Struggling to find the best jeans for your body type? The truth is, whatever size you are, jeans is one of the hardest items to get right. And with so many different shapes, rises and washes available, the sheer volume of choice only adds to the challenge.
I’ve worked in the fashion industry for many years, and one thing that I most often get asked about, is how to find the perfect pair of jeans. Women of all ages and sizes struggle to find ‘the one’ but as a stylist, I can guarantee that once you have figured out what cut will work best with your figure, you’ll find shopping for the best jeans for your body type easy.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the endless amount of denim available right now, finding pieces that work for you and your shape rather than just ticking off trends will quickly narrow your search. Figuring out your natural body type will give you an idea of the best type of jeans to look for, and which waist-rise and leg shape will work to suit your silhouette.
Denim will never go out of fashion and can be styled endlessly – so whether you're on the hunt for the best jeans for women over 50, or want to try out this season’s must-have barrel leg jeans, our guide to finding the best jeans for your body type will help you on your way to finding ‘the one'.
How to pick the best jeans for your body type
Finding your perfect pair of jeans can take time but fashion stylist and broadcaster Miranda Holder told us where to start - “jeans are probably the most iconic article of clothing we own, and the fit is a very personal thing, so the bottom line when shopping is always if you love it and feel great, then go for it," she says.
"If you are in the market for a new pair, just make sure you have plenty of time allocated. Jeans shopping is usually a whole dedicated session with my clients, rather than adding it on at the end of a spree. When it comes to feeling slinky in your denim, it’s very much about the overall proportion of your outfit and taking into account your natural shape.”
We have taken some of the hassle out of your jean-shopping journey by breaking down some key body shapes below, along with jeans that will work for different figures. While you may be a mix of a couple of shapes, our shopping guide should give you an idea of where to start with your search to find the best jeans for your body type.
1. Best jeans for apple body types
Skinny leg and bootcut jeans are particularly great for apple shapes.
Apple-shape body type – girlfriend, bootcut and skinny jeans
Apple body shape, look for jeans that will balance out a broader middle and top half, such as bootcut, skinny fit and girlfriend jeans.
Apple body shapes tend to carry most weight around their middle, particularly around the stomach, but they may also have an ample bust. Apples also tend to have slim arms and legs and a relatively small bottom.
Personal stylist and style writer, Natalie Robinson, says the key to finding the best jeans for this body type is all in the legs. “Apple shapes tend to have slim legs, so my top tip is to show them off in a pair of stretch denim ankle-length skinny jeans,” she says.
The best skinny jeans for apples will include some added stretch for comfort and a mid or high waist, which can help contour your middle if this is something you’re looking for. Not sure how to style jeans like this for your shape? A longer-line top, such as an oversized shirt or blazer will skim your middle, while still showing off your legs.
However, skinny jeans aren’t for everyone, and Natalie says there are other choices available for apple body types. “Bootcut or flared shapes are great for balancing out a wider upper body".
RRP: £80 | These jeans feature n clever midriff contouring panel that also adds perkiness to your bum. The darker washes such as black and indigo are a great choice as they'll accentuate slim legs, while also narrowing the waist.
RRP: £38 | The flared leg of these bootcut jeans will balance wider middles, and have a gorgeous 70's vibe without feeling OTT. The stretch-denim is super comfy and if you're wondering how to style bootcut jeans, they're just as versatile as any other shape.
RRP £80 | A girlfriend jean is slouchy but a little more fitted than a wider boyfriend jean, so you can add some subtle volume to your pins without being swamped in fabric. The high rise waist will cinch you in too.
2. Best jeans for pear body types
Wider leg jeans will work really well with pear shapes for the most flattering finish.
Pear-shape body type – high waisted, bootcut and wide leg jeans
If you consider yourself to have a pear shaped body, you more than likely have a smaller upper body, rounder hips, and a fuller bottom. The key to finding the best jeans for your body type is to balance out the volume in the hip and thigh areas.
“Bootcut or the best wide leg jeans complement pear shapes as they help to elongate such body types,” according to Natalie.
Darker hues such as black and indigo offer added polish to your look, lending themselves to smart casual outfit ideas, making them a good choice for versatility.
Natalie also recommends you swap low rises for the best high-waisted jeans as these "draw attention to your naturally defined waist” and create a more balanced silhouette overall.
As for how to style high-waisted jeans for pear shapes, it’s all about creating a balance between the top and bottom half. Natalie says “layer the upper body with accessories or wear a structured jacket to balance out the lower body.”
