Buying Guide
New Look Jeans: Every Cut, and Who Each One Suits
Jean shopping is a cut problem, not a size problem. This edit takes what is in stock and groups it by leg shape, with notes on the rise and length that decide whether a pair works on you.
The buyer's brief
How to choose
Cut decides the silhouette. Rise decides the comfort. Length decides whether either of them lands.
Rise
High rise sits at the natural waist and stays put when you sit down. Mid and low rise move more. This decides comfort more than the leg shape does.
Length
Petite, regular and tall lines are drafted separately, not just hemmed differently. If the leg shape is right but the proportion is off, change the line rather than the size.
Shoe first
A wide leg with a flat shoe needs a shorter length than a wide leg with a heel. Decide the shoe before the jean and the hem question answers itself.
Stretch
Rigid denim holds its shape and gives nothing. Stretch is comfortable on day one and loosens by the afternoon. For a fitted cut, buy snug in stretch and true to size in rigid.
Colour wash
A dark even wash reads smarter and goes further. Light and distressed washes are weekend only for most people.
Pocket placement
Back pocket size and position change the shape of the rear more than the cut does. Smaller pockets set higher lift, large pockets set low and wide flatten. It is the detail nobody mentions and everybody notices.
Good to know
Answered
Both are relaxed through the hip. A barrel jean curves outward through the thigh then tapers sharply at the ankle. A mom jean is straighter down the leg with a slight taper.
Keep exploring
Where to go next
About this edit
Diligo's edits are curated by our editorial team and updated as ranges and availability change. Every product featured is hand-picked for design, quality and lasting appeal, so you can discover pieces worth buying without trawling dozens of sites.
Product availability and prices shown are indicative and refreshed regularly. Tap any product to continue to the brand.