Flying Monkey’s flare lineup includes at least three distinct cuts. Here’s which one to buy and which to skip.
I own a pair of Flying Monkey high-rise flares and I’ve tried on two other cuts at my local Buckle, which is where Flying Monkey has its strongest retail presence. Across those data points and a few months of regular rotation on the pair I kept, I can speak honestly about the catalog. Flying Monkey is the parent brand of Vervet, and the family relationship matters for this category — the two brands handle flares differently even though they come from the same company. The broader brand context is in my Flying Monkey Jeans, and Flying Monkey sits in our Affordable Fashion Brands guide as the Buckle-distributed LA denim pick.
Flying Monkey Flare Cuts
The catalog rotates, but the consistent flare categories are: the high-rise flare (most common — a moderate flare starting from the knee), the high-rise bell bottom (a more dramatic flare starting from mid-thigh or higher), and the mid-rise flare (less common and usually in the trendier seasonal drops). There are occasional sub-variations within each cut — distressed versions, different washes, raw hem versus finished hem — but the three cuts above are the scaffolding.
The high-rise flare is the one to buy for most shoppers. It’s the most versatile, the most flattering across body types, and the cut where Flying Monkey’s production quality shows up best.
The High-Rise Flare Fit
My pair is the high-rise flare in a dark wash. The rise hits around 11 inches, which puts the waistband above my belly button on a 5’6″ frame. The thigh runs slightly slimmer than I’d want for a flare — Flying Monkey’s block is more fitted through the thigh than Vervet’s, which is the single biggest difference between the two sibling brands on flares specifically.
The flare opens from the knee. The leg opening is moderate — not a bell bottom, not a straight leg, somewhere in the contemporary flare range. The fabric drapes fine, though not as beautifully as the Vervet flare equivalent, which uses a slightly nicer denim finish. The fit through the hip is standard — good for average proportions, slightly binding for very curvy frames.
Sizing runs true to Flying Monkey’s standard catalog, which is close to brand-standard contemporary denim sizing. I’m a 29 at 5’6″ and 140 pounds, and my 29 fits exactly as expected. The waist has slight looseness after a few wears, which is the usual behavior of all the Flying Monkey-family jeans.
Inseam Options by Height
Regular inseam on Flying Monkey flares sits around 32-33 inches, which works for 5’6″ to 5’9″ with a low heel. Shorter wearers (5’4″ and below) will need to hem, and a good hem on a flare is tricky because you don’t want to lose the drama of the leg opening — factor that into the purchase decision.
Some Flying Monkey flares come in a longer inseam option (“tall” or “long”) that extends another inch or two. These are worth seeking out if you’re 5’9″+ and you want the full flare drape. The regular inseam will read cropped on taller frames in a way that undercuts the flare silhouette.
Comparison to Vervet Flares
Same parent company, different blocks. Vervet’s flare runs more generously through the thigh, with a slightly softer denim hand feel and a marginally more premium finish on the wash detailing. Flying Monkey runs slimmer through the thigh and has a flatter wash finish. For slimmer frames or athletic builds looking for a fitted flare, Flying Monkey’s block works well. For curvier frames or anyone who wants a more forgiving thigh, Vervet is the better pick.
Fabric durability is roughly even — both use comparable denim weights with comparable stretch content. Vervet’s finish fades slightly faster in the wash because the wash detailing is more pronounced; Flying Monkey’s flatter finish holds saturation slightly longer. Either brand is a good pick, and the choice comes down to whether your priority is thigh room (Vervet) or a slightly slimmer cut (Flying Monkey).
The Verdict
Flying Monkey’s high-rise flare is the purchase to make in this category, for most shoppers with a slimmer or athletic build. Curvier frames or anyone who carries weight in the thighs should look at Vervet’s flares instead for the more generous thigh room. The bell bottom cut is a secondary purchase for the 70s silhouette only. Sizing runs true; inseam is standard for 5’6″-5’9″ and needs adjustment for taller or shorter wearers. If you want to browse, Flying Monkey Flare Jeans on Amazon stocks the high-rise flare reliably and Flying Monkey Flare on Poshmark is the secondhand route. The broader Flying Monkey Jeans covers the rest of the catalog if you want to see how the brand holds up beyond this specific cut.
Shop the look on Amazon
Everything you need to build a secondhand-style wardrobe, delivered. We may earn a commission on purchases.
FAQ
Do Flying Monkey flares run long?
Regular inseam is 32-33 inches, which works for 5’6″ to 5’9″ with a low heel. Shorter wearers will need to hem; taller wearers may want to seek out a longer inseam option if available in their size.
High-rise vs mid-rise Flying Monkey flares — which is better?
The high-rise is the stronger pick for most shoppers. The tall waistband creates visual balance against the flare, and the rise is comfortable for daily wear. Mid-rise flares read more trend-cycle specific and don’t flatter as broadly.
Which Flying Monkey flare should I buy first?
The high-rise standard flare in a dark wash. It’s the most versatile piece, the most flattering, and the cut where Flying Monkey’s construction quality shows up best. Save the bell bottom for a second purchase if you specifically want the 70s silhouette.
