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From Utility to Statement: The Origins of the Flare

The roots of flare trousers go back further than the 1960s. In fact, the earliest to wear flare-style trousers were sailors in the US Navy during the 19th century. The wide leg allowed for ease of movement and could be easily rolled up when working on deck—or even used as a flotation device in emergencies. Functional and distinct, this style sets the groundwork for what would become a symbol of freedom. 

By the late 1960s, flare trousers had been adopted by counterculture youth, particularly in San Francisco and London. Flare jeans emerged as a political and cultural statement—a rejection of conservative dress codes and a visible alignment with anti-establishment values.  

The ’70s: The Golden Age of Flare Jeans

The 1970s brought flare jeans into the mainstream. The silhouette lengthened the leg and created a sense of drama and movement that perfectly matched the decadence of disco and the carefree spirit of the decade. As flare jeans entered the mainstream, they became synonymous with the decade’s expressive fashion. Key icons helped shape the era’s signature look. 

Jane Birkin

The queen of effortless Parisian style, Birkin paired high-waisted flared jeans with tucked-in tees and straw baskets, inspiring generations with her relaxed, bohemian look. 

Farrah Fawcett

The famous photo of Farrah Fawcett in flared jeans and sneakers, tossing her hair back on a skateboard, became a symbol of sporty, California glam. Her look captured the youthful energy of the decade. 

Cher

Musician, actress and fashion icon Cher took a fresh approach to the flare, creating space for the clothing item in high fashion. Onstage and off, she wore elaborate, sequinned flare trousers that blurred the lines between costume and couture.  

The collective love of flare jeans and trousers in the ‘70s was also reflected on the runway. Bell-bottoms became a must-have item, and flare jeans were produced in every colour, wash and embellishment imaginable. Music, nightlife and fashion collided—and the flare was at the center of it all. 

The ’80s and ’90s: A Fall from Favour

As the ’80s ushered in sharper silhouettes and power dressing with office wear, flare jeans began to fade from the spotlight. Instead, women opted for tapered and baggier jeans in acid wash and classic washes.  

By the ’90s, a relaxed, grunge-inspired fit took over. While bootcut jeans emerged as a subtler nod to the flare, the bold bell-bottom was largely relegated to vintage shops and fashion archives. 

The 2000s: A Low-Rise Comeback

The early 2000s saw flare jeans rise again, often worn with crop tops and sky-high heels, becoming a defining trend of the early 2000s. Stars like Britney Spears, Paris Hilton and the members of girl group Destiny’s Child made the look aspirational once again—although the silhouette was sleeker and sassier than its ’70s predecessor. 

Britney Spears

Few embodied the Y2K look like Britney Spears. Her iconic red carpet outfits often included hip-hugging flares styled with rhinestones, halters and butterfly clips—forever defining the era’s aesthetic. 

Paris Hilton

In her off-duty looks, Paris Hilton turned flare jeans into a glam essential. Complete with oversized sunglasses, crop tops and designer bags, flare jeans became a key piece in the 2000s “It Girl” wardrobe. 

Destiny’s Child

With coordinated denim looks and plenty of sparkle, girl group Destiny’s Child made low-rise flare jeans a performance-ready staple. The group incorporated fun accessories like bejewelled belts and ribbons to create their signature look. 

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Flare Jeans in Fashion Today

In recent years, fashion’s cyclical nature has brought flare jeans back into the limelight— this time with a blend of vintage references and modern tailoring. Today’s flare jeans come in many forms: cropped, ultra-wide, high-waisted or structured. Designers like Celine, Gucci and Victoria Beckham have reimagined the silhouette in luxe fabrics and elevated cuts. 

Celine

Celine has reintroduced flares with a French rock ‘n’ roll twist: high-waisted, structured and sleek, paired with blazers and ankle boots for a cool-girl edge. Celine’s flare jeans created a buzz when seen on Kendrick Lamar at his 2024 Super Bowl halftime performance. Most recently, Rihanna paired Celine flare jeans with a grey bomber jacket on a night out. 

Gucci

If you’re a fan of Harry Styles, you’re likely familiar with Gucci’s iconic flare jeans and trousers. A brand admired by younger generations for embracing maximalism, Gucci has perfected the flared silhouette. Their flare trousers are luxurious and indulgent, using velvet fabrics, bold prints and embroidered detailing to create a sense of theatricality. 

Victoria Beckham

Victoria Beckham takes a polished and elegant approach to the flare with ultra-tailored versions that feel sophisticated, perfect for the modern minimalist with a nostalgic streak. Victoria Beckham’s eponymous brand emphasises versatility and practicality in their clothing, including their flare jeans, which are a closet staple seen in many of Beckham’s outfits. 

Stella McCartney

As a pioneer in sustainable and cruelty-free fashion, Stella McCartney has infused flared denim with ethical innovation. The brand’s collections spotlight eco-conscious materials, often combining sharp tailoring with soft, vintage-inspired washes that balance planet-friendly fashion with timeless style. 

Diesel

Under Glenn Martens, Diesel has leaned into Y2K nostalgia and oversized silhouettes. Their flared jeans—often exaggerated, low-rise and distressed—channel the rebellious spirit of the early 2000s with a creative edge. The brand’s bold denim campaigns have made flare jeans feel daring and novel. 

The Boho Revival

The resurgence of flare jeans has also paralleled the return of boho fashion—a style rooted in freedom, fluidity and artistic expression. Flowing fabrics, embroidered details, fringe, crochet and earthy tones have made a comeback on runways and in everyday wardrobes, echoing the carefree spirit of the 1970s.  

Flare jeans are a perfect fit for this aesthetic, offering a silhouette that complements loose blouses, suede jackets and wide-brimmed hats. As consumers gravitate towards nostalgic, comfort-driven dressing, the flare continues to flourish as a cornerstone of the modern bohemian look, a far cry from its origins as a ship-deck staple. 

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