Off the Cuff: 6 Cool-Girl Ways to Cuff Your Jeans

By Mandi Villa

Updated on 9/3/2018 at 12:00 PM

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Getty
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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.

01

The Superskinny Cuff

A superskinny cuff works best with streamlined silhouettes, like the Levi's 501 Skinny Jean ($98).

Step 1
POPSUGAR Photography | Grace Hitchcock

Step 1

Fold the jeans to create a half-inch cuff.

Step 2
POPSUGAR Photography | Grace Hitchcock

Step 2

Fold again to create a doubled half-inch cuff.

Finished Look
POPSUGAR Photography | Grace Hitchcock

Finished Look

Smooth out the cuff to create a sturdy, symmetrical look.

02

The Wide Cuff

A thick cuff works best with wide-leg denim, like these R13 The Jane Jeans ($198, originally $595).

Step 1
POPSUGAR Photography | Grace Hitchcock

Step 1

Fold the jeans to create a two-inch cuff.

Step 2
POPSUGAR Photography | Grace Hitchcock

Step 2

Fold again to create a doubled two-inch cuff. Repeat this step on the other leg.

Finished Look
POPSUGAR Photography | Grace Hitchcock

Finished Look

Smooth out the cuff to create a sturdy, symmetrical look.

03
The Roll-It-Up Cuff
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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
POPSUGAR Photography | Grace Hitchcock

Step 1

Gently fold the jeans to create a one-inch cuff.

Step 2
POPSUGAR Photography | Grace Hitchcock

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
POPSUGAR Photography | Grace Hitchcock

Finished Look

Lightly pull the roll away from the denim to create a more cylindric style.

04

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
POPSUGAR Photography | Grace Hitchcock

Step 1

Fold the jeans one to three inches, depending on how short you want your denim to be.

Step 2
POPSUGAR Photography | Grace Hitchcock

Step 2

Lightly press on the seam of the fold to create a firm crease.

Step 3
POPSUGAR Photography | Grace Hitchcock

Step 3

Flip the cuff inside out.

Finished Look
POPSUGAR Photography | Grace Hitchcock

Finished Look

Lightly press the seam to secure.

05
The Half-Tuck Cuff
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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
POPSUGAR Photography | Grace Hitchcock

Step 1

Fold the jeans to create a one-and-a-half-inch cuff.

Step 2
POPSUGAR Photography | Grace Hitchcock

Step 2

Fold half the cuff — we chose the right side — to create a doubled one-and-a-half-inch cuff.

Step 3
POPSUGAR Photography | Grace Hitchcock

Step 3

The left side of the cuff will remain a single one-and-a-half-inch fold.

Finished Look
POPSUGAR Photography | Grace Hitchcock

Finished Look

Repeat step three on the other leg. Adjust folds as desired.

06

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
POPSUGAR Photography | Grace Hitchcock

Step 1

Fold the jeans to create a three-and-a-half-inch cuff.

Step 2
POPSUGAR Photography | Grace Hitchcock

Step 2

Pull the fold away from the top, toward you, to create a bunchy, textured look.

Step 3
POPSUGAR Photography | Grace Hitchcock

Step 3

Fold the hem of the jeans down toward you.

Finished Look
POPSUGAR Photography | Grace Hitchcock

Finished Look

You have now perfected the off-duty-model look.