Find the most flattering jeans for your body shape
A well-fitting pair of jeans is an essential wardrobe item every woman should have in their closet. If you shy away from wearing jeans because they never seem to look right, though, the problem isn’t you or your body — it’s the fit.
Jeans are available in several different styles based on the leg and rise. These styles don’t look the same on every body type, though, so a pair that flatters your sister or friend may not be the best option for you. Understanding your body type and the various jeans styles makes it much easier to find the perfect pair of jeans.
What are the most common jean styles?
Most jeans brands usually have their own names for the various styles it offers, but there are some universal-style features that all manufacturers adhere to. You’ve probably seen the terms while shopping or read about them in fashion magazines and blogs.
Skinny jeans have been incredibly popular in recent years, thanks to their streamlined fit. They are tight across the backside, as well as in the thighs and legs.
Straight-leg jeans aren’t as slim-fitting as skinny jeans, but they have a uniform width through the thighs, knees and ankles.
Boot-cut jeans are slimmer in the thighs and knees but flare out slightly at the end to fit over boots.
Flared leg jeans, on the other hand, are narrower at the knees and then flare out significantly at the ankles.
Trouser jeans have a slightly roomier fit than other styles, with a fuller cut from the hip downward.
In addition to the style of the legs, you should also think about the jeans’ rise. High-rise jeans sit above your natural waistline, while regular-rise jeans sit at your natural waistline or just below your navel. Low rise-jeans can sit 2 to 3 inches below your navel, while super low-rise jeans rest 4 to 5 inches below the navel.
What body type do you have?
Even if you understand the various jean styles, you still might not know how to choose the best-fitting pair if you don’t understand your body type and what cut is most flattering for you.
If you have a rectangle or straight body, your shoulders, bust, waist and hips are all roughly the same size. Skinny or straight jeans with a rise that sits above or below the hips are usually the most flattering.
With a triangle or pear body shape, you usually carry most of your weight at your hips, so your shoulders, bust and waist are narrower. Look for straight, bootcut and trouser jeans with a low rise.
An hourglass shape features a clearly defined waist, with a full bust, hips and thighs. Bootcut, flared and trouser jeans usually fit your body best.
If you have a round or apple body shape, the top half of your body is in proportion to the lower half, though you tend to carry most of your weight at the waist or stomach. Bootcut jeans with a regular rise can be very flattering.
Best-fitting jeans for women 2021
Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label Totally Shaping Pull-On Skinny Jeans: available at Amazon
With its stomach-slimming panel and super-stretch material, these skinny jeans don’t just look good — they’re extremely comfortable too. It features a mid-rise pull-on waistband, which makes it easy to get the jeans on and off.
Motherhood Maternity Secret Fit Belly Straight Leg Maternity Jeans: available at Amazon
You can still look great in jeans when you’re pregnant with this super-stretchy maternity pair. It features a seamless stretch panel in the belly, too, so they can grow with you throughout your pregnancy.
7 For All Mankind b(air) Denim Kimmie Bootcut Jeans: available at Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue
These flattering bootcut jeans feature slimming stretch denim that’s lightweight and comfortable. It’s available in a classic deep blue color and features rose gold hardware for true style points.
Lee Relaxed Fit Straight Leg Jean: available at Amazon and Kohl’s
With its looser fit through the hip and thighs, these jeans are perfect for any woman who prefers a roomier fit. It offers classic 5-pocket styling and is available in a variety of finishes and colors too.
URBAN K Classic High Waist Bell Bottom Jeans: available at Amazon
If you’re looking for a pair of flared jeans, this pair is super comfortable thanks to its all-way stretch material. The high waist offers some control and smoothing, too, and the flared leg is perfect for wearing with wedges and heels.
Calvin Klein Mid-Rise Slim-Fit Boyfriend Jeans: available at Macy’s
If you’re looking for comfortable, relaxed-fit jeans, this is the pair for you. It features distressed details and rolled cuffs that make them perfect for casual days. The mid-rise design sits comfortably at the waist, too.
AG Jeans Harper Straight Leg Jeans: available at Amazon
These classic straight-leg jeans are perfect for everyday wear and offer a flattering slim fit that looks good on many body types. They’re made of a super soft, stretchy denim, too, so they’re comfortable all day.
Levi’s 711 Skinny Jeans: available at Amazon, Kohl’s and Macy’s
These skinny jeans are known for their ability to flatter most body types because they’re designed to hold and lift. They also offer a midrise fit that sits just above the hip and back pockets that flatter your bottom half too. Best of all, they’re sustainably sourced.
Rag & Bone Nina High-Rise Skinny Jeans: available at Amazon
These skinny jeans stand out for their high-waisted design that’s flattering for many body types. It’s available in classic denim and black denim variations, and the stretch fabric allows for a truly comfortable fit.
Democracy Ab Solution Ankle Jeans: available at Amazon and Macy’s
If you carry extra weight in your belly, these cropped jeans offer an elastic waistband and mesh panels to help smooth your stomach. They’re made of soft, comfortable fabric and feature rolled cuffs for a fun, casual look.
PAIGE Hoxton Ankle Skinny Jeans: available at Amazon
These skinny jeans offer a flattering, comfortable fit for many body types. The stretchy denim moves with you but recovers well, so the pants don’t get stretched out. The cropped ankle provides plenty of style too.
Joe’s Jeans Hi Honey Bootcut Jeans: available at Amazon and Macy’s
These bootcut jeans offer a vintage-inspired look that’s easy to dress up or down. It’s made of a cotton/spandex blend that’s breathable in warmer weather and available in both dark denim and black color options.
NYDJ Marilyn Straight Leg Jeans: available at Amazon
These sleek-looking jeans provide subtle shaping in the hips and backseat that helps elongate your shape. The waistband hits at your natural waist for a comfortable fit, and the jeans are available in a variety of colors and washes.
Levi’s High-Rise Straight Leg Jeans: available at Amazon and Kohl’s
If you’re a fan of high-rise jeans, this pair offers a flattering straight-leg silhouette that can be paired with everything from heels to boots. It’s made of super-soft denim and provides an easy fit in the hips and thighs for greater comfort.
Wrangler Retro Mae Mid Rise Wide Leg Trouser Jeans: available at Amazon
With a contoured, mid-rise waist, these jeans provide a comfortable fit that flatters your curves. It’s made from a durable cotton stretch blend and offers extra room in the legs for easier movement.
Jennifer Blair is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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