We can already see some of your looks of disgust from here, but go with us on this one…
Yes, okay, there is a lot of reserved hatred for bootcut jeans, and no, we’re not entirely sure why.
Maybe it is because a lot of men who were them aren’t fully sure of what lengths they should be aiming for, and they end up with a weird kind of semi-flare thing going on, and that… just isn’t a good look. For anyone. John Travolta just about pulled it off, but even then, that was nearly 50 years ago.
But as of the last few months, more and more men’s style outlets are rotating bootcut jeans back into their line-ups for Autumn and Winter 2018.
We asked Colette O’Boyle, the menswear buyer at Arnotts, whether or not it is actually true. Are they back in fashion?
“The 90s fashion trend has opened up the idea of the Bootcut fit making a comeback.
“While Slim fit jeans are most definitely the first fit of choice, Irish men have a long-standing affiliation with the Bootcut fit – sales have no doubt dropped off over the past five to ten years as men opt for a neater leg opening but the Bootcut business in Ireland still remains solid.”
Well, if they are becoming fashionable again, is there a correct way to wear them without instantly looking like you’ve been transported a few decades back in time from the knees down?
O’Boyle says to “Keep it clean and classic, the most important thing to bear in mind when choosing a pair of Bootcut jeans is to select the correct leg length so the jeans sit neatly on your shoe. Most brands will offer three leg lengths to choose from.”
They’ve given two examples of what to aim for, with the first being the 527 Bootcut Jeans: “From Levi’s, these jeans will instantly reinvigorate your denim style credentials. Featuring a zip fly and button fastening, they works a bootcut-style. An assured option for versatile casual styling.”
And the second pair are Zatiny Straight Fit Jeans, described as “A timeless addition to your denim line-up, these jeans from Diesel. Presenting a dark wash blue hue, they present a straight fit for easy styling. Displaying five-pockets, they’re completed with belt loops, subtle fading and sleek black-toned hardware. Perfect with a casual shirt and muted trainers.”
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