I’m a longtime fan of boyfriend jeans. And I’ve been wearing these jeans — in one form or another — for decades.

And while boyfriend-jean silhouettes have changed over the years (the oversized men’s Levi’s in the ’90s became those Current/Elliot super-low-rise versions of the 2000s, which then morphed into slimmer girlfriend jeans), the tone has remained the same.

There’s just something about that casual-cool slouch, the irreverent feel, the these-are-too-big-and-I-don’t-care vibe. It was hot-girl shit before hot-girl shit was a thing.

The jeans: Risen Denim boyfriend jeans (wearing size 26 for reference)

The rest: jacket (S petite) | flats – also at Nordstrom | similar bag

Let’s Talk About Boyfriend Jeans: The Best Pair + Wearing Them In 2023

In recent years, my boyfriend jeans looked more like girlfriend jeans, which eventually morphed into mom jeans. Now, I’m into looser, longer denim silhouettes, but I’ve never forgotten about my love of classic boyfriend jeans. I just want…a fresh take.

jacket (S petite) | jeans (26) | flats – also at Nordstrom | similar bag

My ideal boyfriend jeans in 2023? A pair that combines the broken-in, casual vibes of those ’90s-style, oversized men’s jeans…with the comfort of 2010 stretch denim…plus a 2019 high rise…AND the looser jean silhouette of 2023.

Enter: Risen Denim boyfriend jeans.

jacket (S petite) | jeans (26) | similar bag

These Risen boyfriend jeans are THE pair I’ve spent a decade searching for. They’re slouchy and cool, yet with a high rise that’s both easy and flattering. They’re a stretchy, comfortable pair of jeans…that do not look like a stretchy, comfortable pair of jeans. They look much more authentically broken in. Despite this stretch, I don’t have to continuously pull them up throughout the day.

In short? They’re amazing.

Of course, the first time I featured them, they sold out in a hot second. So, I’ve been plotting with Social Threads (these jeans are exclusive to that small, mom-owned shop) and waiting — as patiently as I possibly can — for the restock. Which (yay!) is NOW.

jacket (S petite) | jeans (26) | flats – also at Nordstrom | similar bag

I’ve been wearing mine in secret — being careful to keep them out of my OOTDs and articles, so as not to induce rage. But rest assured, like all good boyfriend jeans, this pair looks just as cute with a really feminine top as they do with my snow boots up here in Vermont.

top (S) | jeans (26) | shoes | similar bag | similar necklace

I’m happy to follow up this article with another showing all the ways I’ve been wearing these Risen jeans this winter. They really are the holy grail of boyfriend jeans. (But I can’t promise these jeans will still be in stock by the time the new article drops.)

Shop The Best Boyfriend Jeans

jeans (26) | flats – also at Nordstrom | similar bag

My hands-down winner is (obviously) Risen Denim’s boyfriend jeans, but if you prefer to shop around a bit, I pulled together a collection of the best boyfriend jeans available (at all price points — I apologize in advance for the $595 pair).

xo,

S