Denim jeans are a wardrobe staple: they can be dressed up or down and worn by anyone at any age, across all seasons. But finding the right pair (or pairs, in our case!) can be a tedious, time-consuming task.
To make it easier, we’ve compiled this short list of the best fits for each body type:
- Skinny jeans – Made from stretch denim, this style tapers in at the ankle and is surprisingly good for all body shapes. If you have a pear or hourglass body shape (think small waist and curvy hips), consider a darker hue and pair it with a loose shirt to create balance. Jackets and cardigans work well on cool days too.
- Straight leg jeans – Also sometimes referred to as a classic cut, these are less form-fitting than skinny jeans and look amazing on hourglass, athletic and apple (narrow hips, no waist) shapes. Wear them with a T-shirt and sandals for a low-key, summer look or with a blazer and button-up shirt for instant elegance.
- Flared jeans – A favourite of fashionistas in the 60s and 70s, flares are cut wide from the knee down and worn long. They accentuate small waists and balance bigger hips, making them a great option for pear and hourglass shapes. Wear yours with oversized or fitted tops – both look fab.
- Bootleg jeans – Less dramatic than flares, bootleg jeans have a more subtle leg and are easier for everyone to wear. They flatter hourglass and pear shapes best, but slender frames look good in them too. Wear boot heels or flats and any top you like.
- Boyfriend jeans – This style is meant to be worn slouchy and relaxed but comes in various fits, so experiment until you find your ideal pair. Loose boyfriend jeans look great with fitted tops, while slimmer fits are gorgeous with a jacket and heels. When it comes to body type, narrow hips (cue athletic and apple shapes) wear this cut best…
Other points to consider:
- The rise of your jeans matters. Medium rise is the most figure friendly and suits any top length, while high rise jeans are ideal for accentuating small waists, trimming hips and wearing with cropped tops and tucked-in tees. Low-rise jeans are great if you’re tall (they can make short legs look stumpy) and want to show off your hips. Wear them with tops that are tucked in or hip length.
- Different colour washes create different effects. Generally, darker washes look smart and lighter washes look casual. Both are appropriate all year round, but darker jeans are typically easier to style and suit more figure shapes and sizes as they tend to have a slimming effect.
