What are the Best Jeans for my Body Type

If you’ve ever wondered why you struggle to find jeans that fit and flatter, you may have been buying the wrong style. That is what led me to write this blog post. For years, I thought I couldn’t find good-fitting jeans; then, I started buying jeans that were created for my body shape.

In this post, you’ll learn which are the best jeans to flatter your body shape and will look good for years to come. I know some jean silhouettes come in and out of style, but the best jeans for you are the ones that feel good and look good on you.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure for more information.

Understanding Body Shapes

Now, before we get into choosing the best jeans for you, it’s important to know your body shape. Most women’s bodies fall into one of these five categories: Inverted Triangle, Rectangle, Hourglass, Pear, and Apple shapes.

If you’re not sure which shape you are, you’ll want to check out my article on knowing your body shape. It includes tips for measuring your body to determine exactly which category you fall into.

Then come back here and find your best jeans style below! If you already know your body shape, let’s find your perfect jeans right now.

Best Jeans for Each Body Shape

Inverted Triangle BODY SHAPE

For women with an inverted triangle body shape, where the shoulders are broader than the hips, the goal in choosing jeans is to balance the lower body with the upper body, creating a harmonious silhouette. Here are the jean styles and features that tend to be most flattering for this distinctive shape:

Bootcut and Flared Jeans

  • Why They Work: These styles help to balance out broader shoulders by adding volume and width at the lower leg.

  • Try: Levi's 315 Shaping Bootcut Jeans – Supportive, soft denim sculpts and lifts to celebrate your features. Plus, they're made with an innovative tummy-slimming panel and a bootleg cut that makes your legs look longer.

Wide-Leg Jeans

  • Why They Work: Wide-leg jeans add volume to the lower half, creating a balanced look for the inverted triangle shape.

  • Try: Madewell Wide-Leg Crop Jeans – With a flattering high waist and wide-leg cut, these jeans can help create a more balanced silhouette.

Mid to Low Rise Jeans

  • Why They Work: Opting for a lower rise can help to minimize the emphasis on the waist and hips, balancing the broader shoulders.

  • Try: AG The Isabelle High-Rise Straight Crop Jeans – While they are high-rise, they offer a straight leg that doesn’t cling too tightly, providing a balanced look without overemphasizing the hips.

Embellished and Detailed Pockets

  • Why They Work: Jeans with back pocket detailing or embellishments can draw the eye downward and add interest to the hips, helping to balance the figure.

  • Try: Miss Me Embellished Pocket Bootcut Jeans – The detailed pockets add visual interest to the hips and rear, creating a more balanced look.

Lighter Washes

  • Why They Work: Lighter wash jeans can draw attention to the lower body, helping to balance the appearance of broader shoulders.

  • Try: Gap Mid Rise True Skinny Jeans in a light wash – They offer a comfortable, snug fit that can highlight the lower body without adding bulk.

Colored and Printed Jeans

  • Why They Work: Introducing color or prints in your jeans can also help draw attention to your lower half, aiding in creating a visual balance.

  • Try: Free People Pull-On Flare Jeans in a bold color or print – These can add volume and interest to the lower half, balancing broader shoulders.

Plus-Size Options

Avoid:

  • High-Waisted Skinny Jeans: While they can be flattering on many body types, for the inverted triangle, they might accentuate the upper body more, especially if they taper too much at the ankles.

Tailoring

  • Remember: Don’t be afraid to get your jeans tailored. If you find a style that fits well on the hips but is too loose or tight in other areas, tailoring can adjust them for a perfect fit.

Choosing jeans as an inverted triangle means focusing on balancing your proportions. By opting for styles that add volume or interest to the lower half, you can create a more balanced overall look. Always consider your personal style and comfort when making your selection, ensuring that the jeans you choose make you feel confident and comfortable.

Rectangular body shape

For individuals with a rectangular body shape, where the waist, hip, and bust measurements are fairly similar, creating an illusion of curves and defining the waist can enhance the overall silhouette. Here are the jean styles and features that are most flattering for this body type:

Mid or High-Waisted Jeans

  • Why They Work: They help create the illusion of a more defined waist and can give the appearance of curves.

  • Try: Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans – These are known for their ultra-high-rise that cinches in at the waist, creating a more defined silhouette.

Skinny Jeans

  • Why They Work: Skinny jeans can highlight your legs and, when paired with a tighter top, can help create the appearance of curves.

