MOTHER denim is a fan favorite among many women, myself included. If you’re a connoisseur of premium denim, this brand is a must-try. The fabric looks and feels amazing, their washes are always on point, and they have a really good variety of current styles. Plus, no other denim brand does so much for the rear view… IYKYK.
The Weekender // The Insider // The Dazzler // The Hustler // The Tomcat
I get asked a lot about the different styles of MOTHER Denim and how they compare, so a few years ago, I decided to compile all of this information into one post for those who want to refer back to it. Today I’m updating the post with current links and the latest styles, and I also rounded up some “similar for less” styles at the end of the post, for those who prefer to save vs. splurge on denim.
First, let’s address the white elephant in the room.
Why Are MOTHER Jeans So Expensive?
MOTHER The Dazzler in Riding The Cliffside (29)
Yes, MOTHER jeans are spendy, but they’re worth it if you wear denim as often as I do. They have an amazing fit and feel right off the rack, the washes and fabric details are impeccable, and they keep their shape and wash and wear extremely well. Plus, MOTHER denim is made in the USA, which is always a bonus.
If you consider yourself a denim connoisseur, or just generally appreciate quality garments and attention to detail, you should definitely give them a try. The cost per wear averages out over time, especially if you purchase when they go on sale. And, of course, second hand shops are always an option.
Another question I often get regarding MOTHER Denim is…
Do MOTHER Jeans Run True To Size?
MOTHER Weekender Fray (discontinued wash)
For size reference, I’m 5’5″ and hovering around 145 pounds these days, and I’m pretty consistently a size 29 in MOTHER denim (and in most premium denim brands). But if you tend to run in between sizes, it’s best to order both and compare.
When in doubt, wear them around the house for 4-6 hours with the tags on and see how they feel after that. If they are sliding around, or you feel like you need to pull them up, definitely size down.
My Favorite Styles of MOTHER Denim
These are the styles I own and love, and a little about each one and how I like to wear them. Also, if you’re shorter than 5’4″, you will be happy to know MOTHER has a new petite collection line with all of their best selling styles!
The Weekender
at MOTHER (petite) // at Nordstrom // at Bloomingdale’s // at Saks // at Shopbop // at Anthropologie
MOTHER The Weekender in A Groovy Kind Of Love (size 29) // sweater // boots // coat
MOTHER The Weekender in A Groovy Kind Of Love (size 29) // sweater // similar jacket // boots
Measurements: 10 3/4″ Rise, 31″ Inseam, 20″ Leg Opening
The Weekender is a high rise flare with a 31-inch length inseam and a frayed hem. Although, I would say they’re closer to a bootcut style. Generally, a flare has a leg opening wider than 20″. See more in my post: Women’s Pant Styles and Hem Lengths Demystified.
Shoe Pairings: Because these are a full-length bootcut/flare style, I usually wear these jeans with heels, but lately I’ve taken to wearing them with chunkier fashion sneakers sometimes too. I kind of like the ultra casual look.
These jeans are a really nice option for ladies who want to look current but not too extreme. I wear mine a lot! My one caveat about the Weekender style is they aren’t very long for the taller ladies. If you need more length, try The Hustler Heel, with a 34″ Inseam.
The Hustler
at MOTHER (petite) // at Nordstrom // at Bloomingdale’s // at Shopbop // at Anthropologie
MOTHER The Hustler in Au Revoir (size 29) // t-shirt (M) // sandals (more) (8) // sunnies
MOTHER The Hustler in Fairest Of Them All (size 29) // tank // wedges // MOTHER The Hustler in Healing Jar (29) // sweater // boots
Measurements: 11″ Rise, 27 1/2″ Inseam, 16″ Leg Opening
The Hustler is a high-rise, ankle-length flare with a raw hem. They come in a lot of nice washes, and I prefer the raw hem styles, for some reason. The Healing Jar is a versatile medium indigo wash, and the denim is super soft and stretchy. The white pair is one of my favorites for dressing up in the summer months. If in doubt, size up in the white. The Healing Jar is true to size, and unfortunately, the Au Revior was discontinued.
Shoe Pairings: I find this length a little awkward with sneakers and flat sandals, although my eye is adjusting to that as longer lengths are becoming more prevalent. They’re perfect with heeled sandals, clogs, and ankle boots. I love how they show off the shoe and you don’t have to worry about the length not being quite right if your heel isn’t high enough.
If you’re taller than my 5’5″, these might make a good crop flare, and if you’re shorter, they’re a good option for a full-length flare. They also come in petite.
