By Karli Poliziani

Shopping for Jeans: Finding the Perfect Fit for Your Body Type

Discover the perfect jeans for your body type with our fit guide and style tips. Flatter your figure and feel confident — it's all about finding your denim BFF!
Jeans
Pictured (L-R): Gisele Bundchen, Kim Kardashian, Sydney Sweeney, Eva Longoria. Photo Credits: Getty Images.

Jeans—that timeless garment that defies trends and seasons. But with a denim ocean to navigate, finding the ideal pair can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Here’s the key: understanding your body type and selecting styles that accentuate your natural figure.

How do I identify my body type?

Jeans
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  • Pear: Wider hips and thighs compared to your shoulders.
  • Hourglass: Balanced proportions with a defined waist.
  • Rectangle: Minimal waist definition characterizes this body type.
  • Apple: Wider bust and midsection compared to hips.
  • Inverted Triangle: Broad shoulders with narrower hips.

How do I find the perfect rise of jeans for my body type?

Jeans
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Rise: This refers to where the waistband sits on your torso.

  • High-Waisted: Sitting above your natural waist, it lengthens your legs and creates a defined waistline. Flattering for most, especially apple and rectangle shapes.
  • Mid-Rise: The most versatile option, sitting just below your belly button. Works well for most body types.
  • Low-Rise: Sits below the hips, best suited for pear shapes with a flat stomach.

What type of leg style of jeans would look best on me?

Jeans
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  • Skinny: Creates a sleek, streamlined silhouette. Ideal for hourglass and rectangle shapes.
  • Straight: Classic and universally flattering, offering a balanced look, and flatters most body types.
  • Bootcut: Flares slightly from the knee down, balancing wider hips and adding shape to straighter figures. Perfect for pear and rectangle shapes.
  • Wide-Leg: Flowy and comfortable, great for creating an hourglass illusion for rectangle and inverted triangle shapes.

What type of jeans would look best on me?

FOR PEAR:

NEW YORK – JULY 22: Jennifer Lopez on location for “The Back-Up Plan” on the streets of Manhattan on July 22, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by James Devaney/WireImage)
  • High-waisted straight-leg or bootcut: Balances your hips and elongates your legs.
  • Dark wash denim: Creates a slimming effect.

FOR HOURGLASS:

LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 14: Kim Kardashian is seen on April 14, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by thecelebrityfinder/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
  • High-waisted skinny or straight-leg: Showcases your curves.
  • Light washes and whiskering: Adds visual interest without detracting from your shape.

FOR RECTANGLE:

LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 11: Gisele Bundchen is seen on January 11, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rachpoot/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
  • Mid-rise straight-leg or bootcut: Creates definition and balances your proportions.
  • Boyfriend Jeans: Relaxed fit with a slight slouch adds shape to your figure.

FOR APPLE:

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 12: Eva Longoria attends the SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations screening and Q&A for “Flamin’ Hot” at SAG-AFTRA Foundation Robin Williams Center on June 12, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
  • High-waisted straight-leg with a slight stretch: Provides comfort and a flattering silhouette.
  • Dark washes: Create a slimming effect.

FOR INVERTED TRIANGLE:

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 11: Sydney Sweeney is seen in Rockefeller Center on December 11, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Raymond Hall/GC Images)
  • Mid-rise bootcut or wide-leg: Adds volume to your lower half and balances your broad shoulders.
  • Darker washes: Draw attention to your legs.

How to buy jeans that fit properly?

  • Experiment with confidence: Finding the perfect fit is key — a great pair should hug your curves comfortably without being restrictive.
  • Embrace stretch denim: It provides comfort and flexibility without compromising shape.
  • Consider petite or tall options: These can create a more flattering fit if your height falls outside the average range.
  • Denim washes: Jeans come in a variety of shades. Dark washes are universally slimming, while lighter washes can add a casual touch.
  • Distressing and details: Details like rips and whiskering can add personality, but choose them strategically to flatter your shape.

This story originally appeared on GRAZIA International.