  • Try Topshop Jamie High Waist Black Jeans, which offer a stretchy yet snug fit that can help sculpt and define your shape.

Bootcut and Flared Jeans

  • Why They Work: These styles add volume to the lower half, balancing the body shape and creating the illusion of curves.

  • Try Madewell Kick Out Crop Jeans - These are perfect for adding a slight flare to your look without overwhelming your frame.

Boyfriend Jeans

  • Why They Work: Looser fits can add some shape to your lower half, especially when styled with a belt to cinch in the waist.

  • Try AGOLDE Riley High Rise Straight Crop Jeans – They offer a relaxed fit that can be cinched at the waist for a more defined silhouette.

Belts and Waist Detailing

  • Why They Work: Adding a belt or choosing jeans with details like a tie waist can help define your waistline.

  • Try: Any high-waisted jeans with belt loops paired with a statement belt to draw attention to your waist.

Jeans with Pockets and Details

  • Why They Work: Details like front pockets, back pocket designs, and side panels can add the illusion of curves.

  • Try H&M Slim Hight Jeans – This high-rise, slim-fit, 5-pocket jeans in cotton denim feature gentle stretch for comfort.

Color and Texture

  • Why They Work: Lighter washes, distressed details, and textured fabrics can add dimension and the appearance of curves.

  • Try: Old Navy High-Waisted Wow Straight Jeans - These jeans feature a light wash and a high-waisted design with slimming pockets that enhance and create a flattering silhouette, making them ideal for adding visual interest and subtly shaping the body.

Plus-Size Options

For rectangular body shapes, the goal is to add visual interest and curves through the cut and style of the jeans. Experimenting with different rises fits, and details can help you find the perfect pair that flatters your shape and enhances your silhouette. Always prioritize comfort and confidence in your choice.

Hourglass body shape

An hourglass body shape is characterized by a balanced bust and hips with a well-defined waist; the goal in finding flattering jeans is to highlight your natural curves without losing the definition at your waist. Here are the styles and features that tend to work best:

High-Waisted Jeans

  • Why They Work: High-waisted jeans accentuate the waist and hug your curves, enhancing the natural hourglass silhouette.

  • Try Good American Good Waist – These jeans are specifically designed to enhance and support curves, offering a high-rise fit that cinches at the waist.

Skinny Jeans

  • Why They Work: Skinny jeans are great for showcasing the curves of your legs and hips while maintaining a balanced look with your upper body.

  • Try Levi’s 720 High Rise Super Skinny – They offer a contoured fit that stretches and moves with you, ideal for hourglass figures.

Bootcut and Flared Jeans

  • Why They Work: The American Eagle Ne(X)t Level Curvy Bootcut Jeans are tailored for an hourglass figure, with a slight flare from the knee down to complement natural curves and ensure a balanced, flattering look.

  • Try American Eagle Next Level Curvy Bootcut Jeans – Ideal for creating a harmonious silhouette that highlights the best features of an hourglass body shape.

Stretch Fabric

  • Why It Works: Jeans with stretch accommodate wider hips and a smaller waist, reducing the gap at the back of the waistband.

  • Try American Eagle Stretch Curvy Super High-Waisted Jeans – Made with curvy figures in mind, these jeans offer extra room in the hips and thighs but still cinch at the waist.

Belts and Waist Detailing

  • Why They Work: Adding a belt or choosing jeans with waist detailing can emphasize the smallest part of your waist, highlighting your hourglass shape.

  • Try Any high-waisted style with belt loops that allow for a statement or subtle belt to draw attention to your waist.

Dark Wash Jeans

  • Why They Work: A dark wash is universally flattering and can be particularly slimming, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.

  • Try NYDJ Marilyn Straight Leg Jeans – Known for their lift-tuck technology, these jeans are available in dark washes and are designed to flatter an hourglass figure.

Plus-Size Options

  • Good American Good Legs Skinny Jeans Plus Size - Designed specifically for curves, these jeans offer stretch without losing shape, perfectly highlighting an hourglass figure's natural curves.

  • Torrid Bombshell Skinny Jean – Ideal for highlighting the natural curves of an hourglass body shape, these jeans offer a flattering fit and the comfort needed for all-day wear.