MOTHER The Insider
at MOTHER // at Nordstrom // at Bloomingdale’s // at Shopbop
MOTHER The Insider in Fairest Of Them All // old LOFT top // sandals (8) // MOTHER The Insider in Dancing On Coals // ATM tee // pink jacket
Measurements: 10″ Rise, 26″ Inseam, 15″ Leg Opening
The Insider is a cropped bootcut with a step fray hem. These were how I discovered MOTHER Denim, and the Dancing On Coals wash was my most worn pair of jeans for several years. I also have them in the white (pictured above) and a black wash, as well.
Shoe Pairings: I like these best with sandals in the summertime, but I also wear them year ’round with fashion sneakers (P448 John and Veja Esplar are my go-tos), and sometimes with booties in the fall/winter.
Since they’re a cropped style, they don’t work as well for the taller ladies, but they read as ankle-length on my shorter friends.
The Roller
at MOTHER // at Nordstrom // at Bloomingdale’s // at Shopbop // at Anthro
MOTHER The Roller in Let’s Trip (similar) // Everlane sweater // clogs
Measurements: 10″ Rise, 31″ Inseam, 26″ Leg Opening
The Roller is plays right into the wide-leg trend that is having a moment this season, and I think they’re so much fun. Unfortunately, these sold out, and there are so many different variations on this Roller style, but none are quite the same. This pair is probably closest to mine.
Shoe Pairings: These jeans can really be worn with almost any shoe. I like them with sneakers, clogs, ankle boots, and sandals; it all depends on the look I’m going for at the moment. They look more polished when worn with a heel, for sure, but I also kind of like them with sneakers for a weekend vibe.
The Dazzler
at MOTHER (petite) // at Bloomingdale’s // at Shopbop // at Anthro
MOTHER The Dazzler in Riding The Cliffside (29) // sweater // sneakers (on sale)
Fairest Of Them All // grey sweater // booties // black sweater // sandals
Measurements: 9 3/4″ Rise, 27 1/2″ Inseam, 13″ Leg Opening
The Dazzler is a slim straight mid-rise ankle length jean, and they come in a wide variety of washes with both raw hem and finished hem styles. This is probably my most worn pair of MOTHER denim at the moment – it’s between these and The Weekender. I wear my light wash MOTHER Dazzler with the raw hem (pictured above) a ton all year ’round, and I also love these in the white for a classic and clean slim straight ankle style.
Speaking of the white, I love MOTHER Denim’s Fairest Of Them All wash. As you can see, I have them in three different styles! It’s a nice clean shade of white, and it has a good bit of stretch for comfort but doesn’t lose its shape.
Shoe Pairings: I like pretty much any shoe with these jeans. They look great with flat or heeled sandals in the summer, loafers and mules during transition seasons, and sneakers all year ’round. They also work with a lot of ankle boots, as long as they shaft is slim enough to slip underneath.
These are a good option for those trying to branch out from skinny jeans; in fact, if you have thicker legs, they will probably look more like skinnies than straights. If you like the slim straight silhouette but need a little more room in the legs, The Tomcat is a good option.
The Tomcat
at MOTHER // at Nordstrom // at Shopbop
MOTHER The Tomcat in Oui Oui // hoodie // sneakers // jacket // bag
Measurements: 10 3/4″ Rise, 26″ Inseam, 14″ Leg Opening
The Tomcat is MOTHER’s best selling high-rise straight leg jean, with a “borrowed from the boys” vibe. They have a more relaxed fit than The Dazzler, and a slightly shorter inseam, making them nice for spring and summer. They usually come with a button fly, so be aware of that, if it isn’t your thing.
Shoe Pairings: These jeans look great with everything from booties to fashion sneakers. They’re a fairly versatile style, although I admit, I don’t reach for mine very often. It is probably a body type issue, but I much prefer the slimmer silhouette of The Dazzler.
The Rambler
at MOTHER // at Nordstrom // at Bloomingdale’s // at Shopbop
MOTHER The Rambler in Fairest Of Them All (29) // blouse (S) // denim jacket (S) // sandals (8)
Measurements: 11 1/4″ Rise, 27 1/2″ Inseam, 17 3/4″ Leg Opening
The Rambler is a high-waisted style with a wide straight leg with a clean ankle-length inseam. They come in a variety of colors and washes, including this classic white wash.
Shoe Pairings: These jeans have a polished look to them, which lends itself to heels, but you could play around with some flatter shoes. They might work well with ballet flats or closed-toe slingbacks, which are also trending this spring.
