Leg opening on jeans is one of those measurements that appears in product descriptions but is rarely explained—even though it is precisely the leg opening that determines whether your jeans look right with your shoes. Two pairs of jeans with the exact same waist and inseam can look completely different on you simply because the hem is four centimeters wider.
In this guide, we go through what leg opening means, how to measure it yourself, the typical leg widths for common models, how to choose based on your height and shoes—and what to do if the jeans you love are wrong at the bottom.
Contents
- What does leg opening mean?
- How to measure the leg opening
- Leg opening by jean model
- Leg width and your height
- The leg opening determines the shoes
- When the leg opening is wrong
- Our current favorites
- Frequently asked questions
- Summary
What does leg opening mean?
The leg opening is the width of the jeans at the bottom, at the hem—in other words, how big the hole is where your foot comes out. In English, it is called leg opening or hem width.
The measurement is almost always stated laid flat, straight across the hem. A leg opening of 20 cm means the hem is approximately 40 cm around. It is easy to confuse the two, and that is the most common reason why jeans that "should" be wide look slim when they arrive home.
The leg opening is not the same as the model name. A pair of "straight" jeans from one brand might be as wide at the bottom as a pair of "wide" jeans from another. Therefore, the measurement is more reliable than the label.
How to measure the leg opening
The easiest way to know what you want is to measure a pair of jeans you already like:
1. Lay the jeans flat on a table or the floor, with the legs smooth and the seams at the edge. 2. Measure straight across the hem, from edge to edge, without stretching the fabric. 3. Write down the number – that is the leg opening laid flat. If you want the circumference, multiply by two.
It is also a good idea to measure the width at the knee. The difference between the knee and the hem is what determines the silhouette: if the hem is narrower than the knee, the jeans are tapered; if it is the same width, they are straight; and if it is wider, they are bootcut or flared.
Then compare with the measurement in the size guide before ordering. If you want to read more about how the fit should be in general, we have a guide on how straight jeans should fit.
Leg opening by jean model
The measurements below are approximate guidelines for women's jeans in a medium size, measured flat across the hem. They vary between brands and grow slightly with the size—but they give you a sense of where the boundaries lie.
| Model | Approximate leg opening (flat) | Things to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Skinny | approx. 12–14 cm | Tight all the way – requires stretch to be able to put on |
| Slim / tapered | approx. 14–17 cm | Narrower at the hem than at the knee |
| Straight | approx. 17–20 cm | Same width from knee to hem – the most versatile |
| Bootcut | approx. 20–23 cm | Slim over the thigh, slightly flared below the knee |
| Wide leg | approx. 24–30 cm | Wide all the way from the hip – requires the right length |
| Flared / flare | approx. 25–30 cm or more | Tight to the knee, then significantly flared |
We cover how to see the difference in practice, and which fabric type holds its shape best, in non-stretch vs. stretchy jeans.
Leg width and your height
Leg opening and length are connected, and that is where most people get jeans wrong. A wide leg opening needs length to look intentional—wide-leg jeans that end at the middle of the ankle often look like you have outgrown them. A narrow leg opening, however, can handle being short, as it still ends tight against the leg.
Rule of thumb: the wider the hem, the closer to the floor it should end with your shoes on. Wide and flared jeans should almost touch the ground. Straight jeans can end right at the ankle bone or slightly above. Cropped models are the conscious exception—there, the short length is the whole point, which we explain in what cropped jeans mean.
If you are short, a wide leg opening with a high waist elongates the legs—provided the jeans go all the way to the floor, preferably over a shoe with some height.
The leg opening determines the shoes
This is the practical reason to care about the measurement: the leg opening determines which shoes work.
Narrow leg opening (skinny, slim) fits sneakers, ballet flats, and ankle boots where the jeans can be tucked in or end above the shaft. Straight leg opening is the all-rounder—loafers, sneakers, ankle boots, and pumps all work, which is why straight jeans are the most versatile model. Bootcut is made to fall over a boot shaft, so it looks best with heeled boots. Wide and flared leg opening wants a shoe with some height or a platform sole; otherwise, you will step on the hem.
If you want to delve deeper into choosing shoes, we have guides on how to style ankle boots and loafers—both with jeans as a starting point.
When the leg opening is wrong
If you have found jeans that fit perfectly in the waist and hip but are wrong at the bottom, there are a few paths:
Too long and wide: shorten them at a tailor, but do it with the shoes you intend to wear. A couple of centimeters makes a difference. Too narrow at the hem: a straight or tapered hem cannot be widened, but you can choose shoes that work with it—an ankle boot or a sneaker. Simply the wrong silhouette: change the model. It is often easier to find the right leg opening in another style than to fundamentally alter a pair of jeans.
Our current favorites
Three jeans with clearly different leg openings to choose from:
- Modern Wide Leg Jeans | High-waisted with Wide Leg Opening – wide hem and high waist, should be worn long over a shoe with some height.
- Mia | Relaxed High Waist Straight Jeans for Women – the versatile middle ground that works with loafers, sneakers, and boots.
- Olivia | Stretchy Bootcut Jeans in Brown with High Waist – slim over the thigh and slightly flared at the bottom, made to fall over autumn boots.
If you prefer a retro silhouette, there is also Mason | Flared High-waisted Stretch Jeans, and those who want a short length can look at Sofia | Retro High Waist Cropped Jeans.
The length determines as much as the fit: straight jeans should end at the ankle, while wide jeans should almost touch the ground with shoes on. Model by model, with shoes and inseam, in how long should jeans be.
Frequently asked questions
What does leg opening mean for jeans?
The leg opening is the width of the jeans at the bottom at the hem. It is usually stated flat, across the hem—multiplied by two becomes the circumference.
How do you measure leg opening?
Lay the jeans flat and measure straight across the hem from edge to edge without stretching the fabric. It is a good idea to measure a pair you already like and compare with the size guide.
What leg opening do straight jeans have?
Approximately 17–20 cm flat for women's jeans in medium size, but it varies between brands. What makes them straight is that the width is the same from knee to hem.
What is the difference between bootcut and flared jeans?
Both widen below the knee, but bootcut does so lightly—to fall over a boot shaft—while flared jeans widen significantly and have a distinct retro silhouette.
Which shoes fit wide-leg jeans?
Shoes with some height or a platform sole: heeled loafers, boots, or pumps. Wide-leg jeans should almost touch the ground, otherwise they look too short.
Can you change the leg opening on jeans?
Shortening or narrowing a hem is possible at a tailor. Widening a narrow hem is practically impossible—then it is better to choose another model.
Summary
The leg opening is the width of the jeans at the hem, measured flat across. It says more about how the jeans will look than the model name, and it determines both which length and which shoes work. Measure a pair you already like, compare with the size guide—and remember that a wide hem always needs length.
Looking for more jeans tips? Read our major guide to jeans for women.
Ready to find yours? Explore our women's trousers and jeans.
Looking for something else? See all our 143 guides in a list.
