Ripped denim is back in a big way. But gone are the days of carefully slicing and distressing your own jeans for that lived-in look. Now, boyfriend ripped jeans are taking over as a stylish staple that brings just the right amount of casual edge to any outfit.
With their relaxed fit through the hip and thigh and distressed details, boyfriend ripped jeans are flattering, versatile, and seriously on-trend. Read on to learn all about how to find and style the ideal pair of these must-have jeans for your wardrobe.
Why Boyfriend Ripped Jeans Are So Popular
Boyfriend ripped jeans embody that carefree, borrowed-from-the-boys vibe with their loose, baggy fit. But they get a dose of femininity and punk attitude thanks to strategically placed ripped details like abrasions on the knees and thigh.
This juxtaposition is exactly what makes boyfriend jeans so appealing. The distressing adds personality and prevents the relaxed silhouette from looking sloppy.
On top of that, ripped jeans are:
- Versatile – Dress them up or down effortlessly. Perfect for day-to-night wear.
- Flattering – The loose fit through the hip flatters curves and balances straight figures.
- Comfortable – Broken-in right from the start thanks to fading and rips.
- On-trend – Ripped denim has infiltrated mainstream fashion after emerging from punk/rock subcultures.
- Budget-friendly – Pre-ripped jeans cost a fraction of pristine designer denim.
It’s no wonder ripped boyfriend jeans have become a staple in so many closets. Their laidback vibe makes them a comfortable go-to. But the edgy distressing also injects instant cool into any outfit.
How to Find the Most Flattering Boyfriend Ripped Jeans
The key to nailing the boyfriend jean look is finding that elusive balance between perfectly slouchy and unflatteringly baggy. When shopping for ripped boyfriend jeans, keep these tips in mind:
Consider Your Body Type
Pick boyfriend jeans that complement your unique proportions. Look for:
- Curvy figures – Mid-rise styles with strategic rips draw the eye up and balance curves. Avoid too much volume through the hip/thigh.
- Athletic builds – Opt for lighter washes with minimal distressing to add softness without drowning your figure.
- Apple shapes – Mid to high-rise jeans with ripped details near the hem help streamline the silhouette.
- Rectangular/banana – Low-rise with extreme rips show off legs. Looser fits add curves.
Find the Right Fit
The perfect boyfriend jean should be fitted through the hip and thigh – not too tight or too baggy. When you try them on, make sure:
- There are no gaps at the back waistband – This signals the jeans are too big. Size down.
- There’s room through the hip/thigh but no billowing fabric – You don’t want an overly slouchy fit.
- The leg tapers to a narrow opening just below the knee – This creates a long, lean line.
Consider Wash and Distressing
Move beyond basic medium blue denim. Experiment with lighter and darker washes to change the vibe of your jeans. Keep these tips in mind when assessing wash and distressing:
- Light denim has a casual, weekend-ready look. Ensure the boyfriend fit doesn’t overwhelm your frame.
- Medium denim is versatile for both dressing up and down. Opt for minimal rips to keep it polished.
- Dark denim feels luxe and sophisticated. Pair with pronounced distressing for striking contrast.
- ** strategic rips** near the pockets and knees are sexy and edgy. Size them appropriately for the look you want.
Select the Right Inseam Length
Boyfriend jeans should hit right at the ankle bone for a relaxed, casual fit. Petite girls should shop cropped styles so the jeans don’t pool at the bottom. Tall women can go for a longer inseam and cuff the jeans.
The Top 5 Most Flattering Boyfriend Ripped Jeans
I tried dozens of brands to uncover the 5 most universally flattering boyfriend ripped jeans out there. No matter your size or shape, these styles check all the boxes.
Madewell The Perfect Vintage Jean
These mid-rise relaxed straight jeans have the quintessential boyfriend jean silhouette. Strategic shredding shows just a peek of skin at the knee, preserving the wear-with-anything vibe. And Madewell’s denim feels like it’s been yours forever thanks to meticulous aging and washing processes.
Details:
- Mid-rise, relaxed straight through hip and thigh with cropped hem
- Premium heritage rigid denim with authentic fading
- Subtle distressed patches at knee
- $128
Abercrombie 90s Ultra High Rise Ripped Jean
Sport the iconic 90s supermodel look with Abercrombie’s Ultra High Rise Ripped Jean. The waist-accentuating fit along with heavy shredding through the thigh and knee strikes the perfect balance of cool and sexy.
Details:
- Ultra high rise at natural waist with zip fly closure
- Relaxed fit through hip and thigh
- Heavy distressed detail with fraying and holes
- $120
AGOLDE Riley High Rise Straight Leg
You’ll feel instantly cooler in AGOLDE’s Riley jeans. Made from luxuriously soft denim, this high rise straight leg pair has the laidback appeal of boyfriend jeans in a flattering, hips-slimming silhouette.
