Jean Styles That Work for Various Body Shapes and Sizes

No matter what your body shape or size, there’s a pair of women's jeans for you. Denim is a wardrobe staple for all seasons and comes in various fits, cuts, and washes. Another benefit of jeans is that every style of jean can work for every body type depending on how you style them. We’ve put together some tips for choosing jeans, along with outfit ideas for all occasions.

Skinny Jeans

Skinny jeans are a versatile pant for every body type. There are petite, regular, plus, and tall size jeans in figure-hugging styles that are as stylish as they are comfortable. They come in mid-rise and high-rise styles, so it’s easy to find a pair that suits your aesthetic. Some are enhanced with a hidden compression panel for a smooth, streamlined look.

When it comes to fabric, look for skinny jeans that are made from a blend of cotton and spandex for softness, sturdiness, and stretch. You may also find jeans with elasterell, which is a stretchy polyester material. A variation of the skinny jean is the jegging—you get the softness and comfort of leggings with the look of denim.

Skinny jeans come in washes ranging from light to dark. Black skinny jeans are perhaps the most versatile, as you can wear them with any color top. Dark indigo is also a must-have color that flatters every body type and goes with everything. For summer, white skinny jeans offer a resort-ready vibe and pair well with neutral tops, brightly colored tops, and pretty prints.

Straight Leg Jeans

Another versatile jean type that everyone can wear is the straight leg style. As the name suggests, these jeans fall straight from the waist to the ankle without any tapering or flaring. They come in different fits—you can find straight leg jeans with a slim fit and those with a relaxed fit. Mid-rise and high-rise styles are available, some of which have compression panels as the skinny jeans do.

Mid-rise styles have a classic look that works with everything from tees to flannel shirts, while high-rise style imparts retro-inspired flair to crop tops, tank tops, and blouses. No matter which style you prefer, straight leg jeans add versatility to your wardrobe and have a timeless look that you can dress up or down.

If you find that some straight-leg jeans tend to gap in the back, look for a pair with a contour waist. Curvy fit jeans provide more room in the hips and back, and they won’t pull down when bending or sitting. For maximum comfort, choose straight leg jeans with the slightest hint of stretch.

Bootcut Jeans

If you’re planning to wear any type of boot this season, then you need a pair of bootcut jeans. They come in so many washes and styles that you may want more than one pair. These jeans go with all boot styles, from ankle booties and calf-high heeled boots to classic cowboy boots. You can also wear them with other shoe styles, such as heels, ballet flats, and wedge sandals.

This type of jean comes in mid-rise styles and is available in washes ranging from faded blue to black. The gentle flare at the bottom of bootcut jeans imparts a ’90s-inspired look to your outfit while providing room for boots underneath.

Bootcut jeans work for every body type. They come in all sizes and can be paired with casual and dressy tops. If you’re going for a casual look, wear bootcut jeans with a fitted tee and a pair of slip-on shoes, such as moccasins or boat shoes. For a look worthy of date-night or a girls’ night out, wear your favorite boots with bootcut jeans and a blouse in a statement color.

Cropped Jeans

For spring and summer, you can’t go wrong with cropped jeans. They come in sizes to fit every figure and some have comfort features such as elastic waistbands and spandex-infused fabric. Also called capri pants, cropped pants work with dressy blouses and casual tops.

You can wear capris with women's tank tops and keyhole-neck tops for a breezy look that’s classically stylish and comfortable on hot days. Or wear a pair of white capris with a short sleeve summer sweater for a sophisticated style that’s not overly dressy. Slip on a pair of heeled sandals with cropped pants and whatever top you choose, and you’re ready for anything.

Caring for Your Jeans

Another reason to love jeans is that they’re easy to care for. You can launder them in your washing machine—just use cold water to help prevent fading. While you can tumble dry your denim, line drying helps jeans keep their structure longer.