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Women comes in all shapes and sizes, and it can be misleading when we hear the word ‘curvy’ bandied about. Curvy does not necessarily mean plus size: it actually encompasses a wide spectrum of women’s sizes. Here we talk you through the best jeans for curvy women, from the perfect fit for your body shape to what to wear with the different styles of jeans. Denim suits everyone, regardless of shape, and by following a few simple pointers you’ll soon be investing in a great pair of jeans.
Best Jeans for Curvy Women
To decide what pair of jeans will best suit your curves, you need to know what your body shape is. The following are the most common female body forms:
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Pear
The main traits of a pear shape figure are wider hips, thighs and bum with narrower shoulders and a smaller bust. Just like the fruit, pear-shaped women have a relatively slim upper torso and bigger hips, waists and thighs. Look to some of our favourite pear-shaped celebs (Jennifer Lopez, Kimberley Walsh, Alicia Keys) for style inspiration: none of them shy away from their gorgeous shape and nor should they! Instead they accentuate their torso with fitted tops and cropped jackets that pull the eyes to their smallest part.
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Apple
An apple-shaped body tends to have a softer, fuller middle with slim thighs and upper shapely legs. An apple body shape often has fuller breasts, thinner hips and thighs, and a flatter rear end than most. A protruding tummy is a common frustration amongst apple-shaped women, and when apples gain weight they have a tendency to gain in the midsection. Skinny and slim fitting jeans, teamed with softer loose fitting tops, help to skim over any insecurities and are great for this body shape as they make the most of fabulous pins. Look to gorgeous celebs like Lena Dunham, Amy Schumer and Adele for inspiration and you will see how pairing a great fitting blazer with curvy skinny jeans balances out shape and keeps great legs as a focal point.
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Hourglass
The hourglass figure is round and curvy, with a well-defined waistline, fuller hips and bust, and generous thighs. The main traits of an hourglass silhouette are a smaller waist, shapely legs, and a bust and hips that are the same size. Made even more famous and desirable by the Kardashian sisters, whether you love them or loathe them you can’t deny they’ve done a great thing for bringing back the desirability of a healthy female form. The key thing when shopping for jeans for curvy girls with an hourglass figure is to ensure that the waistband doesn’t gape at the back – so a trip to the tailors might be needed for the perfect finishing touch. Heels are a great addition to any look to add length to the legs.
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Curvy Jeans: What Shape to Choose & How to Style Them
Curvy Skinny Jeans
Curvy women and skinny jeans are often thought not to go together, but we’re here to show you how wrong this is! Skinny jeans are a great way to show off your curves to their full extent; you just need to be mindful of getting the right fit for your curves and also the material you choose. You will want full movement and flexibility when wearing skinny jeans so choose a material with a Lycra mix (it will tell you on the label). This is integral for your comfort.
- Apple-shaped ladies should aim for a mid-rise without front pockets, so as not to add bulk to your midriff. Because an apple’s legs are slimmer, you can afford a few rips and intentional distressing with your jeans.
- Pear and hourglass ladies should opt for high-waisted styles to show off your best asset – your waist – to its full extent.
- Short women shouldn’t be afraid of the skinny style. On the contrary, these are arguably the best jeans for short curvy women as the leg lengthening effect makes you appear taller.
As for what to wear with skinny jeans for curvy figures, a peplum top works well with hourglass shapes as it cinches in the waist. Or opt for a longer length blouse with an empire line, a sweatshirt, or a denim or plaid shirt. A pair of heels will finish off the look and elongate your legs.
Clockwise (L-R) Grey Pull-On Slim Leg Jeggings Regular Length (Simply Be – £15.00), Curves Black Skinny Jeans (New Look Curves – £14.99), White Denim Jeggings (Yours Clothing – £20.00), Junarose Queen Skinny Jean (ASOS Curve – £28.00), Peplum Ponte Jacket With Front Zip (ASOS Curve – £40.00), Lightweight Button Through Shirt (Very – £25.00)
Curvy High-Waisted Jeans
When shopping for jeans for curvy figures, always look for a high-rise waistline: great for small and tall curvy women alike. The rise is the measurement from the top of the waistband down to the bottom of the crotch seam. A higher rise jean sits comfortably below your belly button, covering your bottom and hip area. It will flatten any unwanted bulging for apple shapes and will extenuate the waist on pear and hourglass shapes.
Clockwise (L-R) High Waist Ridley Skinny Jeans In London Blue Minx Wash (ASOS Curve – £28.00), Black Supersoft High Waisted Jeans (New Look Curves – £24.99), Blue Wash High Rise Lori Skinny Jeans (RI Plus – £38.00), Super Stretch High Waist Ripped Knee Jeans White (Missguided Plus – £25.00), Plus Size Surplice Top (Forever 21 Plus – £11.00), RENEE Velvet 2 Part Sandals (Topshop – £46.00)
Curvy Bootcut Jeans
The best jeans for curvy hips come with a kick flare. This is slimming on the thigh and then flares out at the knee to give balance to your widest areas and to lengthen the leg. Jeans for big hips will have a higher rise waistband to offset fuller hips. Ideally the rear pockets will be placed closer together and angled inward slightly, as this will make your bum appear smaller. Curvy bootcut jeans look great when worn with a pair of chunky heels and a floaty blouse or boyfriend fit t-shirt.
