Judy Blue flares come in two shapes. Bell bottom isn’t the same as standard flare, and the boutique listing rarely tells you which one you’re looking at.
I own a pair of each. A standard Judy Blue flare that’s been in rotation for a few months, and a bell bottom cut I picked up later because I wanted the full 70s silhouette and the standard flare wasn’t giving me enough drama from the knee. Comparing them side by side is the only way to really understand why Judy Blue’s flare category confuses so many buyers. They’re listed as if they’re interchangeable. They absolutely are not. For the brand-level context on sizing and fabric across all the fits, my Judy Blue Jeans covers it, and Judy Blue sits near the top of my Affordable Fashion Brands roundup.
Flare vs Bell Bottom: Actually Different
The difference is in how the flare starts and how dramatic the opening gets. A standard flare starts opening from the knee down and the leg opening is moderate — noticeably wider than the thigh, but not theatrical. A bell bottom starts opening higher on the leg (sometimes from mid-thigh) and the leg opening is dramatically wider, often wide enough to cover an entire boot. Bell bottoms are the 70s silhouette. Standard flares are the contemporary version — they read more as “slightly flared trouser” than “hippie silhouette.”
Boutiques list both as “flare” because technically both are flares. The distinction is real and affects everything about how the jean looks on.
The Judy Blue Flare Lineup
Judy Blue makes multiple flare cuts, and the catalog rotates, but the consistent pieces are: a high-rise standard flare (the most popular), a high-rise bell bottom (smaller fraction of the catalog), a mid-rise flare (less common), and occasional trend-driven flare drops in specific washes.
The high-rise standard flare is the one to buy for most shoppers. It works with more tops, more shoes, and reads as a contemporary wardrobe piece rather than a costume. My standard flare pair goes with tucked-in tees, cropped sweaters, and fitted bodysuits without looking like I’m in character.
The bell bottom is the aesthetic play. If you specifically want the 70s silhouette, or you want something dramatic to wear with platforms and a boho top, the bell bottom earns its place. It does not work with as many outfits. It requires platform footwear to not drag, and it reads as a distinctive style choice rather than a closet staple.
Sizing and Inseam
Sizing on both cuts runs the usual Judy Blue generous. I’m normally a 29 at 5’6″ and 140 pounds, and my standard flare in a 29 is slightly loose in the waist — I could have sized down. My bell bottom in a 29 is similar. If you know your Judy Blue size in another fit, consider dropping one for the flares.
The inseam on regular sizing is cut for 5’6″ to 5’8″ on standard flares. Shorter wearers (5’4″ and below) will need to hem or wear platforms. Bell bottoms are typically cut longer — they need the extra length to drape properly — and shorter wearers should expect to either hem significantly or commit to tall shoes with every wear.
Compared to Kancan’s flare lineup, Judy Blue’s flares run slightly less defined through the knee taper and the leg opening is slightly smaller on the standard flare. My separate Kancan Flare Jeans covers the Kancan side and is worth reading if you’re shopping the category broadly.
Fabric
Both my pairs use the usual Judy Blue denim — softer than most affordable denim out of the bag, lighter in weight than structural denim, and with enough stretch that the fit relaxes noticeably after wear two or three. The flare silhouette is slightly more forgiving of this stretch than a skinny cut would be; the leg opening provides some visual balance even if the waist has loosened a bit.
After about eight washes on cold delicate with flat air drying, both pairs look basically new. The color saturation has held. The hem edges (raw on the bell bottom, finished on the standard) have fared fine — the raw bell bottom hem has started fraying slightly, which reads as intentional distress to me but may bother some buyers.
The Verdict
Start with the high-rise standard flare if you’re new to the brand’s flare category. It’s the more versatile piece and it earns its place in a standard denim rotation. Buy the bell bottom as a second purchase if you specifically want the 70s silhouette and you own the platform footwear to make it work. Don’t expect the two to be interchangeable — the standard flare is a closet workhorse, and the bell bottom is a statement piece. Both are legitimate purchases at different moments. If you want to browse, Judy Blue Flare Jeans on Amazon stocks the standard flare more reliably and Judy Blue Bell Bottom on Poshmark is where I’d look for bell bottoms specifically — the terminology on Poshmark is more consistent than on boutique product listings.
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FAQ
Are Judy Blue flares the same as bell bottoms?
No. Standard flares open moderately from the knee down. Bell bottoms open dramatically from mid-thigh or higher, creating a much wider leg opening. Judy Blue makes both cuts, and boutique listings often call both “flares,” which causes confusion. Check the product photo for the specific silhouette before ordering.
Do Judy Blue flares run long?
Standard flares run true-to-length for 5’6″ to 5’8″ wearers. Bell bottoms are cut longer to drape properly over platform footwear. Shorter wearers should plan on hemming or committing to tall shoes.
What’s the rise on Judy Blue flares?
Most Judy Blue flares in the catalog are high-rise, with a rise around 11 inches on regular sizing. This is comfortable for most wearers and creates a clean waist line. Mid-rise flare options appear occasionally but are less common in the lineup.
