best jeans for your body shape
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The best jeans for your body shape

So, I realise that this post about the best jeans for your body shape isn’t about ‘Cyber Monday’ deals, beauty advent calendars or holiday gift ideas, which is the more obvious content for this time of year, but I have just spent an entire day trying to find the perfect jeans!

And do you know what?  Finding the best jeans for your body shape is an exhausting task! ‘The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants’ is just a myth – the ‘one jean that fits’ all doesn’t exist and there is nothing more frustrating than trying on piles of jeans only to find that none of them flatter your figure or worse, buying ”the perfect pair” only to get home and find that they’ve shrunk or that your body has metamorphosised on the way home!

Also, why is that sizes vary so much between brands and that in one brand a pair of jeans literally falls down, whereas I can barely get the same size in a different brand above my knees!

I can’t do anything to help with the disparity in sizing between brands, but I can help with finding the best jeans for your body shape.

Read on for a guide about the best jeans for your body shape. If you’re unsure what your body shape is, have a look here and here is a brief recap.

best jeans for your body shape

Typically the hourglass will have a well defined (narrow) waist and the hip and bust tend to be almost the same and quite big. The pear has a fuller, curvy lower body with broad hips and the aim is to balance out the upper half.  Conversely, the apple has a fuller upper body with no defined waist and a tendency to gain weight on the stomach so any jeans should hold in the stomach area and prevent muffin tops. The rectangle has a boyish, straight up and down figure so would choose jeans that will create the illusion of curves and finally, the Inverted triangle has broad shoulders, a small waist, narrow hips and slender legs so should choose jeans that create the illusion of wider hips.

Best jeans for your body shape

Before going any further, the first decision is ‘the rise’, and it’s important to understand whether your body shape will look its best in a low-rise, medium-rise or high-rise cut. The perfect rise will instantly make you look slimmer, whereas the wrong rise can instantly create problems such as a muffin top or gaping back…. I always prefer ‘high-rise’ jeans as I find them more comfortable and flattering to my figure, but here are some key facts to help you decide which are best for you. If you’re unsure try on a few pairs, but once you find your perfect ‘rise’ then I would always look for jeans in this category, which will eliminate a lot of pointless trying on!

The best rise jeans for your body shape

Low-rise

Low-rise jeans sit approximately 2 inches below the belly button and they are very flattering for the rectangle (‘boyish’) body shape, as they create the illusion of curves at the hips, so if you’re a tall, slender women looking to add feminine curves, a low rise jean will be your new best friend!   Similarly, low-rise jeans are great for the inverted triangle as they will balance out the hip area, although if you have a slight tummy then mid-rise will be a better option. However, they have the disadvantage of shortening your legs, and so I wouldn’t recommend them for anyone who is petite.

Mid-rise

This is the most popular rise, and it sits just below the navel. It’s popularity is no doubt due to the fact that it is flattering for all figure types and it’s compatible with most top lengths. If you’re ‘petite’ then mid-rise will probably be the most flattering option as a too-high or too-low rise may distort your body shape. If you are an apple, or inverted triangle shape that needs tummy coverage, a mid-rise or high-rise jean will be your best option, as it will help to hold in the tummy area and prevent “muffin top” issues.

High-rise

This is my preferred option and it’s particularly flattering to the hourglass and pear figures.  For the hourglass figure, a rise that hits just at (mid-rise) or above (high-rise) your natural waist will be the most flattering as it will highlight the slimmest point of your figure.  However, the perfect jean for the hourglass or pear should have a contoured waistband, ie. a waistband that is cut on a curve, not a straight line, which will help to avoid ‘waist gapping’.

If you are a pear, you should also avoid low-rise jeans as these will cut across the widest part of your body, but stick to mid-rise or high-rise jeans that have a contoured waistband. You will also find that darker fabrics are the most flattering and flared styles that balance out the hips, thighs, and rear will help to give you an overall hourglass silhouette.

So, now that we’ve looked into the issue of ‘rise’, let’s look at the myriad of different styles and which are the best jeans for your body shape, and before looking at the detail for each body type, here are a few basic tips

  • High-waisted jeans are flattering on curvy women
  • If you want to disguise a tummy (apple), then go for high-rise jeans with a built in support panel
  • To disguise a larger backside (pear), invest in some ‘shape and sculpt’ jeans, which are designed to define and lift your bum
  • Flared jeans help to elongate the legs and to make legs look extra long, team your jeans with heels
  • Beware of cropped jeans which will make your legs appear shorter and can be very unflattering if you have chunky calves

Best Style jeans for your body shape

Skinny

Skinny jeans suit all body shapes, but hourglass and pears should stick to dark washes, whilst apples, rectangles and inverted triangles can wear lighter washes, which will make their hips look fuller.

Straight

Most body shapes can also wear straight jeans, as they share characteristics with the skinny jeans. They are great for pear shapes as they balance out curvy hips and thighs. Again, hourglass and pear shapes should stick to darker colours.

