What Does Taper Mean In Jeans? Best Answer & Style Guide

When it comes to jeans, there are countless styles and cuts to choose from, each offering a unique look and fit. One term you may have encountered while shopping for jeans is “taper.” But what does taper mean in jeans?

“Taper” refers to the way the leg of the jeans narrows or becomes slimmer from the knee down to the ankle. Tapered jeans are designed to have a more fitted or narrower silhouette towards the bottom, creating a tapered shape. This design choice is often made for both aesthetic and functional reasons.

What Does Taper Mean In Jeans?

In the context of jeans, “taper” refers to the way the leg of the jeans narrows or becomes more narrow as it goes down towards the ankle. Tapered jeans are designed to have more room around the thigh area and gradually become narrower as they reach the bottom. This results in a silhouette that is slimmer around the ankle compared to the thigh, providing a more fitted and modern look.

Tapered jeans are popular for their contemporary style, as they offer a more tailored and streamlined appearance. This is in contrast to straight-leg or bootcut jeans, which have a more consistent width down the leg. Tapered jeans can vary in the degree of taper, with some having a subtle taper and others having a more pronounced narrowing towards the ankle. The choice of jean style often depends on personal preference and the desired fit.

The Evolution of Tapered Jeans

The concept of tapering jeans didn’t originate in recent times. It has a rich history can be traced back to rock and roll. Rock and roll icons of the past often tapered their jeans to achieve a more youthful and cooler style. This DIY approach to fashion led to the development of tapering as a distinct jean style.

What is the Difference Between Tapered and Straight Leg Jeans?

Two common styles that often get confused are tapered and straight-leg jeans. While they may look similar at first glance, distinct differences in their fit and silhouette can significantly impact your overall look and comfort.

Tapered Jeans

As we discussed earlier, tapered jeans are characterized by their narrowing leg opening from the knee down to the ankle. This means that the jeans gradually become slimmer as they reach the lower part of your leg. 

One of the key advantages of tapered jeans is their ability to provide a streamlined look while maintaining comfort. They are often preferred by individuals who want a slim fit without the extreme snugness of skinny jeans. 

Tapered jeans offer more room around the thigh and calf area, making them versatile for various body types.

Straight Leg Jeans

On the other hand, straight-leg jeans maintain a consistent width from the hip to the hem. This means the leg opening remains the same width as the rest of the leg, resulting in a straight and uniform silhouette. Straight-leg jeans are a classic and timeless style that has been popular for decades.

Straight-leg jeans are favored for their simplicity and versatility. They provide a relaxed fit throughout the leg, making them comfortable for everyday wear. 

These jeans are excellent for individuals who prefer a more traditional and conservative look. They are also suitable for those who want more room in their jeans, especially around the calf and ankle areas.

The primary difference between tapered and straight-leg jeans is the fit and silhouette. Your choice between these two styles should depend on your style preferences, body type, and the look you want to achieve. 

Whether you opt for the trendy appeal of tapered jeans or the timeless simplicity of straight-leg jeans, both styles have unique charm in denim fashion.

What is the Difference Between Slim and Tapered Jeans?

When selecting the perfect pair of jeans, understanding the difference between slim and tapered styles is crucial. These popular jean cuts cater to different fashion preferences and body types, offering distinct fits and aesthetics.

Slim Jeans

Slim jeans are known for their sleek and form-fitting design. They are narrow from the waist to the leg opening, providing a snug fit. 

Slim jeans are ideal for those who prefer a more tailored look without excess fabric or bagginess. This style accentuates the body’s natural contours, making it a favorite choice for individuals with slender or athletic builds. 

Slim jeans are modern and stylish, making them suitable for casual and semi-formal occasions.

Tapered Jeans

On the other hand, tapered jeans share some similarities with slim jeans, but they feature a slightly different cut. Tapered jeans are narrower at the ankle compared to the knee, creating a gradual tapering effect down the leg. This design offers a snug fit around the thighs and becomes progressively slimmer towards the lower leg. 

