You've heard of the TikTok girl math trend and probably totally relate. But have you figured out bootcut jeans math? It's simple: Women's bootcuts plus a short zipper equals a style emergency. The verdict is in and this style needs a long zip, since short ones throw off the silhouette, disrupt the all-important rise-to-flare ratio, and channel Y2K fashion in the worst possible way. A simple way to check if your zipper is the right length is to follow New York stylist Liz Teich's "toothpick rule." If your zip is the length of a toothpick, it's too short, and that pair is unlikely to do you any favors.

A pro tip is to remember that short zippers are usually found on outdated low-rise jeans, which rarely work with bootcuts. They can give your hips an exaggerated, overly rounded look that skews the whole fit and structure of the bootcuts. So, if you have a shorter torso, ditch the low-waisted cuts and go for a mid-rise pair like the Wrangler Mid Rise Boot Cut Ultimate Riding Jeans. And if your torso is longer? High-waisted picks like the Wrangler High Rise Bold Boot Jeans will be a splendid fit.

Before you go searching for your next pair of short-zipped denim, though, let's clear up a common confusion surrounding the difference between bootcuts and flares. Both have wider hems, so they often get mixed up. But here's the cheat sheet: Bootcut flares start below the knee and are just wide enough to skim over your boots (hence the name), while flares go bigger and are often wide enough to nearly swallow your shoes whole. The subtle flare in bootcuts is easier to style and more casual, which explains why the '90s denim bootcut trend continually makes a comeback.