    When shopping for jeans as an hourglass figure, the key is to look for styles that naturally complement your curves without adding bulk. Always prioritize a good fit at the waist to showcase your silhouette, and opt for stretchy materials for comfort and a smooth fit. Remember, the best jeans for you are those in which you feel confident and comfortable.

Pear Body Shape

For those with a pear body shape, where the hips and thighs are wider than the bust and shoulders, finding jeans that flatter can focus on achieving a balanced silhouette. Here are key styles and features to consider:

High-Waisted Jeans

  • Why They Work: High-waisted jeans are ideal as they emphasize the smaller waist and help smooth out the hip area.

  • Try Madewell High-Rise Skinny Jeans – Known for their excellent fit on curvier hips and thighs while still cinching in at the waist.

Bootcut and Flared Jeans

  • Why They Work: These styles are excellent for pear shapes as they balance out wider hips and thighs.

  • Try Levi’s 725 Bootcut JeansThey offer a slight flare that balances out the hips, and the fit through the thighs is snug but comfortable.

Wide-Leg Jeans

  • Why They Work: They provide a flattering silhouette by draping over wider hips and thighs without clinging.

  • Try Everlane The Way-High Crop Jean - It offers a modern take on the wide-leg trend and is comfortable around the thighs.

Dark Wash Jeans

Stretch Fabric

Mid-Rise Jeans

  • Why They Work: If high-waisted styles are not comfortable, mid-rise jeans can also be a good option for pear shapes.

  • Try Old Navy Mid-Rise Wow Boot-Cut Jeans – They offer a flattering fit without sitting too high on the waist.

Plus-Size Options

Avoid Side Pockets

  • Why: Large side pockets can add bulk to the hip area. Look for styles with subtle or no side pockets.

When choosing jeans as a pear-shaped individual, the goal is to find a pair that fits well around the hips and thighs without gapping at the waist. Always prioritize comfort and choose styles that make you feel confident and at ease.

Apple Body Shape

Selecting the most flattering jeans for an apple body shape involves finding styles that balance your silhouette and provide comfortable support around the midsection. Apple body shapes typically have fuller waists, narrower hips, and slimmer legs. Here are some key styles and features to look for:

High-Waisted Jeans

  • Why They Work: High-waisted jeans are excellent for apple shapes as they sit at the narrowest part of your torso, offering support and creating a more defined waistline.

  • Try Wit & Wisdom Ab-Solution High Waist Ankle Skinny Pants – these jeans have built-in panels that provide tummy control and a comfortable, flattering fit.

Straight-Leg Jeans

  • Why They Work: A straight-leg cut can elongate your legs and provide a balanced silhouette.

  • Try NYDJ Marilyn Straight Leg Jeans – they're designed with lift-tuck technology, enhancing the silhouette while providing a comfortable fit.

Slightly Flared Jeans

  • Why They Work: A slight flare can balance your figure, creating a harmonious line from the waist down.

  • Try Levi’s 415 Classic Bootcut Jeans – they offer a subtle flare that is flattering and stylish without being overwhelming.

Mid-Rise Jeans

  • Why They Work: While high-rise is often recommended, mid-rise can also be comfortable for apple shapes, sitting just below the natural waist.

  • Try Lee Relaxed Fit Straight Leg Jeans – a comfortable fit that doesn’t cling too tightly around the waist.

Stretch Fabric

  • Why It Works: Jeans with a good stretch can provide comfort and flexibility, adapting to your shape without being restrictive.

  • Try Good American Good Waist – they are known for their stretchy yet supportive fabric that caters well to curvier figures, including apple shapes.

Dark Wash Jeans

  • Why They Work: Dark washes offer a slimming effect and are versatile for both casual and dressier occasions.

  • Try Madewell High-Rise Skinny Jeans in a dark wash – they're sleek and flattering.

Plus-Size Options

Avoid Over-Embellished Styles

  • Why: Too much detail, like large back pockets or excessive embellishments, can draw unwanted attention to areas you might want to downplay.

Tips for all body shapes

  • Comfort is Key: Always prioritize comfort. If you’re not comfortable, you won’t feel confident.

  • Try Before You Buy: Sizes can vary greatly between brands. Always try on jeans before purchasing.

  • Tailoring is an Option: Don’t be afraid to get your jeans tailored for a perfect fit.

Denim jeans are more than just clothing - they can boost confidence and highlight your best features. Understanding your body shape and the styles that complement it can transform your denim game.

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Best Jeans for Every Womens Body Shapes