Cuffing Jeans: Boat Shoes Edition

Boat shoes are a popular choice for those wanting to achieve a casual, relaxed, and stylish look. When paired with jeans, this combination is perfect for summer and early autumn. To elevate this look, you can try cuffing your jeans. Cuffing your jeans involves rolling up the hem of your pants to make them appear shorter, and it's a great way to make your outfit more casual. There are several ways to cuff your jeans, from the single cuff to the double cuff, and even the Japanese cuff. When cuffing your jeans with boat shoes, it's important to avoid pinrolling, which can make your silhouette appear top-heavy. Instead, opt for wider-leg or straight-leg jeans, and remember to avoid visible socks!

Cuffing jeans with boat shoes in a casual setting

Cuffing your jeans is a great way to make your outfit more casual and draw attention to your shoes. When it comes to boat shoes, this is especially important as they are considered a casual shoe and are best worn in the summer or early autumn.

There are many ways to cuff your jeans, but the most common is the single cuff. This is done by folding up the leg outwards once about 2 inches above the hem. This works best if your jeans are the correct length and can be worn with virtually any type of jeans, except bootcut or flared jeans. If your jeans are a little short, you can make the cuff sloppy for a more casual look.

If you want to take off some more length, you can try the double cuff by doing two single cuffs. This works well with loose-fit jeans, as bigger cuffs complement the fit. Slim and skinny jeans should have smaller cuffs.

Another option is the Japanese cuff, which is a favourite among denim enthusiasts. This is done by first doing a large single cuff of about 3-4 inches, and then doing another single cuff on top of that. This is a great way to show off the hem stitching.

The summer cuff is ideal for a casual look and works well with roomier fits. To achieve this look, roll up the jeans two, three, or even four times in an uneven manner to create a messy look. This is the only cuff that should show your ankles, so it is best worn in the summer with boat shoes.

When wearing boat shoes with cuffed jeans, it is important to remember that this look is very summery and should not be worn in cooler weather. Additionally, always wear no-show socks to avoid an awkward look. Finally, avoid pinrolling your jeans as this will make the bottom of your pants appear more tapered and out of balance with the wide-set boat shoe.

The single cuff

To achieve this look, you should fold up the leg outwards once, about 2 inches (5 centimetres) above the hem. You can make the cuff neat and even all the way around for a more formal look, or you can make it uneven and sloppy for a more casual style. This works especially well with jeans that are a little on the short side. You can also try combining the single cuff with stacking, allowing the fabric to stack on top of your footwear, which can create interesting fades.

Remember, when wearing boat shoes with jeans, it's important to avoid visible socks. No-show socks are a good option to maintain comfort and hygiene without ruining the look.

The double cuff

The width of the cuff is up to you and will depend on your height; a wider cuff may make your legs appear shorter, so taller people can get away with a larger cuff. If you are going for a chunkier, more pronounced look, you can fold the bottom of your initial cuff upwards again to create a thicker cuff that hides the hemline.

When creating a double cuff, it is important to ensure that the cuff sits at the top of your shoes, not higher. Make sure the jeans are not twisted and that the cuff is straight and wrinkle-free. For a more elegant look, iron the hem after each fold.

The skinny double cuff

To do the skinny double cuff, start by doing a single cuff. This is done by folding up the leg outwards once, about 5 centimetres (2 inches) above the hem. Then, fold down the hem to hide it. This will give the appearance of a double cuff without requiring as much length.

When wearing boat shoes with jeans, it is important to avoid skinny jeans and excessive tapering, as this can look awkward with the wide shape of the shoe. Cuffing the jeans can help to mitigate this issue by making the leg appear less narrow at the bottom.

Remember, when wearing boat shoes with jeans, it is best to stick to casual and smart-casual settings, and to avoid formal or business-casual attire.

The mega cuff

To create the mega cuff, follow these steps:

• Begin by holding the hem of your jeans with both hands.
• Flip the hem outwards, extending the cuff's length by rolling it upwards.
• Continue rolling until the cuff measures approximately four inches in height. Ensure that the roll is smooth and even all around.

Frequently asked questions