Boyfriend

Boyfriend jeans typically have a looser more relaxed fit and are particularly good  for apple and athletic shapes. To dress up boyfriend jeans, try wearing them with a blazer and heels.

Bootcut

This style fits snugly on the waist and flares from the calves, so is particularly good for hourglass and pear shapes. The perfect bootcut for a flattering silhouette would be mid to high rise to hold in the tummy, dark-wash for a slimmer silhouette and with a kick flare to create the illusion of curves.

Flared

For the same reason, flared jeans are especially adapted to pear and hourglass shapes as they add width to the lower leg. But they are also great for creating shape on athletic figures as they start flaring at the hips and so will create the illusion of a curvy body.  

Embroidered

Embroidered denim is a big trend this year and is great for athletic and apple silhouettes. However, beware of embroidered denim on the hip and butt area if you are an hourglass or pear. If you have a big rear you should stay away from flap pockets or embroidery, whereas embroidered details are perfect for giving the illusion of curves if you have a flat butt. Similarly, if you have large thighs, avoid embroidered details in this area.

Cropped

Cropped jeans are difficult to wear, unless you have very long legs, as they “cut” your legs and make them appear shorter. If the hemline cuts across your calves then it will draw the eye here, so you should definitely avoid cropped jeans if you have chunky calves! If you want to wear cropped jeans but you’re worried that they make your legs look too short, wear them with heels, and especially nude heels (if you have bare legs), which will create the illusion of elongating your legs. .

I hope you enjoyed this feature about The Best Jeans for your Body Shape and have a look here for more of our style features.

80 Comments

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Alexandra 🙂

  1. Love the denim you share here . I have been alternating between skinnies and high waisted denim, LOVE the embroidered denim here, especially the flares, very dramatic and on point. A good choice for the holidays too,
    ❤️❤️❤️❤️
    Much love, Elle

    https://theellediaries.com/

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Elle! I must admit I do like the embroidered trend (but discreet embroidery for me!)

  2. I love cropped jeans, I feel like they make my legs look so much longer! http://mariannyc.com/

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thanks Mariann! xo

  3. This is educational 🙂 I love how detailed it is about body shapes and the right jeans. I highly recommend this post to everyone. Thanks dear!

    http://www.busyandfab.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you xo

  4. Amanda says:

    This was so informative and helpful! I think I have the hourglass shape.

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      I’m glad you found it helpful, Amanda! Thanks for reading 🙂

  5. These are great tips! Thanks for sharing 🙂

    xx Alyssa

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      I’m glad you like them Alyssa 🙂

  6. Such a useful post, thanks for sharing!
    Nistha
    https://www.fashionistha.com/flare-pants-mesh-top/

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Glad you found it useful Nistha 🙂

  7. What a great post! I’m pear-shaped and I basically stick to the skinny shaped jeans. But a great bootcut is also on my wishlist.

    Love, Layla Rosita | http://www.laylarosita.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thanks for stopping by Layla. I’m glad you liked the post xo

  8. I feel like choosing the right trouser is the hardest thing to do.

    Great article.

    Kenza

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Yes – that and finding the right bikini!

  9. I find highrise and boyfriend to be the most comfortable
    xo
    http://www.laurajaneatelier.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Highrise are definitely the most comfortable for me too xo

  10. These are quite handy tips dear. I usually just go for skinny, but it’s quite refreshing to read the other tips. Thanks for sharing!

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Jessica! Glad you liked the post xo

  11. Love the jeans and the fit tutorial, this is actually very helpful!
    Great post!
    Xx Caroline
    https://foreverdolledup.net

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Caroline, glad you liked it xx

  12. Such a great blogpost! I always have the hardest time finding jeans that fit!

    X Merel
    http://www.andathousandwords.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Merel! I’m glad you liked it! Finding jeans that fit is quite a challenge for all of us!

  13. wendee says:

    this is such a helpful post. Thanks for sharing
    The Glossychic

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Wendee. I’m glad you found it helpful!

  14. great post, so many women don’t know how important the body shape is when shopping clothes, especially jeans, it makes such a huge different when wearing the right jeans, it took me years to realize it !
    Sonia
    http://www.soniaaicha.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thanks Sonia! I agree that it makes such a difference. I even feel uncomfortable if I’m not wearing the right jeans xo

  15. Such a helpful post. I just recently went denim shopping and I landed up getting the mid-rise jeggings that American Eagle has. I loved them so much, I got 4 pairs (had only planned on getting 2). They also had the high-rise in them and I should have tried a pair of those, too. I love that there are so many choices with denim, everyones body is so different!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Carrie! If you find the perfect jeans then it’s definitely worth investing in more than one pair xo

  16. Fitting into jeans this time of the year is easier said than done, so these tips on finding the best ones for your body shape cannot be underestimated! I love straight leg and boyfriend cut jeans and I’m glad there seems to be many more high-rise ones available.
    Thanks for sharing Julia.
    Jaz xoxo
    http://www.thelifeofasocialbutterfly.co.uk

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Haha! That’s so true Jaz! I think I need a special wardrobe with clothes for this time of year!

