Enlighten Me - What are "Mom" Jeans?

High waisted jeans that go above the belly & make you look like you weigh more than you do

If you are looking at them off, they will have more fabric from the crotch up to the waist, hope you know what I mean

Funny---When my daughter was about sixteen, she started telling me what I could wear out of the house.

Did you do that to your mom?
:D

My son has taken to telling me that my shorts are too short! ha. I don't know that I have any strictly "mom" jeans, but maybe...

there was a skit on SNL last year or the year before about Mom jeans. I believe this is where the term originated or is one of the places the term originated.

There is no Mom jeans brand.

However, Mom jeans are big jeans that a lot of women who are let's say, not slim filly's but women who have obviously had children....

Personally, I loathe the term.

High waisted, relaxed fit...

oh funny. thanks for the education. :)

I would just say "I'm a mom, so I'll take them. I'll save a few pairs for you so in a few years, say ten or twelve we can rediscuss this concept."

I think we all hit the 'mom' category with our children with an issue somewhere along the journey.

LOL, I don't wear "mom" jeans either

Ya got to cover up those wrinkles in your belly from having kids with moms jeans. The jeans that are two inches below ones belly button with a short shirt that shows off the skin between the short shirt and the low cut jeans, aren't mom's jeans. Especially if there is a roll of fat that hangs out over the jeans in that area.

Saturday Night Live did a skit about them:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTl6aJDlDiY

It shows all you need to know.

They tend to make your butt look about 10X larger because of being high waisted, and having HUGE pockets. Mom Jeans are jeans that are tottally unflattering on a woman, because they accentuate and make areas look larger than they are.

Even on a slim person with not much of a rear, they can make the person look fat.

I saw the SNL skit when they first aired it. Too funny.

To me, "Mom Jeans" also have pleats in front (hard core ICK) that accentuate the belly area.

And Paleeese . . . make sure your jeans are long enough.

Okay, I've said my peace. Now, I need to iron my Mom Shirt.

Lee jeans are "mom" jeans.

Funny but the "mom" levis jeans I wear are in mens sizes ;)

I'm glad I asked this question, if only to get a chance to see that SNL skit. According to Wiliam Sledd, a gay guy who has become famous on YouTube, "Mom jeans are the work of the Devil". Well, I don't think I'd go that far. I saw his "Denim Edition" on YouTube but I still didn't understand the difference. Call me dense when it comes to these things.

However, I did buy the Long and Lean jeans he recommended from the Gap and got the Seal of Approval from my teenage son and my husband who both noticed the improvement without my saying a word. I bought them only because they were on sale and have gotten tons of comments. That is about as close to fashionable as I am going to get, LOL, upgrading my jeans!

You can search for William Sledd's videos on YouTube but CONSIDER YOURSELF WARNED - if you are in the least offended by homosexuality, you will not like his videos or his opening greeting, which may be considered equally offensive. I don't quite "get" his opening comment but it is standard greeting of his and his viewers don't seem to mind it. He is definitely "out there" and makes no secret about that. So use your own judgment about searching out or viewing those videos. I was happy to have a "heads up" about the long and lean jeans but I don't think they'd work for everyone so I am NOT giving a general endorsement of them, just to be CLEAR.

I'm mentioning the name just in case anyone is curious. His denim edition (the one on Mom jeans) is kind of famous but I don't think it really explains what they are too well, just which pants aren't Mom jeans. I actually think the Long and Lean are a bit high-waisted on me but they still look good. Tight, but not too tight. Definitely not loose.

I hate that I have to wear Mom Jeans. If I hadn't quit smoking last year, I'd still fit into my ridiculous "cool" jeans.

If they come out with GrandMom Jeans, I may even have to buy a pair of THOSE.

Ina
Isn't that weird about smoking and metabolism?
I don't have firsthand experience but I've seen what friends have gone through. Also, in that book, You on a Diet, Dr Oz (Oprah's doc friend), actually suggests people use nicotine patches to get over a "diet hump". I find that a bit extreme but I also take it a an indication that it must work in some way.

if I wore jeans I would wear mom jeans cause I would look stupid in those low waisted things.I'm a grandmother of 6 and I'm over 50 I don't care what the young peoples fads are.
BTW when Did mom anything ever become something to be ashamed of ???

There is noting that looks worse (in my opinion) than some one who wears the low cut jeans and their belly, stretch marks etc hang over the top. Girls try to remember that you probably won't be holding your belly in the whole time you are wearing the jeans.

Pass the Mom Jean please.

From what I see on the street, some young girls should be wearing mom jeans. Some very young girls may look cute with their belly showing but most older girls don't. A lot of them have a roll of belly fat that looks disgusting.

There IS a happy medium - Levis has good looking womans jeans that are comfy & get compliments.

I don't like those low-cut jeans either & I would wear mens jeans (like I used to) over "mom jeans" anyday.

Most of the major brands have something in-between: low-waisted jeans with a little more room in the hip, for women who actually have figures. They're not big-butt jeans, but they're not made for anorexics either.

I am excited because I just found a pair of jeans that fit and they weren't made for boys! Seriously, I have been buying boys Levi's for years and they are not that attractive, but they were the only thing that fit me. They probably looked like Mom Jeans! Thank god for the Gap!

I wear mom jeans....

Lee jeans are "mom" jeans.
Shannon (our token is cuter than their token)

I like my Lee jeans - and yep I'm a mom - but now I just feel insulted

My jeans set low on the waist, have a dark wash, are slightly boot cut and you know what that show "What not to Wear" said that this is the perfect jean!!!!!!!! :O)~

Plus they came in Petite!!!! WOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOO!! I'll take mom jeans any old day

Barb - Don't feel insulted. People just have different opinions. Your jeans probably look great on you.

