Like many curvy women, I’ve always had a hard time finding jeans—they either gap in the waistband or are too tight in the hips. But my picks for the best jeans for curvy women do neither. For example, my favorite pair overall, the NYDJ Marilyn Straight Jeans have a flattering fit and cut, while my best value pick, the Gloria Vanderbilt High Rise Jean features a comfortable elastic waistband and is available on Amazon for only $30.
The best jeans for curvy figures aren’t too big in the waist or tight in the hips.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES/IMAGES: RETAILERS
To find the best jeans for curvy women, I focused on brands that have an inclusive size range, comfortable and stretchy materials, and a great return policy. Then I personally tested over a dozen brands, read online reviews, and consulted experts— including a professional stylist and body acceptance advocate. After some hits and misses, I narrowed down the field to this list of the nine best jeans for curvy women.
Sizes: 00-18, 14W-28W (Plus, Regular, Petite) | Colors: Haley, Quinn, Rinse | Shipping and returns: Free shipping and returns within 30 days
All NYDJ jeans feature the brand’s Lift Tuck construction, which is a proprietary technology that slims the tummy with the help of a panel, and utilizes a criss-cross design to shape and contour the butt and hips. “It boosts the curves in the back for a flattering effect,” says Cassandra Sethi, NYC-based Personal Stylist at Next Level Wardrobe. The straight-leg fit elongates the leg and creates a streamlined silhouette, and the style looks good with a variety of different tops. I especially love the feel of these jeans; even though they are fitted, they aren’t too tight. They are soft and stretchy; I’d recommend sizing down for the best fit.
Gloria Vanderbilt Women’s Amanda Pull On High Rise Jeans
Sizes: 4-26 (Standard, Petite, Plus)| Colors: 14 in total, including Black and Denim Blue | Shipping and returns: Free shipping; free returns on select sizes and colors
With a hidden elastic waistband and a stretchy blend of cotton, polyester and Spandex, these highly-rated jeans are remarkably comfortable. They have “real” pockets, despite the jegging construction, and are great for those who don’t like zippers or buttons (if you have sensitive skin or are postpartum, for example). They are slim but not tight—no bunching in the calf area—and they sit at your natural waist for a flattering fit. Since the waistband is elastic, I prefer a longer top with these jeans so you don’t see the waistband.
Sizes: XS-3X (Petite, Regular, Tall) | Colors: 4, including White and Clean Black| Shipping and returns: Free shipping and returns
If you’re on the shorter side, you’ll appreciate that there’s no hemming required with these Spanx jeans, which come in three lengths, including petite, with a 25.5-inch inseam. “Petite denim items can be pretty hard to find but Spanx has great options,” says Sethi. These jeans have a high waist with built-in Spanx TummyTamer Tech to shape your middle, and the four-way stretch fabric hugs your curves and provides a comfortable fit. The pull-on style doesn’t have a button, zipper or even front pockets, providing a streamlined look, and the trendy kick-flare leg hits at the ankle works well with ballet flats, sandals and loafers.
Sizes: 0-16 | Colors: Halifax | Shipping and returns: Free shipping over $175; free returns within 30 days
Up-and-coming brand Liverpool has great options for curvy women, says Sethi. The straight-leg fit is especially comfortable and provides a lot of stretch (because of this, Sethi says the jeans can run big so she recommends sizing down). The Kennedy fit is versatile, and elongates your legs, she adds. These jeans have a mid-rise waist, with traditional five-pocket styling, and a zipper fly and button closure. They are also made using sustainable practices: The denim is aniline-free (aniline is a potentially toxic dye associated with indigo) and recyclable, plus the buttons and hardware are chemical-free, and even the tags are made from recycled materials.