Tapered jeans balance the tailored look of slim jeans and the comfort of regular or straight-leg styles. They are a versatile choice that flatters various body types and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

The primary difference between slim and tapered jeans lies in their leg shape and fit. Your choice between the two depends on your body shape, style preferences, and the level of snugness and taper you desire for your jeans.

How To Wear Tapered Jeans: Some Trendy Looks

Now that we’ve explored the concept of tapered jeans and the differences between tapered and straight-leg styles, it’s time to delve into the exciting world of fashion and discover how to wear tapered jeans in trendy and stylish ways. 

Tapered jeans offer a versatile canvas for creating various looks, and here are some popular and fashionable options:

Casual Chic

For a laid-back yet stylish outfit, pair your tapered jeans with a classic white t-shirt and a lightweight bomber jacket. This combination is perfect for a day out with friends or a casual date night. Complete the look with clean white sneakers for an effortlessly chic ensemble that’s comfortable and on-trend.

Streetwear Vibes

Tapered jeans are a staple in streetwear fashion. To achieve that urban-inspired look, choose distressed or ripped tapered jeans and team them up with a graphic hoodie or oversized sweatshirt. Throw on a pair of high-top sneakers and accessorize with a beanie or cap to complete the streetwear aesthetic.

Smart-Casual Elegance

Tapered jeans can also be dressed up for a smart-casual occasion. Opt for a dark wash pair of tapered jeans and pair them with a crisp button-down shirt. 

Tuck in your shirt for a more polished appearance, and add a stylish leather belt to accentuate your waist. Finish the look with loafers or brogues for a touch of sophistication.

Athleisure Appeal

Tapered jeans can seamlessly fit into the athleisure trend. Combine them with a sporty hoodie or sweatshirt and a pair of sleek sneakers. The key here is to strike a balance between comfort and style, making it a perfect choice for running errands or a casual workout.

Monochromatic Magic

Create a visually striking outfit by going for a monochromatic look with your tapered jeans. Choose a pair in black or a deep indigo shade and pair it with a matching top in the same color family. 

The monochromatic approach adds an element of sophistication to your outfit, and you can play with different textures and fabrics to add depth.

Accessorize with Confidence

Don’t forget to accessorize your tapered jeans looks. A well-chosen belt, a stylish watch, or statement sunglasses can elevate your outfit to the next level. Experiment with accessories to add a personal touch to your ensemble.

FAQs

Who Should Wear Tapered Jeans?

Tapered jeans can be a great choice for a wide range of individuals. They are particularly well-suited for those who want a contemporary and stylish look without the extreme tightness of skinny jeans. 

Tapered jeans offer a more relaxed fit in the thigh and hip area, making them suitable for people with various body shapes. They are also versatile and can work for both casual and semi-formal occasions, so anyone looking for a versatile addition to their wardrobe can consider wearing tapered jeans.

What Does Taper Mean With Pants?

Tapering with pants refers to the design feature or alteration that narrows the leg opening from a wider point, typically around the thigh or knee, down to a narrower point at the ankle. This tapering creates a slightly V-shaped silhouette in the leg of the pants. 

The purpose of tapering is to provide a more fitted and contemporary look, enhancing the overall style of the pants and allowing them to be more versatile in terms of fashion.

Are Tapered Jeans Good For Big Thighs?

Yes, tapered jeans can be a suitable choice for individuals with bigger thighs. 

The gradual narrowing of the leg from the thigh down to the ankle in tapered jeans allows for more room in the thigh and hip area compared to slim or skinny jeans. This extra room can provide comfort and flexibility for those with bigger thighs while still giving a polished and fashionable appearance. 

Tapered jeans offer a balanced fit that accommodates various body shapes, making them a versatile option for people with big thighs or any other body type.

Conclusion

What does taper mean in jeans? Tapering in jeans is a design feature that narrows the leg opening, creating a stylish and contemporary look. It’s a trend that has stood the test of time and continues to be a popular choice among fashion enthusiasts. 

With various types of tapered jeans available, you can find the perfect fit to enhance your personal style. So, the next time you’re shopping for jeans, consider trying out a pair of tapered jeans to add a touch of flair to your wardrobe.