The Best Jeans for Your Body Type: A Complete Guide
When jeans fit your body type, they look custom-made. When they don't, no trend can save them. Here is how to shop for your shape.
Match the cut to your shape
- Pear shape: high-rise wide-leg or bootcut to balance hips
- Hourglass: high-rise straight or flare that hugs the waist
- Athletic: relaxed or straight legs for room in the thigh
- Petite: cropped or ankle-length to avoid excess fabric
- Tall: full-length wide-leg or flare to use your height
What to look for
- Stretch for comfort, rigid denim for shape and longevity
- A rise that hits your natural waist for the most flattering line
- Dark washes read dressier, light washes read casual
- Back pockets that sit centered, not too wide or low
The fitting-room test
Sit, squat, and walk. Jeans should be snug at the waist without gapping and should not ride up or pinch anywhere.
A great pair of jeans is worth tailoring. Hem them to the right length and they become the hardest-working piece you own.