  17. Amy Arnold says:

    Oh my gosh, finding the right jeans is SO hard. Like why is it so hard?! I feel like I have way to many pairs in my closet I only kind of like. Great post!

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      I agree! WHY is it so hard and I’m the same! I have so many pairs and yet so few I wear! I feel a wardrobe detox coming on….

  18. Great tips for finding jeans that fit your body type. I am an hourglass and I do prefer mid or high rise skinny and straight jeans. I do not like flares because they exaggerate my curves and can make me look heavier than I am.
    LaToya
    http://www.toyastales.blogspot.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thanks for reading! I’m glad you found it helpful xo

  19. Priscilla says:

    Great post! I like mid rise and skinny jeans, they are the best choice for me! I also like flared jeans but skinny jeans are my favorites!

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Priscilla xo

  20. Zorica says:

    Great tips.
    Thanks for sharing.
    xx
    https://theonethattravels.wordpress.com/

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you x

  21. Swisstwins says:

    Great Post<3
    Thank you so much for sharing
    we wish you a lovely day
    xoxo

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you! I’m glad you like it xo

  22. very helpful! thanks for sharing 🙂

    http://www.pinkoolaid.com/

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you 🙂

  23. Patinka says:

    great article!
    xoxo
    Patinka

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you xoxo

  24. Ahh thank you so much for this article!! This is super helpful! Xx Susanne – http://bagatyou.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Susanne. I’m glad you found it helpful xx

  25. Desires In Style says:

    Hi Julia!! Great post, so useful!!! 🙂
    Have a great week-end
    kisses
    Agnese & Elisa

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much 🙂

  26. This is such an awesome post, my favorite jeans are the straight ones!!!!
    Love,
    Hadasah
    http://www.styletolove.com/

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Hadasah! You look stunning in all jeans xo

  27. I have yet to see even a young thin girl look GOOD in LOW RISE!
    I do not wear jeans………..I have one pair from SOFT SURROUNDINGS which I have had for years!
    I have missed the entire evolution after the 501 Levi!!!!!!!
    I DO LIKE THE FLARED BOTTOM PAIR!
    HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU!!!!!!
    XX

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      I agree – the low rise is very difficult to wear (especially if you’re not young and thin!)

  28. Amazing picks, Juls! Love them all! Thanks for sharing!
    Have a great week!
    Much love, Len
    http://www.lenparent.com
    XO

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Len! Hope you’re having a great week xo

  29. This is such a great post as I always struggle to find a great pair of jeans! Very informative and super helpful!!

    PS: Thank you for your kind condolence wishes re: my pup Bodhi. It truly meant a lot to me and my family.
    Happy Wednesday, babe!
    xoxo, Vanessa
    http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Vanessa xoxo

  30. This post is fab. as an hourglass it can be tricky to find the right jeans!

    Missy
    TheFashionFusion

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Glad you liked the post Missy 🙂

  31. That’s for sharing all this info! It’s nice to see someone else loves jeans as much as me!

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Lorna! I do have a ridiculous amount of jeans in all shapes (and sizes!)

  32. The older I get the harder it is to find Jeans. Its so tricky, some fit perfectly in the store and when I get home they are too big or too small, I have no idea how that happens. And as you mentioned sizes vary depending on the brands which make purchasing jeans a workout that I’m just not up for. I have an hourglass shape which makes finding jeans nearly impossible. Flared jeans look great on me.

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Mary! I agree shopping for jeans is quite an exhausting task!

  33. Ankita Bardhan says:

    Love the extensively detailed post you wrote! Picking the perfect fit of jeans can be very difficult but once you figure your shape out, it becomes a cake walk! I love how you included all the latest trends as well 🙂
    xx
    Ankita

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Ankita! I’m glad you liked the post – figuring out your shape is so important!

  34. Corina says:

    That is a very useful post! It is so important to know how to chose your jeans.
    Thanks for sharing!

    xo Corina

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Corina! xo

  35. Camila says:

    Jeans are so comfy and I love them but it is very hard to find a pair that will fit me well. Thanks for the links!

    Camila,
    My Vogue Style

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thanks Camila! I agree – shopping for jeans is almost as bad as shopping for swimsuits!

  36. This is a really great guide. Jeans are practically my favourite thing to wear all season long. I am a massive fan of high-rise skinny jeans. Classic style that just looks nice casual or dressy. http://www.bauchlefashion.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Heather. I’m a big fan of high-rise jeans too, but I like skinny, straight and bootcut!

  37. What an awesome guide for finding the perfect pair of jeans! Since I am petite, I always go for crop which look like regular jeans on me. I also adore flares. Love all your picks!

    https://www.kathrineeldridge.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Kathrine! I love flares with heels! xo

  38. Falasha says:

    Great tips, I have been loving the high rise jeans lately, post baby, as I now am working towards more of a pear shape.
    xoxo Falasha

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Falasha! I’m glad you found the tips useful xoxo

  39. jodie filogomo says:

    These are great tips Julia!!
    Thanks!!
    XOXO
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Jodie xoxo

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