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.
{This post was updated for SPRING 2023.}
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 I did a quick rundown in my weekly newsletter last Saturday, but I wanted to expand on that and put all of this information here on the blog so I can link to it for those who want to refer back to it.
And then 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.
But first, let’s address the white elephant in the room.
Why Are MOTHER Jeans So Expensive?
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?
I find the sizing in MOTHER denim to be somewhat inconsistent, depending on style and the color of the wash.
For example, I almost always size up in black and white MOTHER jeans, but the blue denim washes vary. I’ll share my sizes with each pair, but if you tend to run in between sizes, it’s best to order both sizes and compare.
For size reference, I’m 5’5″ and hovering around 145# these days, and I typically wear a 28 or 29 in premium denim… usually a 29, at the moment.
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.
MOTHER The Weekender
at MOTHER // at Bloomingdale’s // at Anthropologie
sweater (S) // jeans (29) // boots (8) // sunnies
Thunder Road (29) // sweater (S) // boots (8) // Wet My Plants (29) // sweater (S) // boots (8)
Measurements: 9 1/2″ Rise, 31″ Inseam, 20″ Leg Opening
The Weekender is a mid-rise, full length flare. 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. They’re perfect for pairing with booties and clogs this fall and winter, and wedge sandals in the spring/summer, but I’m not opposed to wearing them with a trendy sneaker like the Veja Esplar. I would just need to cut a bit off the length.
These jeans are a really nice option for ladies who want to look current but not too extreme. My one caveat about the Weekender style is they aren’t very long for the taller ladies. If you need more length, try The Runaway, with a 34″ Inseam.
MOTHER The Insider
at MOTHER // at Bloomingdale’s // at Nordstrom
Dancing On Coals (29)
Fairest Of Them All (29) // Dancing On Coals (29)
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 is by far my most worn pair of jeans currently in my closet. 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 Hustler
at MOTHER // at Anthropologie // at Nordstrom
Au Revoir (28) // sweater (S) // vest (S) // clogs (8) // sunnies
Au Revoir (28) // t-shirt (M) // sandals (8) // Fairest Of Them All (29) // sweater (S) // booties (8.5)
Measurements: 11″ Rise, 27 1/2″ Inseam, 16″ Leg Opening
The Hustler is a high-rise, ankle-length flare with a raw hem. I wear these mostly with booties and heeled sandals. Since they don’t work as well with flats, I don’t wear them as much as my other styles, but I have them in two washes, and I’m always glad they’re an option.
Shoe Pairings: I find this length a little awkward with sneakers and flat sandals, but they’re perfect with heeled sandals, clogs, and ankle boots.
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.
The Dazzler
at MOTHER // at Anthropologie // at Bloomingdale’s
Riding The Cliffside (29) // sweater (S) // sneakers (39)
Fairest Of Them All (29) // grey sweater (S) // booties (8) // black sweater (S) // sandals (8)
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. I wear my light wash pair 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
Oui Oui (29) // hoodie (S) // sneakers (39) // jacket (S) // 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.
Shoe Pairings: These jeans look great with everything from booties to fashion sneakers. They’re a fairly versatile style.
The Roller
at MOTHER // at Nordstrom // at Bloomingdale’s
Let’s Trip (28) // Everlane sweater (S) // Kork-Ease clogs (8)
Measurements: 10″ Rise, 31″ Inseam, 26″ Leg Opening
The Roller is a new-to-me style, and it plays right into the wide-leg trend that is having a moment this season. I have them in Let’s Trip, which is a light blue wash with whiskering and fading and at the knees, for that casual lived-in look.
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 Rambler
at MOTHER // at Nordstrom // at Bloomingdale’s
Fairest Of Them All (28) // on sale at Nordstrom // on sale at Bloomies // LOFT blouse (S) // denim jacket (S) // Kork-Ease sandals (8)
Measurements: 11 1/4″ Rise, 27 1/2″ Inseam, 17 3/4″ Leg Opening
The Rambler is another new-to-me style this spring. These high-waisted jeans have a wide straight leg with a clean ankle-length inseam. They come in a variety of colors and washes, and I have them in the clean white wash they call Fairest Of Them All.
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.
I hope this post is helpful for anyone looking to purchase MOTHER jeans. I’m happy to answer any questions in the comments.
And I realize this brand is not in everyone’s budget, so I rounded up some of my favorite “similar for less” styles below.
Jeans Similar to MOTHER Denim
Before You Go…
Here are some of my other denim-related posts you might also like.
- Women’s Pant Styles and Hem Lengths Demystified
- How To Shop For Jeans Online: Denim Measurements & Fabric Composition
- What Shoes To Wear With All Types Of Jeans
- How to Wear Ankle Boots with Straight Leg Jeans
- How to Wear Loafers & Flats with Straight Leg Jeans This Fall
- What Shoes To Wear With Flares This Fall
- How to Wear Ankle Boots in the Winter
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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! 😊
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.