In the late 1960s, bellbottoms became a trendy fashion item with the rise of thrifting. Young people everywhere began shopping at secondhand and navy surplus stores, rejecting the expensive shops their parents frequented. Soon, old naval trousers became the most popular style of pants to wear.

The trend grew in the 1970s thanks to fashion icons like Cher. Then fashion designers got in on the action. At this time, the style broke into the mainstream and became so popular that it will forever be synonymous with the ’70s.

Flares and bellbottoms went out of style in the ’80s, but from the ’90s to the mid 2000s, they came back in a big way. Bellbottoms, flares, and bootcut jeans were everywhere. They were the preferred jean style of fashionistas everywhere until the year 2006, when skinny jeans took over, seemingly overnight.

That brings us to today. Now that skinny jeans are officially out, flare and bellbottom jeans are poised to take over again. Just more proof that fashion is cyclical!

The Best Flare Jeans to Buy RN

If you need a cute pair of flare jeans, these are the best options that won’t break your budget.

Abercrombie Ultra High Rise Flare Jeans

Buy at Abercrombie

Abercrombie’s denim has had us in a chokehold for the past few seasons and our obsession is still going strong. Their jeans are honestly perfection and if you haven’t tried them… run, don’t walk.

Case in point, these high rise flare jeans come in the cutest wash, with super stretchy fabric that holds you in in all the right places.

If you have a curvier shape, these same jeans are available in the “curve love” style that comes with extra room in the hips and thighs.

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Levis ’70s High Rise Flare Jeans

Buy at Revolve

If you have a little bit more to spend and want to get something classic and ultra high-quality, you can’t go wrong with Levis.