The 7 Best Types of Jeans For Women of All Sizes
We guarantee that if we walked into your closet right now, we’d find a whole shelf (or more) dedicated to jeans. However, we’d be willing to bet that you don’t love the way every pair fits. Considering the sheer prevalence of denim styles available to us right now, it’s no wonder that identifying the best jeans for women of all sizes is a challenge.
However, while certain styles do not look good on everyone (hello, mom jeans redux), there happens to be several that universally flatter—despite what you might think.
For example, curvy women tend to think they can’t pull off high-waist denim (thanks in part to that unfortunate Jessica Simpson style mishap), but styles that feature a rise an inch or two above your belly button can be insanely flattering, not to mention chic.
Likewise for petite girls who think they can’t wear baggy boyfriend jeans for fear of being overpowered by material. Wrong! Choosing a baggy cut that’s slim through the legs can work wonders on small frames (slim and baggy might sound like an oxymoron, but it makes sense in the world of denim!)
To prove that on-trend denim can be versatile, we’ve identified the 7 best jeans for women of all sizes—and added photos and shopping picks.
Black Jeans
The beauty of black denim? It quite literally looks good on every single body. They're slimming (woo!), they're cool, and they provide a perfect canvas to build pretty much any type of outfit. They're also remarkable versatile—they look just as good model-off-duty style with an old tee and moto boots as they do with a tucked-in silk blouse, a blazer, and a killer pair of heels. One piece of advice, no matter how you're built: Keep the silhouette slim.
Photo:Â Stockholm Streetstyle
1969 Curvy Skinny Black Jeans; $69.95 at gap.com
Hudson Jeans 'Ginny' Crop Straight Leg Jeans; $105 at nordstrom.com
Topshop Moto 'Jamie' Dark Wash Ripped Slim Jeans (Black); $70 at nordstrom.com
Boyfriend Jeans
There's a reason why boyfriend jeans—baggy, often distressed denim—has been front and center for the last few years: They have a definite cool factor no matter how you style them. And speaking of styling, the beauty of these babies is that they can be worn in a number of ways, from dressy (heels and a blouse) to extra-casual (Converse and a tee.) If you're petite, try picking up a pair in a slimmer cut that are still loose (some retailers are calling these "girlfriend" jeans) so they don't overpower your frame, and keep your top fitted.Â
Photo:Â Walk in Wonderland
Treasure&Bond Boyfriend Jeans (Medium Wash); $88 at nordstrom.com
Citizens of Humanity 'Emerson' Destroyed Slim Boyfriend Jeans (Quiet Riot); $248 at nordstrom.com
Current/Elliott Boyfriend Loved Destroyed Cuffed Jeans; $206 at neimanmarcus.com
Wildfox 'Marissa' Destroyed Boyfriend Jeans (Glory); $184 at nordstrom.com
Flared jeans
It bugs us when people say you have to only be tall and slim to pull off flares. While they do suit boyish bodies beautifully, they also work for petite girls, plus-size girls, and pear-shaped girls. The trick is knowing what to wear with them. If you're curvy, choose a slimming dark wash with a rise that comes to yor natural waist, and pair your flares with something flattering on top, like a tailored blazer or button-down.Â
Petite? Chose a high-waist pair of flares that are long enough to cover the tops of your (high) shoes—this will make your legs look miles long.Â
Photo: Brunette Braid
Hudson Jeans' Angel' Destroyed Flared Jeans (Highlife); $146.98 at nordstrom.com
J Brand 'Martini' Flared Jeans (Eternal); $150.08 at nordstrom.com
Frame Denim 'Forever Karlie' Flared Jeans (Palisade) (Long); $239 at nordstrom.com
Photo:
Sylvia G Photography
High-waist jeans
High-waist bottoms get a bad rap, possibly thanks to that unfortunate Jessica Simpson style mishap, but when worn correctly (the rise should be an inch or two above your belly button), they can trick the eye into thinking you’re taller and leaner by elongating your lower body, no matter what shape you are. For the ultimate flattering fit, be sure to choose a dark wash, and to make the elevated waist visible by tucking in a tailored blouse, or opting for a slightly cropped top.
Photo: My Showroom
BLK DNMÂ High Waist Slim Fit Jeans (Scott Blue); $215 at nordstrom.com
Embellished/Patterned/Patched jeans
There's so much room for creativity with patterned and embellished jeans because of sheer number of options: sequins, gems, patches, and many more. When picking out a pair, be sure you're choosing a denim style you know works for your body.Â
Photo:Â Romeo's Fashion FixÂ
Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Annie' Boyfriend Jeans; $398 at nordstrom.com
Ripped Jeans
Ladies, ripped denim has nothing to do with your body type, but more with your attitude. Opt for a pair with a clean shape that'll  flatter your figure, and make sure the rips are proportional to your body. For example, if you've got curvy legs, go for two slits at the knee, as opposed to gaping holes. If you're tall and boyish, jeans that are ripped throughout the leg will look amazing on you. And if you're petite, keep the holes fairly small.
Photo: Dulceida
rag & bone Bowery Pinstriped Tank with Pocket & The Skinny Ripped Jeans; $151 at bergdorfgoodman.com
Relaxed Fit Ripped Jeans; $79.90 at zara.com
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Mid-rise Waist Washed and Ripped Jeans; $38.25 at chicnova.com
Skinny Jeans
Lastly, a classic pair of skinny jeans will work on literally anyone's body. Most are made with a stretch-blend material making it easy to get these tight to your body for a flattering fit. The beauty of skinnies? They go with everything in your closet, from oversize swaters and boots to blazers and heels. Â
Photo Getty
kensie 'Ankle Biter' Destroyed Skinny Jeans (Like a Rolling Stone); $52.80 at nordstrom.com
Current/Elliott 'The Stiletto' Skinny Jeans (Sunfade); $198 at nordstrom.com
Victoria Beckham Denim Superskinny Low-rise Skinny Jeans; $360 at net-a-porter.com