The Rider
at MOTHER // at Nordstrom // at Bloomingdale’s
Measurements: 10″ Rise, 27 1/2″ Inseam, 14″ Leg Opening
The Rider is a vintage-inspired mid rise straight ankle style that appears to be slightly wider than The Dazzler (which tend to read as a skinny on women with a more athletic build) and not quite as wide and trouser-like as The Rambler. I also noticed the fabric content on some washes (including Local Charm, the one pictured above) is 99% cotton/1% elastane, so they are going to be a more rigid denim. I’m not sure how I’ll like that, but I’m game to try! I have them on order, and I’ll update this post with photos when I get them in.
In Conclusion
I hope this post is helpful for anyone looking to purchase MOTHER jeans. I’m happy to answer any questions you have about fit and sizing in the comments. Shop my favorite styles below!
Jeans Similar to MOTHER Denim
I realize this brand is not in everyone’s budget, so I also rounded up some of my favorite “similar for less” styles for you here.
Before You Go…
Here are some of my other denim-related posts you might also like.
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60 Responses
oh my, what does IYKYK mean?? My brain isn’t working very well this morning! Love all the Mother comparisons and shoe options. Very informative. My favorite jeans right now are AG, I must have 8 pairs, all washes and styles. (and never paid full price for any of them, mostly spent $150-ish ) They make me feel so put together and happy when I wear a pair!!! I need to try a pair of Mother, after I decide what wash and style I need!!
IYKYK = If You Know You Know 😂
AG makes great jeans too; I just find them to often be too snug in my waist/hips these days. #thanksmenopause
I’m slim but my waist hip ratio isn’t the perfect fit model standard. Never has been. Mother jeans give me a perfect amount of waist room. I’m a devotee as well 🤗. I hear you on menopause!
JoLynne—I love that black stripe Evereve sweater. I don’t believe I’ve seen it before on you. Can you tell us a little more about it. Have you tried washing it? The website says to dry clean only. I wonder if I can wash it by hand with Woolite.
I just got it! I was going to include it in my next try-on haul. I didn’t realize it is dry clean – I will try washing on delicate and laying flat to dry.
Do you find that the Evereve sweater runs true to size? I’m trying to decide if it looks like it would be a very close fit.
Yes, I would say so.
Where do you like the Mother Dazzlers to hit in relation to one’s ankle? I got a finished hem version and maybe didn’t get them shortened enough because I do not care for how they look – yet. I have debated hemming them another inch or cutting them off for a raw hem. I agree that for those with thicker thighs (me) they are more like a skinny jean than a straight, but I feel they look nicer on me than a tighter skinny. Thanks!
Mine hit right at or above the ankle bone, and they work well with most shoes. I could maybe cut a smidge more off for wearing with sneakers, but I haven’t bothered.
Maybe this picture helps: https://jolynneshane.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/loft-fair-isle-sweater-with-white-mother-dazzler-3.jpg
Perfect, thank you for finding that photo!
I love Mother jeans and they do glorious things for the rear view! I probably own way more than I should, mostly of the Insider style because it’s a little cropped for me (I’m 5’3″) and it shows off sandals in the warm months and booties when it’s cold. It’s also good with sneakers. My favorite lately is Train Stops which is a cool black mineral wash – according to the Mother website! I love the Hustler and Weekender but every time I buy the Dazzler, I send it back. I think it’s just too tight for me, since I have curvy legs.
That makes sense. The dazzler is very narrow in the calf for a straight style.
OH where do i start lol ! I have way way too many pairs of Mother jeans — I typically can find some on sale now which is when i buy them. My newest obsession is the Tomcat Roller Fly it IS amazing. And I concur with another commenter, they do work wonders on the rear view 🙂 I am slowly getting rid of all my other brands of jeans. I blame you Jo-Lynne LOL.
I’ve never lived wide legged jeans on me but you’re making me want to try those !
Super helpful post! Thanks! I’m a huge fan of AG jeans, but Mother is on my list to try in 2023. Deciding on a fit is so hard. I’m 5’9″ so some of the cropped ones are too short for me. The comparisons and measurements you gave here will help!
Yeah they don’t seem to have a lot of longer styles.
FYI: link to The Swooner Rascal Ankle goes to the Tomcat.
Thanks for this post. Mother Denim a new brand to me and I didn’t know what the differences were in their styles. This will really help when I go to purchase a pair.
Thanks for letting me know about the link; it is fixed!
