The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Pair of Flare Jeans

The Comeback of Flare Jeans

Flare jeans, with their signature wide leg silhouette flaring out from the knees down, have made a major comeback in recent years. After falling out of fashion in the late 1990s and 2000s, flare jeans are once again a staple item that every fashionista should have in their closet.

The History of Flare Jeans

Flare jeans first rose to popularity in the late 1960s and early 1970s. They were a signature fashion item of the hippie movement and became ubiquitous on celebrities like Farrah Fawcett and Olivia Newton-John.

During the late 1970s into the 1980s, flare jeans remained fashionable but became associated more with the disco era style. Denim brands like Jordache popularized super flared jeans and high-waisted styles.

By the 1990s and 2000s, bootcut and straight leg jeans had mostly overtaken flares in terms of popularity and fashion. However, in the late 2010s into the 2020s, flare jeans swung back again into everyday women’s fashion.

The Resurgence of Flared Silhouettes

Flare jeans remerged onto both the high fashion runways and mass market retail outlets. Many experts attribute this comeback to a few factors:

• Nostalgia for 70's fashion
• The rise of vintage and secondhand clothing
• Changing tastes favoring looser, flowy bottoms rather than skintight skinny jeans
• A move towards greater body diversity and inclusivity in fashion

Whatever the reason, it’s clear that flare jeans are back and here to stay for the foreseeable future.

Choosing the Right Pair of Flares for Your Body

Not all flare jeans suit every body shape. Finding the right proportion is key to ensuring a flattering silhouette when wearing flares:

• Curvy shapes: Rounded or square flare leg openings will nicely accentuate hips
• Petite frames: Subtly flared jeans will balance out shoulders and hips
• Tall figures: Deep flares and high waists will look great with longer legs
• Straight shapes: Flared jeans at the widest part of calf/ankle create dimension

While flare jeans can be fitted through the thigh, it’s key for them to comfortably skim over the knee and calf without feeling tight or restrictive.

Common Features of Modern Flare Jeans

Some new design features have emerged defining the flare jeans of today:

• Stretch fabrics: Lycra and spandex have better shape retention
• Higher rises: From 9 to 12 inches provide coverage and smoother fit
• Detailing: Decorative hems, whiskers, fading and stitching
• Washes: Medium to dark vintage looking washes rather than light/distressed

These features allow the flare jeans trend to be more wearable and flattering for the mainstream consumer.

Finding Your Perfect Pair of Flares

When venturing out to purchase the perfect flare jeans, keep the following shopping tips in mind:

• Bring shoes you plan on wearing your jeans with to try for length
• Sit down while trying them on to test comfort level
• Size up if jeans fit snugly through the hip/thigh area
• Choose extra stretch fabrics like flexible denim blends if between sizes
• Photograph the back view while trying them on to double check fit

It may take trying several different brands and fits to discover your ideal flare jeans. But once found, they are sure to become your new go-to item, flattering your figure while keeping you effortlessly stylish and on-trend.

FAQs

What makes flare jeans different from other jeans styles?

Flare jeans are jeans with a signature wide, flared leg. They have narrow thighs and a calf/ankle that flares out dramatically. This creates a flattering balance and accentuates curves.

Are flare jeans only for certain body shapes?

No, with the right fit, flare jeans can be flattering on any shape. They key is finding the right flare size and proportion for your body. Petite or tall frames may suit more subtle flares, while curvy figures look great in wider flares.

What kind of outfits do flare jeans go best with?

Balance flare jeans with a tighter or cropped top. Tucking in tops is also a great styling trick to show off those statement legs! Pair with heels or platforms to elevate the look.

What wash of flare jeans is most versatile to wear?

Medium blue or dark wash flare jeans are always flattering and pair well with any top color. Black flare jeans are also a wardrobe staple. Lighter washes offer a vintage vibe for summer or weekend looks.

What makes modern flare jeans different from 70's styles?

Today's flare jeans often have more stretch and retention thanks to fabrics with Lycra or spandex. They also tend to sit at the natural waist rather than the low hip as 70s jeans did. The leg shape and degree of flare also varies widely now.