Details:
- High rise with straight leg through hip/thigh
- Light wash premium denim
- Shredded holes at knee
- $215
Levi’s 501 Skinny Jeans
A modern take on Levi’s iconic 501, these have the classic 501 button fly and thigh fit but taper down to show ankle. The result is a stylish, flattering hybrid of boyfriend and skinny jeans. Rips at the knee retain the casual vibe.
Details:
- Mid rise with skinny leg
- Medium wash rigid denim
- Distressed detail at knee
- $98
Re/Done The Boyfriend Slouchy Slim
These reinvented Levis have an ultra-relaxed thigh with tapering legs for a slimming effect. Sitting lower on the hips, the destroyed detailing follows the curves of the body for a sexy fit.
Details:
- Low rise with slouchy thigh and slim leg
- Light vintage wash
- Heavy shredding across thighs/knees
- $240
How to Style Your Boyfriend Ripped Jeans
The styling options are endless with these versatile jeans. Dress them up or down for day or night. Here are just a few ideas for outfits:
Running Errands
- White t-shirt or blouse
- Oversize cardigan or jean jacket
- Sneakers or sandals
Brunch with Friends
- Silky cami or tank tucked in
- Wedges or heels
- Leather crossbody bag
Girls’ Night Out
- Graphic bodysuit or lacy bralette
- Ankle booties
- Leather moto jacket
Casual Date Night
- Off-the-shoulder top
- Ankle strap heels
- Bold lipstick
Summer Concert
- Crop top
- Loafers
- Bandana
Ripped boyfriend jeans easily transition from season to season too. In summer, wear them with tanks and sandals. Come fall, pair with booties and sweaters. No matter how you style them, boyfriend ripped jeans bring a blend of cool and comfort to every look.
Answers to Common Boyfriend Ripped Jeans Questions
Are boyfriend jeans flattering for curvy figures?
Yes, the loose fit actually balances out curves instead of clinging too tightly. Look for a mid-rise pair with strategic rips to elongate legs. Make sure the hip and thigh aren’t too baggy.
How can petite girls wear boyfriend jeans?
Go for cropped lengths so the jeans don’t get baggy near the ankles. Also consider a higher rise, which gives the illusion of longer legs. Add heels for an extra lift.
What tops go best with boyfriend ripped jeans?
Cropped tops and fitted blouses balance the slouchy fit of boyfriend jeans. Oversized sweaters also look great paired with ripped denim. Tuck tops in to define your waist.
How do I find jeans with the right amount of distressing?
Subtle knee rips and fading have a refined, vintage look. Focusing shreds near the hip and thighs has a grungier, sexier feel. Make sure to try jeans on and assess the placement/amount of rips.
Should I size up in boyfriend jeans for a looser fit?
No need to size up. Look for jeans labeled as boyfriend/slouchy/relaxed fit for the right loose silhouette. Sizing up runs the risk of looking sloppy.
What shoes look best with boyfriend ripped jeans?
Sneakers, sandals, loafers, and booties all pair well. Heels dress up the look. Avoid tight stilettos that constrict the slouchy jeans.
Are boyfriend jeans as comfortable as they look?
Definitely – the loose fit won’t squeeze you. And pre-ripped jeans skip the breaking in period. But high quality, soft denim enhances the comfort even more.
How do I care for ripped jeans properly?
Hand wash in cold water and line dry to avoid enlargement of distressed areas. Turn them inside out before washing as well.
Are ripped jeans appropriate for work?
It depends on your office dress code. Some more casual workplaces allow rips and distressed styles as long as there’s no excessive skin showing.
Can I dress up boyfriend ripped jeans?
Absolutely. Pair with a silky cami, fitted blazer, strappy heels, and bold jewelry for night out. A tucked in tank and wedges also elevate the look.
What type of jacket complements boyfriend jeans?
Denim, leather, and casual blazers pair perfectly. Avoid tailored, formal jackets. Oversized motorcycle and bomber jackets enhance the laidback vibe.
How can I make boyfriend jeans work for fall and winter?
Cuff them over boots or tuck into tall pairs. Try layering with oversized sweaters. Darker denim works well for cooler months.
Find Your Perfect Pair of Boyfriend Ripped Jeans
As you can see, boyfriend ripped jeans deserve a spot in every fashion lover’s wardrobe. They’re flattering, versatile, and seriously on-trend. Follow the tips above to find that perfect vintage-inspired pair with just the right amount of slouch and distressing.
Whether you’re running errands or headed out for date night, you’ll reach for your favorite boyfriend ripped jeans again and again. Their laidback vibe suits casual weekends while the edgy rips add a dose of cool to dressier outfits.
Don’t be afraid to play with different washes, rise options, and degrees of distressing. Once you discover your ideal boyfriend ripped jean, you’ll never look back!