Style

The Best Jeans For Your Body Type

Classic denim never goes out of style, but unfortunately for us, not all denim fits the way we’d like it to. If you’ve been struggling to find jeans you love, and that fit perfectly, you may not be choosing styles that are flattering on your body type.

By Alyssa Vandermeulen3 min read
shutterstock 1989674480 (1)

The key to owning jeans that work for all seasons is to invest in denim that looks and feels good…and to also own it in several different washes. Light wash denim is essential in the spring and summer seasons, whereas darker washes and black denim are ideal for the fall and winter. 

With both high-waisted and low-rise denim on trend, the possibilities are endless for denim that is stylish and comfortable. But what styles look best on your body type?

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Pear Shape

Pear shaped women will look best in a boyfriend jean, similar to the boyfriend short. Boyfriend jeans should fit right at the waist, and then looser down the leg, which will even out the appearance of wider hips. 

Free People Shelby Low-Rise Boyfriend Jeans, $78
ASOS DESIGN Boyfriend Jeans, $16

Another great choice is bootcut or flare jeans. These styles draw attention to the full leg, as opposed to just the hip area, and can be more comfortable, as they are not as tight and form-fitting as, say, a skinny jean style. 

Old Navy Mid-Rise Kicker Boot-Cut Jeans, $35
Free People Ava High-Rise Slim Flare Jeans, $78

Plus Size

Stylish plus size denim can be hard to find. Thankfully, most brands now offer more inclusive sizes, like the curvy denim lines that are popular on social media from Abercrombie & Fitch and Free People!​ Curvy denim will hug you in all the right places, while also providing a slimming effect on the thighs, without that annoying waistband gap. 

Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love Low Rise 90s Straight Jean, $89

Mid-rise jeans will be the most comfortable, as high-rise jeans will cut uncomfortably above the belly button. To stay on-trend, a mom jean is tapered and will remain comfortable from the waistline all the way down the leg! 

Free People CRVY Georgine Mom Jeans, $98
Old Navy High-Waisted O.G. Straight Extra Stretch Jeans, $40

Petite

Women with a smaller build find that pants help to level out proportions when they’re properly fitted around the butt. Avoid baggier styles and low-rise jeans, as you want to keep your proportions as even as possible. Mid or high-rise jeans are slimming and will give you a better fit around the waist. The best style is the straight leg jean, which will elongate the leg and give the appearance of curves. 

Agolde Riley High Rise Straight Crop, $198
ASOS Weekday Rowe Cotton Blend High Waist Straight Leg Jeans, $70

Another issue you might run into when shopping for denim is the length. While some styles look cute cuffed at the end, not every pair of jeans should have the same look. Abercrombie is a great option because you can choose the length of your denim!

Abercrombie & Fitch Ultra High Rise Ankle Straight Jean, $89

Rectangle

If you have more of a straight shape without the obvious appearance of curves, high waisted denim was made for you! High-waisted jeans will give the illusion of curves, whereas low-rise jeans will emphasize your straight waist. The ideal silhouette is bootcut or straight leg jeans, as these styles will hug your hips without squaring off your body. And don’t be afraid of embellishments! Back pockets and simple designs can add curves without adding weight to your thighs. 

Free People Citizens of Humanity Isola Cropped Slim Flare Jeans, $228
Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Button-Fly Kicker Boot-Cut Jeans, $45

While skinny jeans sometimes get a bad rap, a simple dark wash can lengthen your vertical line and balance out your top and bottom half!

Abercrombie & Fitch High Rise Skinny Jean, $60

Apple

Lucky girl, the wide-leg jean was made for you! Perfect to balance out your proportions, wide-leg jeans look great with a flowy blouse for an instant outfit. Make sure the denim hugs your waist well, but avoid high rises. 

ASOS Weekday Ace Cotton High Waist Wide-Leg Jeans, $70
Free People Rolla’s Sailor Jeans, $129

A pull-on jean is also a great option for an apple body type, as zippers can add bulk to your midsection. To avoid this, choose a pair of darker pull-on jeans for comfort and style. Jeans with a drawstring are cute as well!

Free People Clover Wide-Leg Solid Pants, $168

Hourglass

Hourglass shapes, with a small waist and larger curves, look great in high-waisted denim, because it clearly defines your waist and accentuates your curves. Look for denim with a bit of stretch, because you want your jeans to comfortably move with you throughout the day. You may have an easier time finding high-waisted jeans that fit, but what silhouette is most flattering on your body type? The answer is tapered jeans, like a mom jean! These jeans will provide great leg shape to match your defined waist, without being overly baggy or skintight. 

Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love High Rise Mom Jean, $89
H&M Mom High Ankle Jeans, $30

Everlane’s The Curvy ‘90s Cheeky Jean was created specifically for the hourglass shape, so you will get the perfect form-fitting fit without the waistband gap. And look how cute the washes are!

Everlane The Curvy ‘90s Cheeky Jean, $75

Closing Thoughts

A classic pair of denim jeans will take you far this fall. What style are you wearing?

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