Sizes: 14-24 | Colors: 2 total, including Twilight and Raven | Shipping and returns: Free shipping over $75; $7 return shipping fee (exchanges free)
Skinny-fit jeans are often annoyingly tight for curvy types. Warp + Weft’s denim, however, sculpts and smoothes your body with a high-rise fit that’s extra comfortable and supportive without being constrictive, and the tightly woven fabric feels silky and lightweight. The ankle opening is slim (but not uncomfortably tight), and the 29-inch inseam is versatile and the ideal length for wearing with almost any type of shoe—from boots to flats to flip flips. You can also feel good about the fact that the jeans are made using energy-saving technology and planet-friendly materials.
Sizes: 00-32 Plus| Colors: Indigo759 | Shipping and returns: Free shipping over $125; returns within 21 days of order date, with restocking fee
Ultra-high rise Good American Good Waist Jeans are available in both skinny and wide leg (palazzo) styles—and each style comes in a cropped length for petite figures. So there are lots of options. “Good American really nails comfort, trend and size inclusivity,” says Katie Sturino, a body acceptance advocate, author of Body Talk and founder of Megababe. I found these high-waisted jeans to be soft, stretchy and easy to wear. Keep in mind: Orders are subject to a restocking fee, but it’s waived if you exchange sizes or opt for a store credit.
Sizes: 23-37 (Classic, Petite, Tall )| Colors: 3 total, including Resin Rinse which is on sale | Shipping and returns: $5 shipping (free for J.Crew Rewards Members); $7.50 for returns online (free in-store) within 30 days
J.Crew has transformed into an inclusive brand with a wide variety of styles for curvy women, says Sturino. These denim trousers are fitted through the hip and wide in the leg, which makes for a comfortable combination. (However, they run a little big, so you may want to size down so they don’t gap in the waist.) This pair is structured so it doesn’t lose its shape after hours of wear, but it has a bit of elastin to prevent it from feeling too stiff and tight. In addition to the fit, I love how versatile these jeans are; I can dress them up to wear to the office or dress them down on the weekends. Note that J.Crew also makes a Curvy Trouser, but reviewers prefer this classic trouser fit.
Sizes: 24-39 | Colors: 16 colors, including Indigo and Black | Shipping and returns: Free shipping; free returns on some sizes and colors
Levi’s does retro mom jeans right. The relaxed fit in the hips and thighs is great for curvy bodies, the high rise accentuates your waist, the hint of stretch makes them feel comfortable and not restrictive, and they have a trendy tapered leg. We also like that the jeans are available plus sizes and 16 colors (including fall shades like Decadent Chocolate and Plum Perfect) and some styles have strategically placed rips for a more casual look.
DL1961
DL1961 Florence Skinny Mid Rise Instasculpt 30″
Sizes: 23-34 | Colors: Warner | Shipping and returns: Free shipping and returns
DL1961 is a celebrity-favorite denim brand, and their high-quality designs and performance fabrics make them hard to beat in this category. Their Instasculpt construction harnesses high-retention elastane technology that smooths, lifts and sculpts your waist, thighs and butt, and these jeans won’t lose their shape after you wear them (this is what the brand refers to as 360-degree hold). They have a flattering mid-rise cut, a skinny silhouette and the dark wash is perfect for fall and winter.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
We research, test and thoroughly analyze all of the products that we recommend, including the best jeans for curvy women.
This story was written by Forbes Vetted contributor Dory Zayas, who has written extensively about fashion and beauty for national publications. A petite and curvy woman herself, she has worn many of the jeans on this list.
The publication of this article was overseen by deputy editor Kari Molvar, who has written and edited lifestyle content for more than 20 years.
We tap both internal and external expert sources when researching our stories. For this piece, we spoke to Cassandra Sethi, NYC-based personal stylist at Next Level Wardrobe and Katie Sturino, a body acceptance advocate, author of Body Talk and founder of Megababe.
How We Chose The Best Jeans For Curvy Women
We performed in-depth research on jeans to find pairs that rated high in terms of comfort, fit, style and size inclusivity. We also researched which brands offered the best return policies.
Forbes Vetted contributor Dory Zayas considered brands well-known for producing high-quality jeans that are cut for curvy women, and also reviewed newer, up-and-coming brands.
Zayas then personally tested more than a dozen brands of jeans to determine which ones rated highest in terms of fit and comfort.
