This post is by Christina of Profresh Style
Some of us dislike it. Some of us hate it. The majority despise it-jean fittings. First, they are so many kinds of denim to choose from but it doesn’t stop there. There’s colors, washes, fabrics-where does it end? The best thing to do? Figure out your body type. It is, by far, the most important step in finding the perfect fit.
Apple:
- A boot-cut with at least an 18” leg opening to about a 20” leg opening with a 8” to 8.5” rise**
- A wide leg with at least a 23” leg opening to about a 26” leg opening with a 8” to 8.5” rise** See the 7 For All Mankind Dojo Jeans.
*The best way to determine leg opening is if you were to pull the seam of the leg opening facing out, your thigh and leg opening seam should measure up when measured vertically. It creates a more even hourglass shape leaving you with a proportionate shape.
Pear:
- A boot-cut with at least an 18” leg opening to about a 20” leg opening with a 8” to 9” rise** See the J Brand High Rise Boot Cut
- A wide leg with at least a 23” leg opening to about a 26” leg opening with a 8” to 9” rise**
Avoid wide leg as it could add too much of an emphasis to your behind. Also avoid skinny jeans and jeggings unless you pair them with tunics. The proportions created with skinny jeans could be uneven if paired with a simple tee.
Hourglass:
- A boot-cut with at least an 18” leg opening to about a 20” leg opening with a 8” to 8.5” rise** See the Joe’s Jeans Honey Boot Cut Jeans.
- A flared leg with a 23” leg opening with a 8” to 8.5” rise** (The difference with flared jeans vs wide leg and boot cut is the way it flares out from the body. Boot and wide leg are wide around the entire circumference of the opening.) See the True Religion Carrie Flare Jeans.
- A wide leg with at least a 23” leg opening to about a 26” leg opening with a 8” to 8.5” rise**
These jean styles help to enhance an already proportionate shape. Skinny jeans are optional, however, it varies on the rise. Usually skinny jeans with a rise of 9.5” to 11” is the proportionate rise to give the illusion of mega-long legs. It emphasizes your thin waist and your natural curves.
Rectangle:
- A skinny-jean with at least a 10” to about a 13” leg opening with a 7.5” to 8.5” rise** See the J Brand 12″ Pencil Jeans.
- A boot-cut with at least an 18” leg opening to about a 20” leg opening with a 8” to 8.5” rise**
- A wide leg with at least a 23” leg opening to about a 26” leg opening with a 8” to 8.5” rise**
The rectangle figure is by far the most diverse. However, the same principle follows here. The best look is when your proportions are balanced. To add curve, wear the smallest leg opening of a wide-leg.
Keep in mind, these numbers aren’t concrete. Take out a tape measure and measure yourself. Use that to help determine numbers. Most online shops give you all these numbers to help make shopping easier.
*Note: Rises will vary on height. When creating a longer line, change your rise to something higher like 9″ like the J Brand High-Rise Boot Cut Jeans. This works for shorter people. For someone taller, a lower rise like 7.5” like the True Religion Julie Stretch Stovepipe Jeans, is more appealing depending on body shape.
**This method works for most body types
**This method works for most body types
Image by klaireebearr.
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
Always like posts that focus on all shapes of bodies. This is really helpful
I don’t fit in to body types. I have modest boobs, small shoulders, a tummy, big butt, big thighs, nice calves.
I look hottt in skinny jeans and I think most women do!
I’m over even boot cut, let alone flare.
However thanks for putting out a nice resource!
great tips – always helpful to get another primer on what works on different body types. thanks!
hehe, i’m technicaly an hourglass, but in my mind i’m rectangle!
@Jennine You sound like me. I always thought I was a rectangle until I had to get fitted for a bridesmaid dress, and the ladies the store laughed at me when I told them I had such a square body. The y looked at me and said “honey, you are definitely an hourglass” hmph! coulda fooled me. I think I always thought you had to have a super small waist to be an hourglass, when it really has everything to do with proportions.
Great post, Christina! One of my readers recently emailed me asking about finding jeans for her apple shape, and she wanted to know a specific brand. I gave her the same advice you gave here but referred some other brands of jeans to try. I just emailed her the link to this post. I think she’ll find it to be very helpful!
@eboni- Thanks much!! Hope it helped her out! Apple shapes, I think, people have such a hard time finding the right fit but it really just comes down to proportions! Thanks for shouting me out love!
@ella I totally agree with the boot cut thing. However, it is THE MOST flattering on all body types. There are great brands that carry simple, clean cuts. Unfortunately, skinny jeans aren’t flattering on most. Bravo to you for pulling those off!!
Great post! I keep trying out new fits but coming back to skinnies and flares. You’re very right — some styles just suit your body.
What about petites? hehe!
@thu- haha. Ah, yes, petites. For petites, the struggle is fitting a pair that fits in length and in rise. It really does depend on your shape as a petite. If you’re a “rectangle”, the best pair to find is the cigarette jean with a high rise. Shopbop.com has some great pairs from J Brand. The point is to lengthen your leg to create this illusion, if you will, that you’re tall. But no matter your shape, the best thing to do is go with a higher rise. Anything 8″ and up will create a long, lean line no matter the style (cigarette, skinny, boot-cut, wide leg). Happy shopping! And thanks for reading the post!
Thank you so much for the reply! I really appreciate it
love that quote! i love denim!!come follow me xoxo
I’m 5’7 measured my thighs 22 omg. cant find any jeans that fit, because my waist is small …..helppppp