Clockwise (L-R) Bootcut Martha Jeans (Violeta by Mango – £49.99), 315 Shaping Boot Cut Jeans (Levis – £80.00), 28-36in Navy Bootcut Jeans (New Look Curves – £14.99), Erin Pull-On Bootcut Jeggings Regular Length (Simply Be – £20.00), Stretch Bootcut Jeans (Curvissa – £42.00), Black GRL PWR T-Shirt (New Look Curves – £9.99), MARIAH Metallic Heel Mules (Topshop – £29.00)
Curvy Flare Jeans
Curvy flare jeans widen from higher up the leg (typically above the knee) and fit a little lower on the hip. For this reason they work wonders as jeans for thick thighs.
Clockwise (L-R) Plus Size Flared Jeans Short (Forever 21 Plus – £27.00), High-Rise Plus-Size Vintage Flare Jeans (Old Navy, GAP – £39.14), Pixie Wide-leg Jeans Regular Length (Simply Be – £35.00), Flared Selena Jeans (Violetta by Mango – £35.99), V Neck Kimono Blouse (ASOS Curve – £22.00), Navy Woven Wedges (River Island – £35.00)
Curvy Straight Leg Jeans
Straight-leg jeans are seeing a resurgence, with current trends favouring the vintage-style mom jeans. High-rise mom jeans are the best straight leg jeans for curvy figures, especially those with wider thighs and hips. They flatten your stomach, pull in at the waist, and have enough breathing space in the hip area, creating a very feminine silhouette. Wear with a pair of loafers for the ultimate retro vibe.
Clockwise (L-R) Plus Emmy Mom Jean (Boohoo Plus – £25.00), Slim-fit Susan Jeans (Violetta by Mango – £35.99), Straight-fit Theresa Jeans (Violetta by Mango – £49.99), Plus Sadie Mom Jean (Boohoo Plus – £25.00), Plus Kaylee Plunge Neck Strappy 3/4 Sleeve T-shirt (Boohoo Plus – £12.00), New Look Wide Fit Suede Fringed Loafer (£29.99),
Curvy Boyfriend Jeans
Boyfriend jeans are designed to suit women with a narrower waist. Some women worry that this cut may look masculine, but the best boyfriend jeans for curvy figures look effortlessly feminine. Choose your normal size with this style and wear an ultra-girly top and heels if worried. A great way to look both relaxed and chic at the same time.
Clockwise (L-R) Plus Size Boyfriend Jean (Forever 21 Plus Size – £24.00), Boohoo Plus High Waisted Turn Up Mom Jean (ASOS Curve – £25.00), Blue Ripped Turn Up Hem Boyfriend Jeans (New Look Curves – £24.99), Straight Leg Jeans Regular Length (Simply Be – £14.00), Plus Size Stripe Lace-Up Top (Forever 21 Plus Size – £10.27), MINERAL Wide Fit Loafers (ASOS – £22.00)
Top Retailers for Curvy Ladies
ASOS Curve – Popular online retailer, ASOS, launched their plus-size range in 2010. ASOS offer a great selection of trend-led pieces taken from their main range and adapted to fit the curvier figure.
New Look Curves – New Look have long been a favourite of curvier women due to their range of wide fit shoes, and now there is even more reason to visit with the launch of their New Look Curve Plus Range.
Forever 21 Plus Size – Due to its namesake, some women think that Forever 21’s key demographic is teenagers and those in their early twenties, but this is not the case. Their plus size collection has pieces suited for all ages and stocks some great jeans for curvy women.
Simply Be – Simply Be is a plus-sized brand of clothing designed by the N Brown Group, the company behind Jacamo – a plus sized men’s clothing retailer.
Yours Clothing – Their tagline is ‘fabulous fashion up to size 36’ and that is exactly what they deliver. Yours Clothing believe that all women should look awesome, regardless of their dress size.
Top Tips
- In most cases, a high-rise waistline is the best option. It will flatten your stomach and draw in your waist line.
- Always choose a style with a percentage of Lycra in the fabric, especially if choosing skinny fit jeans. Curvy girl jeans should have a good range of flexibility to stay comfortable.
- Balance out the width of your jeans with your top half. Baggy-on-baggy will look sloppy and will make you look bigger, so choose a tighter-fitting top with a boyfriend cut. Vice versa with skinny jeans.
- A tailor can alter any jeans that gape at the waistline and is well worth a visit to get the perfect curvy fit pants for your shape.
Read more great articles on women’s fashion here at alexie.co.
