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Choose the right style of jeans for your body type
Raise your hand if this has happened to you: Those jeans looked fabulous in the window display (or on your best friend), and you just HAD to have them. You found the jeans in your size, breezed into the dressing room, tugged them over your hips and zipped them up, looked in the mirror and gasped in horror at the sight.
Learning to choose the right jeans for your body type can help prevent such dressing-room disasters and help boost your self-confidence, no matter what your size or shape — and you can still wear many of the latest styles.
Regardless of style, however, the key is to find jeans that feel comfortable and make you feel good. Be aware of your body type and do a little research on what styles will play up your assets and downplay any negatives. For example, if you’re self-conscious about the size of your bottom, you should steer clear of jeans with embellished back pockets that could highlight problem areas. If you’re a little busty, choose straight-leg or slightly flared jeans to provide balance. Flared-leg jeans can also help create curves for a woman with a straight figure, while those with a rounder shape may want to look for simple boot-cut jeans with a bit of stretch for a streamlined look.
“Looking for the perfect jean is always tricky,” said Stephanie White, owner of Hello Gorgeous in Conway. “Most people think that tighter is better, but in all reality, a looser flared leg can elongate your look and make your figure look even better.”
Another important feature to watch for when buying jeans is the rise. The rise, or distance from the crotch to the top of the jeans’ waistband, ranges from ultra-low to high and has a large effect on how a pair of jeans looks on a woman.
“No matter what size or shape you are, you can find jeans that make you look and feel good,” said Sena Lovette-Crafton, owner of Grand on Oak in Conway.
“It all depends on your body shape. For instance, if you have a pear shape, you probably need a higher rise; if you have smaller hips, you can wear a lower rise,” she said. “A lot of women think they need a high-rise waist if they’re heavier, but most of them really do better with a mid-rise.
In general, if you have a little extra padding, you should probably opt for mid- to high-rise jeans to help smooth the abdomen. The waistband should be just below the navel, covering your stomach. This helps avoid the dreaded “muffin top.”
Another tip is to choose jeans in misses or women’s sizes instead of from the juniors department. Clothing specifically designed for women, rather than teens, is cut to flatter a woman’s shape.
The following pointers can help you find the right type of jeans for your body type.
ROUND
Typified by a rounded waist and a torso that is wider than the lower part of the body. Look for mid-rise jeans in thick denim with a dark wash — the thicker denim provides added support, and the darker color is visually slimming. Avoid pockets or other details around the waist.
RECTANGLE
Straight figure with square hips and an undefined waist. Create the illusion of curves with high-waisted jeans. It’s OK to call attention to your rear end with extra embellishments — but stay away from plain, pocketless fronts that can look a little too masculine.
OVAL
Full through the hips and thighs, with a narrower torso. Jeans with a little stretch will hug your hips without gapping at the waist. Choose a straightleg cut in a dark wash. Avoid jeans with tapered legs — they can draw attention to wider hips.
HOURGLASS
Narrow waist with the hips and bust about the same size. These lucky women can wear almost any style of jeans, from skinny jeans to boot-cut and flare leg. However, don’t go for a rise that’s too low, or you could expose a little too much skin when you sit down.
PETITE
Less than 5 feet, 4 inches tall, regardless of size or shape. Look for a cut that’s long and lean to create the illusion of longer legs. Avoid baggy or wide-legged pants; these can make you look shorter.