If you've poked your way around TikTok [1] enough, discovering various wardrobe-organisation tips and style hacks along the way, you've probably run into that one trend girls are pulling off with their jeans [2] to make the waistband smaller. In order to achieve that classic, baggy "mom jean" look with the asymmetrical zipper that gives off the illusion of deconstructed denim, women are fastening their buttons through the nearby belt loop, thereby scrunching the material at the waistband in order to make a pair of too-big jeans fit just right. Almost like a paper-bag trouser [3], the denim is perfectly cinched at the waist but still loose through the leg. It's an aesthetic we've seen expertly carried out by the likes of Bella Hadid [4], Emma Chamberlain [5], and Lori Harvey [6].
When I happened upon a pair of Mavi jeans that were too big on me — exactly two sizes too big — I knew I had to try to pull off the look. This particular pair also came in a light, lived-in wash, which I love, and the denim was more stretchy [7] than it was rigid. In just a few short steps, I pulled the centre button over to the belt loop at the near right and hooked it through, fastening it in such a way that the zipper appeared slightly off centre — but that's the deconstructed aesthetic so many brands are going for lately, with the likes of R13, Re/Done, Y Project, Vetements, and more putting out asymmetrical denim. Even denim skirts are being introduced with "twisted zippers" these days, so the off-kilter appearance didn't necessarily bother me, and it doesn't seem to bother all the TikTok users employing the trick either.
Scroll through to see exactly how to get the look with your slouchy jeans, and shop some solid pairs [8] that I think would be up to the task if you're in the market for new denim. Just remember: purchase two sizes up. You can also always pull from your SO's closet if they happen to be a few sizes bigger than you.
My Jeans
Mavi Victoria Mid '90s Jeans [10] ($71, originally $118)
Aritzia Denim Forum The Joni High Rise Loose
Aritzia Denim Forum The Joni High Rise Loose [11] ($110)
pull&bear Basic Mom Jeans
pull&bear Basic Mom Jeans [12] ($36)
AGOLDE '90s Jeans
AGOLDE '90s Jeans [13] ($208)
ASOS Design Curve High Rise Slouchy Mom Jeans
ASOS Design Curve High Rise Slouchy Mom Jeans [14] ($51)
Zara Super Wide Leg Mid Ride Jeans
Zara Super Wide Leg Mid Ride Jeans [15] ($50)
Rolla's Elle Jean Tumbled Blue
Rolla's Elle Jean Tumbled Blue [16] ($109)
How to Make Jeans Smaller
- Zipper the fly of the jeans to the top, but don't secure the button.
- Grab the belt loop immediately to the right of the fly and hook it over the centre button, thereby creating a scrunch effect with the waistband.
- Fasten the button closed at the centre while it's still snagged to the belt loop.
- Flatten out the bunched up fabric by pulling the now-cinched jeans up higher on your waist.