How to find the best jeans for your body type
From elegant jeans to artfully distressed rocker styles, jeans are undoubtedly an essential part of any wardrobe. Find the style that suits you best with our stylists’ ultimate guide to fit, wash, rise, and style.
Ready to find the perfect jeans for you? Let’s get started!
Find your fit
Over the years, you’ve probably worn high-rise, low-rise, and every other fit imaginable. When it comes to your everyday jeans, comfort is key—so finding your ideal fit is the first step.
Low-rise jeans
With a waistband that sits about 2 inches below the belly button, low-rise jeans are a great option for emphasizing the hips. Look for a snug fit so there’s no gap between your hips and the back of the waistband. Need help finding the right fit? Your Stitch Fix stylist can help—just leave a note with your fit questions and concerns, and they’ll help you find the perfect pair.
Mid-rise jeans
Mid-rise jeans sit just below the belly button and are our MVP (Most Valuable Pair) among jeans. “Mid-rise jeans sit at your natural waist, making them comfortable and classic,” says our stylist Molly. The mid-rise also makes them particularly versatile—they go with almost any top length, making them an essential part of your wardrobe.
High-waisted jeans
With a waistline that sits about 2 inches above the belly button, high-waisted jeans create a more defined silhouette. High-waisted jeans make your legs look longer and look great with tucked-in shirts and shorter tops. A tip from our stylist Molly: “Choose a style with stretch for ultimate comfort all day long—look for styles with about 2% stretch or 3% if you want extra freedom of movement.”
If you want to learn more about denim, read our blog post on denim inseams with tips from our experienced stylists.
Find your fit
Now that you know which rise you like best in jeans, let’s talk about fit. We know that with so many styles available, it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why we’ve made it easy for you! From straight leg to boyfriend, here’s a quick overview of our 5 most popular denim styles. Take a look
STRAIGHT-LEG JEANS
Straight-leg jeans for women have a consistent leg width from top to bottom and usually fit snugly at the hips. This tailored cut is a great alternative to your tried-and-true skinny jeans.
What should you wear them with?
We love classic straight-leg jeans paired with simple ballerina flats, a fitted striped shirt, and a blazer for a look à la Audrey Hepburn circa 1958. Are you more of a casual type? A simple T-shirt, jeans, and sandals (or boots) are a timeless combination.
WIDE-LEG JEANS
Wide-leg jeans for women are wide and straight from the hips to the hem and have a generous circumference at the ankle.
What should you wear them with?
We love wide-leg jeans with floor-length legs and like to pair them with block or wedge heels. Wear them with a top that ties at the front to emphasize the waist, or play with proportions by pairing wide-leg jeans with a flowing oversized top (don’t forget to tuck the top into the skirt!).
BOOTCUT JEANS
Bootcut jeans fit snugly around the hips and thighs and flare slightly at the ankle (though not as much as flares).
What should you wear them with?
Bootcut jeans are very versatile and have an extremely universal silhouette, which is why they keep coming back into fashion. We love them with comfortable flat shoes as well as ankle boots. Stylist Molly says, “For a classic look, pair them with a draped V-neck blouse and a light cardigan worn open over the top.”
SKINNY JEANS
This style hugs the body from the waist to the ankles and fits almost like leggings (stretch is crucial here). They are an essential part of any wardrobe.
What should you wear them with?
Skinny jeans for women go perfectly with flowing and oversized tops. Whether you’re curvy, slim, or petite, play with volume on top to create contrast. Or opt for a slim silhouette with a close-fitting top.
Meet your jean match: every style, every body shape
Next, we’ll help you find your next great pair of jeans! To help you do that, our stylists have put together this mini-guide with tips on how to find the right jeans for your body type (which is handy when shopping or planning a fix). Not sure how to define your body type? Check out our guide to different body types.
“Try out different silhouettes to discover new looks and find out what you feel most comfortable in,” says Molly. After all, the most important thing is to find pants that you feel good in. Now let’s find your style!
SKINNY JEANS FOR YOUR FIGURE
RECTANGULAR FIGURE: Opt for pants with a mid or high rise that accentuate your natural waist.
HOURGLASS FIGURE: Opt for a mid or high rise with stretch that accentuates your waist.
HEART SHAPES: Try jeans with a low or mid rise and interesting details such as distressed effects or light washes.
TRIANGLE SHAPES: Look for a dark wash with a high rise and stretch.
OVAL SHAPES: A mid-rise at or just below your natural waist with comfortable stretch in a dark wash.
STRAIGHT LEG + BOYFRIEND JEANS FOR YOUR BODY TYPE
RECTANGULAR BODY TYPE: Choose a mid or high rise to create a defined waistline.
HOURGLASS BODY TYPE: A mid-rise or high-rise with some stretch will accentuate your waist and natural curves.
HEART-SHAPED BODY TYPE: Look for pants with a higher cotton content and low stretch for a more structured feel.
TRIANGULAR FIGURE: Look for pants that sit just above your natural waist.
OVAL FIGURE: Pants with plenty of stretch that sit at or just below your natural waist will ensure a comfortable fit.
WIDE LEGS + FLARE JEANS FOR YOUR FIGURE
RECTANGULAR FIGURE: Opt for pants with a high rise to achieve a defined waist.
HOURGLASS FIGURE: Choose a style with a medium wash and elastane content that is mid-rise or high-rise.
HEART-SHAPED FIGURE: A mid-rise or high-rise waistband will create a defined waist.
TRIANGULAR FIGURE: A mid-rise or high-rise waistband will hug your curves perfectly.
OVAL FIGURE: Choose a mid-rise style that sits nicely on the waist.
Find your wash
Good news: when it comes to washing, it all depends on your personal preferences. In general, darker washes are best suited to elegant outfits, while lighter washes are more suited to a casual look. But which color you choose—blue, black, gray, or white—is entirely up to you.
Dark wash jeans
As mentioned above, dark wash jeans almost always look more “elegant” and are therefore a modern alternative to pants. We love wearing elegant dark wash jeans with a blazer to the office or to a nice dinner. Deep dark blue—and even black—washes are a must for any wardrobe. (Bonus: For tips on how to prevent your dark washes from fading, check out our guide to washing black jeans. )
Light to medium blue jeans
We like to refer to this wash as a “workhorse.” From morning to night, summer to winter, it’s always a good choice. Keep in mind: the lighter the wash, the more casual the look. We love an extra-light wash with slight signs of wear for a beach look. Look for a heavily faded wash and pair it with a light, neutral top for a monochrome look.
Colored jeans
Don’t limit yourself to classic blue, black, and white jeans—bring some color into your wardrobe. Spice up a simple jeans and T-shirt look with a darker shade such as burgundy or olive green. Bolder colors are perfect for the warmer months.
Your perfect jeans are waiting for you
Your perfect jeans are waiting for you! Are you ready to make your denim dreams come true? Your stylist can help you do just that. Take our style test, order a Fix, and ask your stylist for your perfect jeans. You’ll receive five personalized items of clothing—including a variety of jeans—to try on in the comfort of your own home. Keep what you like and send the rest back. Shipping, returns, and exchanges are always free, and there’s no subscription required. Just tell us your denim preferences, and we’ll take care of the shopping.