

£329.00

Shop jeansShop jeans
Shop womenswearShop womenswear

Related Articles

Sweaty Betty X Fearne Cotton
Sweaty Betty X Fearne Cotton
Read more
A grown up’s take on the utility trend
A grown-up take on the utility trend
Read more
Classic blue trend
The right kind of blues: how to wear the colour of the year
Read more
More stories

Be in the know

Get inspiration, new arrivals and the latest offers to your inbox

Footer

  • Contact us
  • Customer services
  • Our shops
  • Never Knowingly Undersold

  • Delivery & collection
  • Track your order
  • Returns & refunds

  • Gift Cards & vouchers
  • Services
  • Buying guides
  • My John Lewis
  • Basket
  • Wish List
  • Brands A-Z
  • Inspiration
  • Offers
  • Events

  • Jobs
  • Waitrose & Partners
  • About the John Lewis Partnership
  • John Lewis & Partners for Business
  • Ukraine Crisis Appeal
  • Happier futures

  • Interest free credit
  • Partnership Credit Card
  • Foreign currency
  • Home insurance
  • Pet insurance
  • Car insurance
  • Investments

  • Terms and conditions
  • Secure shopping
  • Product recalls and safety notices
  • Staying safe during Covid-19
  • Modern slavery statement
  • Privacy notice
  • Cookies
  • Sustainability

Feedback

Your comments help us improve our website

Leave feedback
John Lewis App

Download the John Lewis app

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
  • Terms and conditions
  • Secure shopping
  • Product recalls and safety notices
  • Staying safe during Covid-19
  • Modern slavery statement
  • Privacy notice
  • Cookies
  • Sustainability

John Lewis plc is a credit broker and not a lender. John Lewis plc, 171 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 5NN. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 724309). Credit is provided by the lender Creation Consumer Finance Ltd.

© John Lewis plc 2001 - 2023

for all life’s moments
Facebook
Twitter
Youtube
Pinterest
Instagram
TikTok