Jeans for Certain Body Types

Shopping for jeans may seem more like a chore than a treat, especially if you try on one pair after another that sits much too low on your waist, doesn't fit over your shapely legs or is much too baggy around the waist or behind. Knowing your body type and which jean cuts will flatter you the most and keep you comfortable can make all the difference.

Hourglass Shape

An woman with an hourglass figure has a proportionally slim waist and full hips and bust. A wide-leg trouser with a flat front gives a comfortable, slimming fit. Jeans that rest above the waistline, a rise between 9 and 13 inches, accentuate the curvy hourglass figure. Cropped ankle-length jeans create a similar effect, as do skinny jeans -- jeans with an extremely tapered leg.

Pear-Shaped

A woman with a pear-shaped body has fullness in the hips and thighs. She may find that jeans are loose on her waist and snug around her thighs. Flat-front flare jeans give extra room in the leg area while keeping a slim, clean line around the waistline. Long dark-wash jeans smooth and flatter the leg shape and elongate it as well. Flare jeans balance the fullness in the thighs with a bit of fullness at the ankles. It also makes the rear appear more narrow.

Apple-Shaped

An apple figure has fullness in the abdominal or tummy area. Faded boot-cut jeans give a long, straight line to smooth the body's lines. Jeans with a low rise and some stretch provide comfort as well. Washes like distressed treatments camouflage and thin because the lighter areas fade into the jean's darker wash. Like the pear-shaped figure, apple figures do well with long jeans with a slight flare at the bottom.

Straight

A straight body type has narrow hips. A woman with this figure may want to create a curvier silhouette. Mid-rise jeans with a slight boot-cut add curvy lines. Look for thicker denim with little to no stretch in and a waistline sitting just below the belly button to accentuate your feminine curves. For petite women, a low-rise also elongates the torso. Skinny or tapered legs give your legs just a bit of curve.

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