RRP £39.50 | The crease down the front of this flared bootcut pair brings a smart and polished feel - ideal if you're wondering can jeans be business casual. The sleek shape and dark indigo shade will flatter bigger thighs - just add heels to elongate your figure.
RRP £59 | A cropped length has a relaxed vibe, and makes a great choice for the summer months. This wider leg pair will cinch you in at the waist and skim over hips nicely to create a streamlined silhouette.
RRP: £113 | Available in a wide range of sizes and leg lengths, these straight cut and semi wide leg jeans are also brilliantly wearable thanks to the touch of stretch in the denim. They will sit on your waist nicely too.
3. Best jeans for hourglass body types
Show off your curvy shape with well fitted denim that will accentuate your waist.
Hourglass body type – high waisted, bootcut and skinny jeans
If you have an hourglass body shape, look for jeans that will accentuate your curves and flaunt your middle, such as bootcut, skinny fit, and high waist styles.
Hourglass figures are fairly equal in proportion between their top and bottom half, with a narrow, defined waist. If you identify with this shape, you may have larger thighs, bust, bottom, and also slightly rounded shoulders.
“If you boast Marilyn Monroe curves, the most flattering jeans will follow your natural contours to show off your sensational shape,” says Miranda. “The golden rule is to always define your waist. Higher-waisted jeans that finish at your natural waist will be best.”
Miranda also advises ditching traditional rigid denim as the best jeans for curvy women contain some element of stretch so they move with you and also eliminate waist gape.
“The sweet spot for elastane content is about 2% (any higher and the fabric won’t wear well) so make sure you read the label when purchasing,” she says, also advising to choose jeans with a rounded yoke, as the V at the back of the waistband will help to ensure a snug fit.
When it comes to the style of jeans to choose, it's all about reflecting the cut in your top half. “If you do the same above the waist in terms of silhouette as you do below, you can pretty much get away with anything,” advises Miranda. “Skinnies will look amazing on you, but my favourite, for a contemporary look are wide leg, flare, and bootcut.”
RRP £138 | Skinny jeans look good on hourglass figures, and this figure-hugging pair come with a gap-proof waistband. The firm yet stretchy denim makes them comfortable for all day-wear too.
RRP: £42 | Thanks to a very clever design, these flared jeans will hug your thighs and your waist without any gaping, which is perfect for the proportions of an hour glass. A tucked in blouse and platforms will finish them off nicely.
RRP: £35.99 | This pair are high cut, fit snuggly on your tummy and bum, and then kick out for a subtle flare at the bottom to show off your curves to create a balanced silhouette. The best Zara jeans are super affordable, too.
4. Best jeans for rectangular body types
Create curves on a straighter figure with looser fit and voluminous jeans
Rectangular body type – wide leg, flared and boyfriend jeans
If you have a rectangle body shape, look for jeans that will accentuate your waist and create the illusion of curves, such as wide leg jeans, flared jeans and boyfriend shapes.
If your waist measurements match your hip or bust, you have a rectangle body shape. Your shoulders and hips will be roughly about the same width, while your legs will probably be long. The best jeans for this silhouette generally aim to add curves.
“If you have an athletic build and are straight up and down, it’s all about creating that optical illusion again to create curves,” says Miranda.
“Go for looser, more fluid shapes such as flare, wide leg or even baggy boyfriend jeans in lighter coloured fabrics but make sure that these are mid to high rise so that they finish on your middle.”
“Reflect the volume you have just added to your lower section with something fluid on the top, such as an oversized shirt, but tuck it into the waistband to give you the illusion of more shape,” says Miranda.
As well as choosing the right style of jeans, Miranda advises thinking about the pockets at the back. “The higher they are situated the perter your behind will appear!” she says.
RRP £45 | Jeans dont get more relaxed and slouchy than this pair! They fit at the top, and then the loose and swishy shape has a surprisingly feminine feel. Keep styling simple and finish with a plain fitted tee.
RRP: £79 | This shorter length, and casual cut boyfriend jean will sit just above the ankle and will look great styled with chunky sandals or fresh trainers.
RRP £24.99 | If you have long legs you'll be able to wear even the most baggy jeans with ease. Well placed cargo pockets on the roomy fabric will create even more volume. Team with a fresh white shirt for an effortlessly cool day to night outfit.
5. Best jeans for strawberry body types
Relaxed jean shapes work well to add fullness to slimmer legs and balance out broader top halves.
Strawberry body type – wide leg, flared and boyfriend jeans
If you have a strawberry body shape, look for jeans that add volume to your bottom half to balance out your broader shoulders and a bigger bust, such as flared jeans, wide leg and looser shapes.