The Tomcat inseam says 26” on the Mother Denim website but they look longer on you. Thanks for the post. I am sharing it with a friend as she and I were just talking about denim styles today and how hard it is to find the right pair these days. These all
fit you well and suit different purposes and shoes; a win-win! Sadly, the only ones that might work for me are all sold out. I’m finding supply chain issues are affecting merchandise availability for many things right now. Whole Foods yesterday had empty shelves in every aisle and I went to the local Michaels craft store on the weekend and many shelves were bare. When I asked a sales associate for help she told me they’re having trouble getting replacement items right now. (Of course I waited till the last minute to get craft supplies). I’m wondering if that’s going on with fashion too. I need a pair of new black tights for a party outfit on Friday and I can’t find any! I checked Amazon, Nordstrom, and Macys and I’m at the point where I might pop into the drugstore and grab a pair after work tomorrow 🤷♀️. Have you ever worn those L’Eggs brand of tights sold at CVS? 😆 Holy Moly!
That’s very interesting about the supply chain issues, and maybe that’s why I was finding it difficult to get a good variety of options in some of these styles. I thought maybe they were discontinuing them but you’re probably right, it’s probably the supply chain still being wonky, I sort of forgot about that for the moment.
As far as the tomcat being 26”, that picture is from like two years ago, so it’s possible they were slightly different than the ones I linked to today.
Oh, and as for the tights, the Spanx tights that I love and wear all the time are in stock at Zappos. https://shopstyle.it/l/bQb0H
And I just ordered sheer hose from Amazon and they came in two days. https://amzn.to/3Wa4VyW
Great tip, but my size isn’t available for delivery until next Tuesday. I need them by Friday afternoon for a party at 7:00 pm. Thank you for the link though! 😊
Heather try Walmart. That’s the only store I have seen tights in. It’s spring so most of the stores don’t sell them right now. Walmart used to put them on clearance but now they keep them year round. The only reason we have empty shelves at our grocery store was because we were in the path of the total eclipse. We had many visitors in our area. So glad it’s over.
Looking at the insider and love the dancing on coals color, but don’t want distressed knees… what’s a good versatile color without distressing in the insider cut?
Thank you
Good question! I should have included that option. Girl Crush is probably your best bet. https://shopstyle.it/l/bQczT
They used to have a wash called Walking On Coals which was the same as Dancing On Coals but without distressing, but I can’t seem to find that anywhere now.
Girl Crush is one of my favourite washes. A perfect medium blue. My first ever pair were Lookers in GC. I don’t do the skinnies any more. I also had Rascal Ankle Snippits in GC at one point.
I finally decided to try the insider during the Nordstrom anniversary sale. I wanted to see if they are as good as you say. I love thecway they look on you and they are exactly my style. The price has always held me back. I was eager to try them on though. Unfortunately (?) They don’t work for me! I was disappointed and relieved at the sane time. I’m 5’2″ and they were like regular/full length on me. Not only that but the distressing didn’t fall at the right spot so it isn’t even possible to cut them. Plus, you lose the chewed hem if you have to cut them. It’s frustrating being short and wanting premium denim. I ended up with a few pairs of wit & wisdom.
I can imagine how frustrating that would be. I wonder if the non-distressed version would work. It doesn’t have the chewed hem, it’s just a raw step hem, so would be easier to cut. https://shopstyle.it/l/bQcCa
I’m 5’0″ and I alter the hems to fit. Raw hems and chewed hems are super easy to recreate as are ankle snippets. For hemmed styles, I do an original hem and they look perfect. I’m a sewer.
Thanks so much! I’ve been wondering about the differences in Mother jeans – this post was so very helpful – just bought a pair of runaway ones.
Thank you very much for this Mother educational review. I would never have known the differences. Question for you: Have you ever heard of the Mother “The Pixie exposed button in bootcut”? I noticed on Nordstrom this is the only petite jean Mother makes. Was curious if you had tried it in regular and your thoughts. I am not blessed with any height like you so Mother jeans are an issue at my 5 feet tall frame. Am not magically going to grow at my age either. Thank you for everything that you do!
I haven’t tried that one. Let me know if you do, and how you like it!
I have the Pixie Mid-rise Dazzlers in regular and I shortened them with original hem. I’m 5′ too and prefer regular jeans. Petites are often too short in the rise for me.
Ur awesome! Although I’m quite familiar with Mother jeans so I also have the addiction I randomly came across this article after noticing that finally a review that wasn’t by a 5’9 115pound person!!!! Love love love it!
LOL!!! I totally know what you mean.
Hey, I love your reviews and love the way Mother fits however my first, and only pair, have fallen apart in just over a year, with a belt loop tearing, a pocket top detaching and a large hole on the bottom. When I reached out to customer service they said one year warranty with inspection for an exchange, which was all I asked for…the fit was amazing but for 1 year of occasional wears to leave a pair of $200+ jeans unwearable is pitiful as far as quality – old navy holds up better…so disappointed
Agolde is my denim of choice but it looks like I need to try some of these!
