The Absolutely Liberating Guide to the Best Fitting Jeans for Women

The best fitting jeans for women don’t exist. It feels harsh to write that, so it might feel harsh to read it, too.

But every woman is a different shape, size and proportion so it is impossible to recommend one (or ten) pairs of jeans that will work for all women. Anyone who makes a blanket statement that certain jeans are the “best fitting jeans for women” is probably trying to sell you their jeans.

Instead, this absolutely liberating denim guide will not only help you figure out how to find your best fitting jeans, but also help you decipher why your current jeans might not be working for you. {Knowledge is power, right?!}

1. Rise

Do you pull your jeans? Grab those belt loops and tug up? Constantly worry that you’re showing your undies to the world? If yes, then the rise of your jeans is a little too low.

Low-rise jeans have been in style for a long time, combined with the stigma that high-rise jeans are “mom jeans” so we’ve been going through our days worried about sliding jeans. We’re also feeling conscientious of that little muffin top that low-rise jeans creates on all of us.

The truth is you don’t need to worry anymore. Current jean rise lengths span the gamut from super low rise to extra high rise.

What you need be aware of is where the waistband of your jeans ends… where it hits your body. Ideally the waistband needs to end above where you start to narrow, where your hip starts to slope into your waist. This will be the most flattering and comfortable jean for you, promise.

(If you happen to have a body shape where your waist widens above your hip, rise might not be as important for you, but you’ll want to make sure there is stretch in your jean waistband.)

2. Stretch it Out

Probably one of the most infuriating things about jeans is when you wear them for a day and they bag out and fall down!

This could actually be happening because you need to buy a higher rise—your body will help hold your jeans up—but it might also be because you actually need a smaller size.

Buying a smaller size jean that feels uncomfortable in the store is a really hard thing to do! Ask the sales person for their honest opinion about how much a jean will stretch. She might own the same pair and be able to give you first-hand experience.

Perhaps you’ve had this kind of size suggested before, and bought the smaller, uncomfortable size only to find they don’t stretch out as much as you thought they would, so they never get comfortable. Here’s a hint: waistbands don’t stretch out as much, so if the waistband feels tight in the smaller size go with your gut as to what size fits better. If you’re in a huge amount of doubt as to what size fits right, maybe neither one does and it’s time to walk away and try something new.

3. Phone a Friend

Shopping for jeans on your own is not recommended. If you do, you may end up with a pair of not-so-flattering jeans in your closet.

Pocket placement is so important to a well-fitting jean, and it’s almost impossible to see that on your own. Instead, shop at a specialty jean shop (where you know the honest salespeople) or hire a likeable expert or bring a trusted friend. Any of these people will help you see the 360 degree view that is so important for finding the best fitting jeans for women.

4. Whiskers

Can you answer this question honestly, please… Are your hips curvy or straight? Because if you have straight hips whiskers are your friend, if you have curvy hips whiskers should be left for others.

Hold up! What do whiskers have to do with jeans and hips anyway?

“Whiskering” is the name for the lines that occur around the hip area in certain washes of jeans. They tend to be lighter lines on a comparably darker wash. These lines create the illusion of curve in a hip, so they feel really flattering for women with straight hips.

If you have curvy hips, you can just leave those whiskered jeans on the shelf. Liberating right? You’ll be trying on half the number of jeans you usually do to find that perfect pair!

5. Jeans aren’t your thing

Probably the most liberating bullet in this guide. What if jeans just aren’t your thing?

How would it feel to just let go of wearing jeans all together. Maybe they don’t actually suit your style. Perhaps leather leggings or sweater dresses or dress pants are more your thing. That’s great! No matter how prevalent a current style is, you never have to include it in your wardrobe if it just doesn’t feel right for you.