You have a strawberry-shaped body if you’re broader on the top half but have a relatively flat bottom, narrow hips and slim legs.
“As the strawberry body shape is basically the reverse of a pear, the advice is also reversed,” says Miranda. “Lighter washes or some clever detailing on the denim will make your hips and legs look larger and have a balancing effect.”
Miranda says: “Add extra volume with a flare or wide leg and keep your top half (more fitted and) in a darker colour to remain fully in proportion.”
RRP £199 | Cleverly placed embellishment and detailling on the waistband and pockets will give the appearance of fuller hips and the straight and wider cut leg will balance your figure.
RRP £45 | This pair of classic flared jeans will balance out fuller top halves with ease. The stretch denim will keep them comfy and they will look great with a tucked in shirt or roll neck.
RRP £89 | Laid back, slouchy jeans are a big trend this season, and they are seriously comfy. Take them from off-duty to date night with a tailored jacket and heels.
What style of jeans are the most slimming?
According to Natalie, it’s all about the wash when it comes to finding slimming jeans for your body type. “Slim, well-fitting dark wash jeans in black or a deep indigo denim wash are the most slenderizing,” she advises.
Natalie also recommends ditching the low-rise jean, despite its trend-worthy credentials. She says: “Mid-rise jeans are also the best option for all heights and sizes," as they are the most sculpting on a midriff.
The final tip to finding those must-have jeans for your body type is all about the seams.
Miranda says: “Look out for pronounced vertical lines as these will elongate your legs and always be your friend, while a seam on the outer thigh that starts at the hip and travels in towards the knee on a slight diagonal is also very flattering.”
Rocking the double denim look can work to slim you down as well - the matching colour block of blue from top to toe will create the illusion of a longer, slender silhouette while ticking off one of 2024's biggest trends.,
Most important, however, is choosing jeans that you feel comfortable in. The only thing you need to really worry about is how they make you feel. The best jeans for your body type are the ones that make you feel fantastic and supported in a way that suits your lifestyle best.
What body type looks best in high waisted jeans?
While high waisted jeans suit most shapes, they are the most flattering jeans for those that want to highlight their waists.
“High-waisted jeans are incredibly flattering and accentuate (and can create) a svelte waistline” says Natalie.
If you have a rectangle or athletic shape, the best high waisted jeans will help give you more of a defined waist. Try a high-waisted flare or mom jean to enhance curves even further.
For an hourglass body shape, try high waisted jeans specifically designed for curvy figures. These will ensure you don’t have gaping at the waist for the sleekest of shapes.
What jeans are best for making you look taller?
woman&home's Digital Fashion Editor, Caroline Parr gives us her top tips for getting a taller silhouette with a little help from your jeans -
"High waisted jeans will always give the appearance of a longer leg and make you feel like a supermodel however tall you are. Darker colours help to elongate the frame too, so choose a mid blue wash or stick to classic black. Tucking in a top will help play with proportions, and flared jeans will take it one step further."
Whats the best way to wash your jeans?
Once you have found the best jeans for your body shape, keep your denim looking its best for longer by taking extra care while washing. Before you pop them in the machine, ensure your jeans are fastened and the zip is done up to help keep their shape. Turn them inside out to protect colour and fibres too. High temperatures can cause your jeans to shrink, so aim for cooler water and pop your machine on delicate setting to prevent any harm to the fabric. When it comes to drying jeans, hang them up and leave them to dry – never put them in a tumble dryer as this can cause shrinkage and damage.
A simple guide to jean shapes
If you're still unsure on the difference between a skinny fit and a bootcut, use this handy guide to help you find your perfect fit. Remember that people of all ages can wear jeans, so if you are on the hunt for the best jeans for women over 60, don't feel like you cant go for a figure hugging style or a looser fit. Use your body shape as a starter and then try on plenty of pairs to find your match. If you'd rather order online and try at home, you'll find plenty of big brands and some of the best jeans on Amazon right now.
A guide to jean waistbands
As well as the endless names for different shapes of jeans, there's also the 'rise' of the cut to consider. This basically means where your waistband will sit on your body. High rise will sit just above your belly button and cinch you in at the waist, while a low rise will sit on your hips.
Caroline is Digital Fashion Editor for woman&home, and has been a fashion writer and editor for ten years.After graduating from the London College of Fashion, she has spent the last decade tracking down and writing about celebrity outfits, covering events ranging from the Met Gala to the King’s Coronation. She has an encyclopedic knowledge of brands, but always likes to know about new and under the radar labels. She’s originally from Liverpool, and outside of work, her great loves are leopard print and her lively but adorable cocker spaniel, Ghillie.
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