Here is another example: I hate straight leg jeans because the tight ones usually look best on thin girls with not much baggage in the rear (to try and put it tactfully). I have lots of baggage or enough so that my luggage should use some lightening :)
So I hate straight leg jeans. On some people they look fine.

No brand of jeans or style that I have found is perfect for EVERY body.

Lee has been working hard imho to overcome it's "Mom Jean" reputation, and they've actually done pretty well. I have a pair that I love, probably the same style you have Barb! But if you look in thrift stores the majority of the "mom jeans" probably are Lee jeans, unfortunately.

I see the Mom jean as (as others have pointed out)

* Overly high waisted. As in over the belly button. And frankly if you need to cover that up, you probably shouldn't be doing it with your jeans. Maybe investing in some spanky pants or something is in order? Also, shirts and tshirts can be bought in much longer lengths now, you just need to know where to shop. The Gap is good and so is old Navy. If you're wearing a lower waisted jean (just below the belly button is plenty low enough) you don't have to worry about whether squatting down to pick something up of the floor is going to give you a plumbers butt. Or show a strip of belly if you reach up etc.

* Tapered Leg - This is different from a straight leg (which can look good) a boot leg or flare. This is one that goes in at the ankle, making your hips seem much wider than you need to. The best strategy if you're wide in the hip or thigh is to get something that balances better, like a boot leg. As I said a natural straight leg will also work since your thigh will never be larger than your ankle. I've read that flares are still in and those are great if you've got (ahem) a more generous thigh. Look for ones that open above the knee, cause if they're tight down past your knee then flare out, it won't help much.

Relaxed fit and/or front pleats - Relaxed fit through the hips can be cool IF you have a straight leg, but not tapered. Again, you're just adding bulk to areas that don't need it. Pleats, if you have a tummy, don't work. Plus jeans just shouldn't have pleats jperiod lol. If you are trying for a dressier look, try a trouser jean. Stylish, almost always flattering (watch out for flap pockets on the rear, though) and very grown up without looking dowdy.

Back pockets too high up - your back pockets belong on your butt, not your lower back. The lower the pockets the smaller your butt will appear, so beware of the too high pocket.

But if your closet is loaded with "mom" jeans and you just can't see throwing them out, just try changing out some of your tops. Go for a longer tee or sweater. And once you see how nicely that can cover, maybe you'll try something a little lower. Just please. No camel toes. ;)

Lucky
I was going to go comment on one of your photos or pieces but you don't have anything up yet. Give me a "heads up" when you do. You really added a lot to this discussion, thanks!

LOL I think we have all heard of "Mom Jeans" I wear them all the time. LOL I have noticed that they are not in style anymore though. LOL

I do wear my tops outside my jeans anymore though. Just dont have the figure that I once had. :)

You know... I really have no idea. I guess mine are probably all Mom jeans because I buy the ones that are comfortable.

This was a good question and these answers are great.

Fate and Destiny

I just gave up on jeans and wear dresses all the time. they're never too tight at the waist and I never have to worry about giving the view that you usually see on plumbers. BUT, there are still problems with bending over carelessly. :) And I never heard of mom jeans.

I gave up because there's too much butt to cover gracefully, not because I'm just such a lady. In case anyone was about to get the wrong idea. When I lose 50 lbs, I'll be happy to wear mom, dad or gramma jeans again. :)

I haven't worn jeans in a few years, but I think the kids refer to Mom jeans, or shirts, as anything they wouldn't be caught "dead" in, you know , not a fancy brand, or label, or not skin tight. I have loads of tops that are just for relaxing, you know, and I buy most of them from Macy's that are just Ts, and pretty colors, but I have lost a lot of weight, and offered them to my daughter in law, who is now bigger than me, but she doesn't want them , because she thinks they are "old" ladies ts, but I bought them off a rack in the misses department, and have seen them on lots of women much younger than me, do you suppose it is all in the "head" the size and age thing. The salvation army doesn't care about style, and getting all my size large thing together for them and perhaps some younger person that dosn't know how old I am will enjoy them and think they are young clothes, lol, good luck Jane.

"Mom jeans" look absolutely hideous, and I don't care how comfortable they are or how old the woman is wearing them! Of course, it's a free country and you can wear anything you want, but I think it's important to take what you wear into consideration. I think it's kind of a shame that some women resort to a degree of frumpiness after they reach a certain age. Just because you are a mother or grandmother doesn't mean that you have to throw style out the window! Of course, you don't have to dress like you're 17, but come on!! There are many classy jean styles out there to accomodate a variety of heights and physiques. If you have had children and haven't been able to get rid of the sagging skin in the middle, there are some mid-rise jeans that have a very flattering cut and a nice leg shape. Those mom jeans with the 9 inch zippers, high waists, faded colors, the huge pockets, pleats (if any) and tapered legs look horrendous! For those women who have worn mom jeans for a long time, don't be afraid to try another style! Jeans are kind of tricky to shop for, but if you try a variety of cuts and styles, you will eventually find something that suits you. It just takes a little bit of time and perserverance! :0) I find that jeans from Express, The Limited and Levi's suit me the best for my frame, but I usually settle on Levi's because the price is a bit more reasonable. I wear Levi's 518 (superlow bootcut) or Levi's 519 (flares) jeans in a Tall inseam and they fit great! Just don't wear Mom Jeans! This is just my opinion that I am throwing out there, but jeans worn with big clunky white sneakers and sweatshirts don't look flattering either!

Mom jeans have a taped leg.

Kathy - taped? Duct or scotch tape?
;)