Off the Cuff: 6 Cool-Girl Ways to Cuff Your Jeans
You know the key to being a street style ace: an ample supply of cool-girl denim. From true blues and playful prints to skinnies and relaxed boyfriend fits, there is a silhouette for every occasion. But it's time to turn your attention to styling.
If you're like me, you strive to revamp the classic with a colorful blazer, statement sandals, or a bevy of baubles to ensure your day-to-day styles are anything but basic — but there is an even easier trick to breathe new life into your denim, and it takes less than a minute.
If you think there is only one way to roll up your dungarees, you're in for a treat. Below, we've fashioned and illustrated six quick-and-easy ways to cuff your denim. Up for the challenge? Then grab your selvedge, and let's get down to business.
The Superskinny Cuff
A superskinny cuff works best with streamlined silhouettes, like the Levi's 501 Skinny Jean ($98).
Step 1
Fold the jeans to create a half-inch cuff.
Step 2
Fold again to create a doubled half-inch cuff.
Finished Look
Smooth out the cuff to create a sturdy, symmetrical look.
The Wide Cuff
A thick cuff works best with wide-leg denim, like these R13 The Jane Jeans ($198, originally $595).
Step 1
Fold the jeans to create a two-inch cuff.
Step 2
Fold again to create a doubled two-inch cuff. Repeat this step on the other leg.
Finished Look
Smooth out the cuff to create a sturdy, symmetrical look.
The Roll-It-Up Cuff
The roll-it-up cuff works best with boyfriend jeans, like this Current/Elliott pair ($109, originally $218).
Step 1
Gently fold the jeans to create a one-inch cuff.
Step 2
Roll again to create a doubled one-inch cuff. There is no need to firmly establish a crease, as this look is more of a barrel roll.
Finished Look
Lightly pull the roll away from the denim to create a more cylindric style.
The Under Cuff
The under cuff works best on denim with 3 percent or more lycra in order to keep the fold's shape. We recommend this style from Paige ($189).
Step 1
Fold the jeans one to three inches, depending on how short you want your denim to be.
Step 2
Lightly press on the seam of the fold to create a firm crease.
Step 3
Flip the cuff inside out.
Finished Look
Lightly press the seam to secure.
The Half-Tuck Cuff
The half-tuck can be done with skinny or boyfriend jeans; just make sure they aren't ankle length. We like this dark wash pair by Madewell ($128).
Step 1
Fold the jeans to create a one-and-a-half-inch cuff.
Step 2
Fold half the cuff — we chose the right side — to create a doubled one-and-a-half-inch cuff.
Step 3
The left side of the cuff will remain a single one-and-a-half-inch fold.
Finished Look
Repeat step three on the other leg. Adjust folds as desired.
The Off-Duty Cuff
The off-duty or slouchy cuff works best with boyfriend jeans composed of 98 percent or more cotton, like this Topshop pair ($90).
Step 1
Fold the jeans to create a three-and-a-half-inch cuff.
Step 2
Pull the fold away from the top, toward you, to create a bunchy, textured look.
Step 3
Fold the hem of the jeans down toward you.
Finished Look
You have now perfected the off-duty-model look.