Why Rag and Bone Lori Jeans Are Still the Gold Standard for a Wide-Leg Fit

Why Rag and Bone Lori Jeans Are Still the Gold Standard for a Wide-Leg Fit

Jeans are hard. Finding that one pair that doesn't make you look like you're wearing a costume or drowning in denim is basically a full-time job for some people. Enter the rag and bone lori jeans. Honestly, if you've been looking for a wide-leg silhouette that actually manages to look sophisticated rather than just "baggy," these are usually the first recommendation from high-end stylists. They aren't just another trend piece. They represent a specific pivot in how Rag & Bone approaches their core DNA—mixing that gritty New York aesthetic with something that feels surprisingly polished.

The Architecture of the Lori Silhouette

What makes the rag and bone lori jeans different from, say, a standard flare or a massive wide-leg skate pant? It's the rise. Usually sitting right at the natural waist or just below, the Lori offers a high-rise fit that anchors the volume. If the waist is loose, the whole look falls apart. But here, the structure through the hips is tight. It holds you. Then, from the thigh down, it just opens up into this glorious, sweeping wide leg.

You’ve seen the "puddle" jean trend, right? That's where the hem just heaps up on top of your sneakers or boots. The Lori does that, but with intention. It doesn't look messy. Because the denim used by Rag & Bone—often a 100% cotton or a very high-percentage cotton blend with just a hint of stretch—has enough weight to hold the shape, the wide leg actually moves with you. It doesn't just flap around your ankles.

Fabric Matters More Than You Think

A lot of people get annoyed when they buy "premium" denim and it feels like paper. Rag & Bone has stayed fairly consistent with their sourcing. Most Lori iterations use a mid-to-heavy weight denim. This is crucial for the wide-leg look. If the fabric is too thin, it clings to the back of your legs or shows every ripple. If it's too stiff, you can't sit down. The Lori hits that sweet spot.

Often, you'll find these in a "Featherweight" version too. Don't let the name fool you. It's still durable, but it uses a blend of Tencel or Lyocell to give it a softer drape. It's better for summer. If you’re in a colder climate, stick to the classic rigid versions. They break in beautifully over six months.

Why the Wide Leg Is Winning Right Now

Fashion moves in cycles, obviously. We spent a decade trapped in skinny jeans that felt like surgical leggings. Then we did the "Mom jean" thing. Now, we're in the era of volume. The rag and bone lori jeans tapped into this shift early. People want comfort, but they don't want to look like they've given up.

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There's a specific trick to styling these. Because there is so much fabric on the bottom, you have to balance the top. Think tight. A tucked-in ribbed tank, a bodysuit, or a cropped cashmere sweater. If you wear an oversized hoodie with the Lori, you’re going to look like a rectangle. Which is fine, if that’s the vibe, but for most people, the goal is to show some semblance of a human shape.

  • The Hem Factor: Most Lori jeans come with a raw hem. This is a godsend. Why? Because you can cut them. If you’re 5’4” and the jeans are made for a 5’10” model, you just grab fabric scissors and hack them off. The raw edge is part of the look.
  • The Wash: "Mid-indigo" is the classic. It's that 90s-inspired blue that looks like you found it in a vintage shop in Brooklyn, but the fit is way better than actual vintage.
  • Hardware: Rag & Bone doesn't do flashy. The buttons are understated. The stitching is tonal. It’s quiet luxury before that became a TikTok buzzword.

Real Talk on Sizing and Fit

Let's be real: Rag & Bone sizing can be a bit of a rollercoaster. Generally, the Lori runs true to size, but because it's a wide-leg style, some people prefer to size down for a snatched waist. If you have a smaller waist compared to your hips, you might find a bit of a gap in the back. A tailor can fix that in ten minutes, or you can just lean into the relaxed feel.

Actually, if you’re looking at the rigid 100% cotton versions, remember they will stretch. They won't "grow" a full size, but they will mold to your body. Don't panic if they feel a tiny bit tight in the dressing room. Give them three hours of wear. They'll soften up.

Debunking the "I Can't Wear Wide Leg" Myth

I hear this a lot. "I'm too short for wide-leg jeans." Or "I'm too curvy."

It's nonsense.

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The rag and bone lori jeans actually work better for many body types because the vertical line of the wide leg creates an illusion of height. If the hem hits just above the floor, your legs look miles long. For curvy figures, the wide leg balances out the hips. It creates a balanced X-shape rather than a top-heavy look. The key is where the flare starts. On the Lori, it starts high enough that it doesn't cut your leg in half.

Comparing the Lori to Other Rag & Bone Icons

You might be looking at the Lori and wondering how it stacks up against the Casey or the Logan. The Logan is much more of a "loose" jean—it's baggy everywhere. The Casey is a flare, meaning it’s tight to the knee and then pops out. The Lori is the middle ground. It’s a true wide leg. It stays wide from the hip down.

If you want a "cool girl" vibe that feels effortless, it's the Lori. If you want something that feels a bit more "70s rockstar," you go for the Casey.

Care Instructions That Won't Ruin Them

Please, stop washing your jeans every time you wear them. You’re killing the denim. The rag and bone lori jeans are built to last, but heat is the enemy.

  1. Wash them inside out in cold water.
  2. Use a gentle detergent. No bleach, obviously.
  3. Air dry. If you put these in a high-heat dryer, you're going to shrink the length, and suddenly your "puddle" jeans are high-waters. Not a good look.
  4. If they get a little baggy, a 10-minute tumble on low heat can "reset" the fibers, but don't overdo it.

Where to Buy and What to Look For

You can find these at the big players—Nordstrom, Saks, Neiman Marcus. But honestly, keep an eye on the Rag & Bone archive sales. The Lori is a staple, so it rarely goes on deep discount in the classic washes, but the seasonal colors (like a washed black or an ecru) often pop up for 40% off.

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Check the fabric composition on the tag. If you see "Tencel" or "Lyocell," expect a drapier, softer jean. If it says 100% cotton, expect a break-in period but a more "authentic" denim feel. Both are great, but they serve different moods. The cotton ones feel rugged. The Tencel ones feel like pajamas that look like jeans.

Actionable Steps for the Perfect Fit

If you’re ready to pull the trigger on a pair of rag and bone lori jeans, do this first:

Measure your favorite pair of high-rise jeans. Check the "rise" (the distance from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband) and the "inseam" (the length of the leg). Compare these to the specs on the site. If the Lori has a 32-inch inseam and you’re 5’2”, you’re going to need to hem them.

Next, decide on your footwear. These jeans look best with either a chunky "dad" sneaker or a pointed-toe boot. The sneaker gives it a streetwear edge, while the boot makes it look high-fashion. Avoid flimsy flip-flops; the volume of the denim will just swallow them whole.

Lastly, don't be afraid of the raw hem. If you buy them and they're too long, put on the shoes you plan to wear most often, mark where the denim hits the floor, and cut an inch below that. It adds to the character of the jean and saves you a trip to the tailor. This specific style thrives on a bit of "undone" energy. Wear them, beat them up, and let them fade naturally. That's the whole point of buying Rag & Bone in the first place.