No matter what body shape you are, finding the perfect-fitting pair of jeans is a huge challenge. This guide can help you find the cut of jeans that will look the best on your body!
High waisted jeans from Hart
Jeans for Apple Shapes
Apple body types carry most of their weight around their midsection and have an ill-defined waist.
High-Waisted, Flared Jeans
High-waisted jeans are perfect for an apple body shape because the high waistband allows for opportunity to better define the waist, especially with a tucked in top.
Hart Denim’s high waisted jeans ($60, sizes 24-31) is a great casual option. The lighter wash and fun pockets add a casual vibe, and would look great paired with a pair of wedges or chunky heel.
Dark, Skinny Denim
Apple body types have great legs, and should seize the opportunity to show them off in dark, skinny denim.
Try an ankle-length cut, like this one from NYDJ ($104, sizes 0-16) . The dark wash is slimming, and it even comes with proprietary technology that flattens the tummy and lifts the rear, both of which tackle the apple shaped body’s trouble spots.
Bootcut jeans from 7 for all mankind
Jean Options for Pear Shaped Bodies
Pear-shaped ladies carry their weight in their bottom half and have slender upper bodies.
Bootcut Jeans
Bootcut jeans are great for a pear as bootcut denim is typically tight around the upper thigh area and flared below the knee. The tightness of the upper thigh allows for some tuck control in the upper thigh area while allowing for a more balanced silhouette – the flared bottom half will balance out a wider hip.
7 For All Mankind makes great bootcut jeans, and these Kimmie jeans ($127, sizes 25-32) are fantastic. The dark wash is extremely slimming, and the lower rise accommodates weight around the tummy.
Straight Jeans in a Trouser Style
Straight jeans are great for pear shaped ladies because they skim over the hips and provide a balanced silhouette to the rest of the body – a straight line falling from the hips to the feet. It helps to streamline and slim the body visually, which is very flattering.
Hayden stretch jean
NYDJ’s “Hayden” stretch twill jean ($98, sizes 0-16) is great because it comes in a variety of colors and really provides a long, straight leg. Its slight stretchiness and higher waisted fit also works well to provide a better fit for pear shaped ladies.
Hourglass Figures in Denim
Hourglass ladies have curves – and lots of them. They have tiny waists and a larger bust and hips, which are of similar size.
Bootcut Jeans
The bootcut jean is an hourglass lady’s best friend. The slight flare at the bottom balances out your body proportions as it mimics the curve of your hip. Look for denim with a little bit of stretch to accommodate wider hips,
This pair by Paige Denim ($110, sizes 24-34) is perfect for the hourglass lady. The higher rise and contoured waist means that there is less gaping between the waistband and your waist. For women with particular trouble over this waist gap – also try Levi’s Bold Curve denim, which is specially cut for women with smaller waists and larger hips.
Hourglass Option: High-Waisted, Flared Jeans
Another retro-inspired option is high-waisted denim with a flared leg. This is great for hourglass ladies as it emphasizes their tiny waists.
Paige bootcut style jeans for hourglass figure
This option, by 7 For All Mankind ($169, sizes 23-32) is a great option. The pitched waist and slightly higher back rise ensures the closest fit between your waist and the waistband, and the dark rinse is slimming and very flattering.
Rectangle Body Type
Women with a rectangle body shape have a bust, waist, and hips with similar measurements.
Skinny Jeans
Rectangles are the best body type to pull off skinny jeans. Look for jeans with cool embellishment around the ankles, such as zips or cuffs, as they can add interest to an otherwise boring denim bottom. Also consider printed denim or colored denim, which is a fun way to incorporate color and pattern into your wardrobe.
Try on this bright pink J Brand pair ($110, available in sizes 24-30), perfect for the warmer season. Be sure to pair it with a slouchier or more voluminous top to balance out the skinny silhouette on the bottom.
Slouchy Boyfriend Jeans
Slouchy boyfriend jeans are the perfect style for casual days. Boyfriend jeans work well for rectangle body types because they add slouch and shape to the lower half of the body.
Consider this Hudson Jeans boyfriend style ($172, available in sizes 23-32). The darker wash is suitable for every rectangle body, even larger ones, and the flattering cropped ankle length is a perfect way to display some summer-appropriate sandals or wedges.
Jeans by body shape infographic
Wear what feels right
In general, the best way to purchase jeans that fit you the best is by trying on a whole bunch of them. Department stores like Nordstrom and Macy’s have a huge selection of jeans from different brands. Another option is to shop at a site like Silver Jeans that guides you through a fit guide to shop the styles that are best for your body type. While all brands might carry bootcut jeans, the difference in pocket placement, fabric stretchiness, and color fade can make all the difference in whether a pair of jeans is flattering on you.