Naghedi bags keep catching my eye lately. Do you still use your tote? Is it user friendly or not comfortable to use daily? Thanks for all you do!
AGOLDE is good, but I find their denim a little more rigid, or thicker in the stretchier fabrications. I used to love the Toni style, but I don’t know if they still make it.
I don’t use my Naghedi tote as much as I thought I would. I can’t put it over my shoulder, which is kind of a pain. It’s a beautiful bag, though, and I still have it. I feel like the woven look is more spring/summer than fall/winter, so I hope to carry it more now that it’s warming up.
Jo-Lynne, give these a try– they’re my current Agolde fave! I sized down one size. Very soft & comfy 🙂 https://www.nordstrom.com/s/kye-mid-rise-ankle-straight-leg-jeans-diversion/7703844
Have you ever watched “Escape to the Chateau” with Angel and Dick Strawbridge? It will make you want to rebook your trip to Paris!!
No, I haven’t. I’ll look it up!
Thanks for all the tips on the MOTHER jeans. I have been wanting to try a pair and this really helped me make my decision. I am going to start out with the Mid-Rise Dazzler and go from there. Thanks so much. Great post and very informative.
Some good HGTV shows – Currently watching Rock the Block. They also have a previous season of Rock the Block. Also liked the series called Renovation Island.
Thanks, I’ll check it out!
How about the woven leather mule/heals from the first picture this morning? Love! And I have a matching purse
Ooooh, they’re back in stock! I had them a few years ago. Evereve and Zappos carry them.
Kristen, I have those shoes and love them! Highly recommend!
Thanks for the informative information.
HGTV show that I love to watch is – Bargain Block – its in Detroit. They buy abandoned houses (some are really disgusting) – each house has a decorating theme. I really like the two main builders and their real estate agent.
Good to know, I’ll check it out! Sounds similar to Good Bones.
I love my Agolde denim but I do have a pair of the Mother Rambler Flood (ankle) in a charcoal wash that is probably a bit more stiff. My bum is flat and I don’t like the crease that forms under the cheeks when they are snug, sorry TMI but true. I used to watch a lot of HGTV Designed to Sell 15 years ago but then we were actually on the show and I can’t watch it anymore. Check out the latest HBO doc “Brandy Hellville & The Cult of Fast Fashion”.
I never comment but I want to thank you for a great post! Your honesty and being so thorough is great help. I have not pulled the trigger on the super high end jeans yet BUT now might be the time. I wear jeans ALL the time. It’s my choice, my style. Thank you again. This post is very helpful to me.
I say give them a try! See what you think. You can always return them if they’re not all you’re hoping they will be.
The HGTV shows I like are Down Home Fab, Married to Real Estate and my favorite is Demo Reno because she is unique and funny.
Thanks!
This post was so helpful. I’m in the UK, and I’ve followed you for about 8 years! Kate Middleton (Princess Kate) wears Mother so I expect they’ll be popular here too. They’re very expensive for me, but I live in denim as a stay at home mum, so I’ll be checking out some of the less expensive options you listed.
A question I would love an answer to: What do you wear under? I really hate thongs and I’m in my 40s, no longer willing to sacrifice comfort for style. But my current undies are giving me VPL! Not ok! What underwear do you recommend?
You’re in luck! I just rounded up all of my favorite foundations in a new post. I usually wear thongs under jeans, but for no show I like the Chantelle or the Soma that I mentioned in that post.
Brilliant, just what I need! Thank you.
I’ve ordered premium denim online even in 2 sizes but they never seem to fit right. It’s really hard to order pants online. I’m curvy from the waist down and sometimes need tall sizes.
I see on a few of the styles you like them with both heels and sneakers. Do you have different pairs at a shorter length for your sneakers than what you wear with your heels or booties? My biggest struggle seems to be knowing what shoes I’ll want to wear each pair of jeans with and having them the right length for the shoe.
No, they are the same jeans. Those Weekenders work with both, as long as the sneakers are a little on the chunky side.
Thank you for this weeks post! I am a denim girl, always have been. To give you an idea of how old I am, I wore nothing but Seven for All Mankind denim back in the day and paid well over $150 for each pair. I absolutely lived in them and they were the best premium denim at the time (IMO). Now that I am waaaay older, shopping for denim now is not fun, dealing with my weight shifting and all that fun stuff, I need to get a good pair of denim crops and jeans as a closet staple. There is something about wearing a good pair of denim and investing in a nice handbag that makes a girl feel put together. I will be trying the Mother jeans on as well as the AG jeans some ladies posted about. It is always hard motivating myself to go try on jeans. So much easier to buy handbags and shoes! LOL! As always, thank you for classy suggestions on fashion and life in general!,