The Perfect Pair of Jeans For (Almost) Every Body Type (PHOTOS)
by Steffi Victorioso
Finding the perfect pair of jeans can be a lifelong quest. There are so many options, too many options, and the whole process can seem too daunting to even begin.
So we wanted to do some of the hard work for you.
We went on a mission with six women with very different body types and fit preferences, to find our holy grail jeans. And after spending some time - a LOT of time - in fitting rooms, with dozens of pairs, and some light sweating, we found a few styles that fit us in all the right places, some at incredibly affordable price points. Scroll through to see our picks.
Demetria,
Kate Spade Assistant Store Leader
Body Type: “I’m a shortie and I got a lot of hips and booty.”
What I usually look for: “I can usually get away with something that’s meant for someone taller and cropped because it hits me perfectly in the length, otherwise I have to roll them up at the bottom. But the main thing is that I can’t find pants that go over my hips and butt, so I have to go up a size which then creates a huge gap in the back. The waist never fits.”
What I tried on: “Free People, Top Shop, Paige, and AG.”
Heidi,
Hairstylist
Body Type: “Mom with curves and recovering from a C-section.”
What I usually look for: “First thing I look for is that they have to come up high enough so that when I bend over or squat down there is no crack! I’m a mom so they need to stay in place without the waist slipping down. I also need stretch but not too thin. And I love a very form fitting skinny jean!”
What I tried on: “Old Navy jeans.”
Pam,
Plumber/ Business Owner
Body Type: “I have a thicker middle but thin, muscular legs.”
What I usually look for: “After having four 10+ lb babies, I look for comfort! Usually when I find jeans that fit my middle, the legs are enormous and it looks like a skirt. I also will only buy affordable jeans because I will wear them to job sites so I'm not gonna show up to a job with $100 jeans on.”
What I tried on: “A bunch of jeans from Target.”
Steffi,
Freelance Writer/Photographer (and the author of this post)
Body Type: “Straight up and down through my hips and waist.”
What I usually look for: “I’m always on the lookout for high rise jeans to define and support my waist and hips. Anything else, like a mid-rise or low rise, is just uncomfortable and unflattering.”
What I tried on: “H&M jeans.”
Vanessa,
Michael Kors Flagship Manager
Body Type: “I’m tall - 5’11” - but also curvy.”
What I usually look for: “I look for something with a lot of stretch. In case I gain or lose a few pounds, it’ll stretch with me. I also look for something higher waisted because it’s more flattering on me. Because I’m taller, anything with a low waist cuts me in the wrong spot. And longer inseams! Even if I find something that fits my waist, it’s too short. It’s finding a balance between having shape and length. Jeans that are the right length are usually a couple sizes too big for me. So finding something my length is my challenge.”
What I tried on: “The entire selection of Good American jeans at Nordstrom.”
Audie,
Editor in Chief, The Candidly
Body Type: “I'm very curvy, with a considerable backside, and a smaller waist.”
What I usually look for: “Finding comfortable jeans that fit my butt and legs, but then don't gap at the waist, has been a 42 year long search. Yes, for some reason I have been shopping for jeans since I was an infant.”
What I tried on: “I have tried on literally hundreds of jeans, and I always choose the ‘curvy’ option from any brand. I used to muddle through the Gap curvy jeans, but the material was SO thick I felt like I was living in a wetsuit.”
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