She cross-referenced her opinions with online reviews to ensure each pair of jeans on this list is highly rated by customers and that the reviewers found the shopping experience positive and hassle-free.
Finally, Zayas consulted with experts in the field—Cassandra Sethi, NYC-based personal stylist at Next Level Wardrobe and Katie Sturino, a body acceptance advocate, author of Body Talk and founder of Megababe—to get their take on the best jeans for curvy women, and what to look for when shopping for jeans if you have a curvy figure.
How to Pick The Best Jeans For Curvy Women
If you’re curvy like me, shopping for jeans can be a challenge. Personally, I usually have to try on about 10 pairs to find one that sort of fits, and might still have a too-big waistband or a too-tight ankle. Luckily, retailers are finally getting the memo that not all women have the same shape and size, and many brands have now introduced a variety of curve-friendly denim options lately.
When choosing the right denim, here’s what to pay attention to:
The material: A stretchy fabric not only ensures comfort throughout the day, but also gives you a better fit. Stretch denim will hug you in all the right places and some denim lines even have built-in technology that helps to shape, tighten and lift. Look for a blend of cotton and spandex on the label.
The wash: A dark, straight-leg denim is a classic style that can stand the test of time. A very distressed, light wash is trendier, and can also widen legs, so be mindful of that. “I recommend staying away from denim that has any distressing or contrast stitching,” says Cassandra Sethi, a personal stylist at Next Level Wardrobe. “It’s important to keep the denim classic so you can create outfits and not get bored with your jeans in six months.”
Where you buy your jeans: Since denim sizes vary wildly, check the return policies of the retailer you’re purchasing from. Trying on pairs in a physical store might save time in the long run, since you won’t have to mail anything back that didn’t work. However, if you’re busy or don’t enjoy trying on clothes in public, doing so in the comfort of your own home may be less frustrating. “Remember you have to try a lot of jeans on to find the best fit,” says Sethi. “Unfortunately, there is no consistency in sizing among brands—and even within brands—so you’ll probably need to try at least five different styles of jeans and brands when shopping.”
The cost: A more-expensive designer pair may fit better, and offer a longer shelf life than a fast-fashion cheap pair. If you rarely wear denim or want an on-trend silhouette or style, though, choosing a budget-friendly option can be a wise move.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Should I Style Jeans As A Curvy Woman?
“Right now, I’m really into the new dress code called ‘power casual,’” says Sethi. “This was coined by workwear retailer M.M.LaFleur, and it’s all about mixing elevated pieces with casual pieces.” She recommends pairing denim with a blouse and blazer for a polished look. “For shoes, try a leather loafer or ballet flat,” says Sethi. “You could also dress down the outfit with a fun pair of sneakers for a casual or no dress-code office.”
How Should I Wash My Denim?
Correctly caring for your jeans helps ensure that they last and maintain the best condition possible. “You always want to wash your jeans inside out and on a warm setting,” says Sethi. “More often than not, you should air dry your jeans and not throw them in a scorching dryer as it’ll wear down the denim fast. After your jeans air dry, you can put them in your dryer on a light setting for about 15 minutes.”
You also don’t need to wash your jeans after every wear. Check to see if they need cleaning by 1) seeing if they smell and 2) looking closely for stains. If you answer yes to either, you need to wash them. “Following this 1-2 test will save you time on laundry because you’re only washing if you really need to,” adds Sethi.
Where Are The Best Places To Shop For Size-Inclusive Denim?
“I know I am not alone in saying I am loving what J.Crew is doing right now,” says Katie Sturino, a body acceptance advocate and influencer, author of Body Talk and founder of beauty brand Megababe. But you also don’t need to limit yourself to one retailer. “There are so many great jeans out there right now,” adds Sturino. “My personal favorites are by Good American–they really nail comfort, trend and size inclusivity. Right now, I am gravitating towards high-waisted, flared styles.”
Remember that sizing can vary greatly between brands and even within the same retailer. Try not to focus on the numbers and instead the fit and comfort of the item.
