Your Ultimate Guide to Jeans That Fit and Flatter
Published: June 3, 2019

Finding the perfect pair of jeans can be challenging—no matter your body shape. With so many brands, cuts, rises, and washes, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when shopping for denim. But rest assured, the fit issues you encounter are shared by many women.

The secret to success? Choosing the right jeans styles that complement your unique body shape.

If you’re not sure what your body shape is, take a quick quiz at smitherystyle.com to identify yours before you shop.

Common Body Shapes and Best Jeans for Each

H Shape (Straight Body)

Characteristics: Straighter hips, higher hip placement
Common Issue: Jeans tend to have too much room at the waist and slip down.
Best Fit: Look for straighter cut jeans with a snug waist fit to prevent slipping.
Recommended Brands: Rag & Bone, Mavi

O Shape (Round or Apple Body)

Characteristics: Fuller midsection, wider waist area
Common Issue: Finding jeans with enough room at the waist but still tailored legs can be tough.
Best Fit: Opt for jeans with a straight leg cut and plenty of stretch around the waist for comfort and fit.
Recommended Brands: Up! Pants, Wit and Wisdom (features elastic waistbands)

V Shape (Inverted Triangle Body)

Characteristics: Narrow hips, broader shoulders
Common Issue: Waistbands may not fit well due to lighter hips, causing slipping.
Best Fit: Straight cut jeans help create balance and prevent slipping. Pay attention to rise length—if you have a shorter rise, mid or low rise jeans may sit better on you.
Recommended Brands: Rag & Bone, Paige Jeans

A Shape (Pear Body)

Characteristics: Wider hips, narrower waist
Common Issue: Jeans gape at the back or don’t fit smoothly over the hips.
Best Fit: Choose jeans with a slightly higher waist and a contoured fit that follows your curves without cutting straight across.
Recommended Brands: Kut from the Kloth, NYDJ (Noted for their tummy control and curvy fit)

X Shape (Hourglass Body)

Characteristics: Defined waist, balanced hips and bust
Common Issue: Finding jeans that highlight the waist without compromising comfort.
Best Fit: High-waisted jeans are perfect to accentuate your narrow waist and showcase your curves. Stretch denim adds comfort.
Recommended Brands: Citizens of Humanity, Paige, Levi’s (with stretch options)

Tips for Finding Your Perfect Pair of Jeans

• Know your measurements: Waist, hips, rise, and inseam lengths are key to understanding what size and cut will fit best.
• Try different rises: Low, mid, and high-rise jeans all suit different body shapes differently. Experiment to find what feels most flattering and comfortable.
• Don’t forget stretch: Denim with a bit of elastane or spandex can provide the right amount of give without losing shape.
• Pay attention to details: Pockets, seams, and washes all contribute to how jeans look on your figure. For example, higher pockets elongate the leg and lift the rear.
• Comfort matters: The best jeans fit well but also feel good for your lifestyle, whether you need all-day comfort or a sleek silhouette for dressier occasions.

Share Your Favourite Jeans!

Have a go-to denim brand or style that fits your body shape perfectly? We’d love to hear about it! Send your questions and recommendations to imheretohelp@yourshopgirl.com.