Everyone deserves a go-to pair of jeans. Finding these jeans though isn’t always easy. If you have bigger thighs, it’s easy to think that jeans aren’t for you.
In reality, jeans are universally flattering. You just have to find the right pair for you and your body type. Once you find these jeans, you’ll never want to take them off.
If you’re a curvy woman, it’s easy to be put off by low-rise jeans. You want a comfortable style that accentuates your curves without forcing your thighs into a tight-fitting leg. Jeans are all about the fit. You might find that you need to go up a size or two for a comfortable fit.
Curvy celebrities Jennifer Lopez, Khloe Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian, Demi Lovato, and Rihanna show how they flatter their figure in jeans (Credit: Mega / Michael Wright / Cousart / JFXimages / TNYF / WENN)
What we love about jeans is that they add instant chicness to any outfit. Heading to a concert? Throw on jeans. Grabbing dinner with friends? Wear jeans. Casual Friday at the office? Black jeans. You get the idea.
We’re taking a look at the best types of jeans to wear if you have bigger thighs. Are skinny jeans an absolute no-no? What should your jeans be like around your thighs?
This guide covers all that and more, helping you finally track down your perfect jeans. After 18 months of living in athleisure, we’re all ready to rediscover our love of denim jeans.
Never fear. We’re also rounding up the best jeans for curvy women to help you on your search. These styles are all an instant ‘add to cart’ and designed to give you figure-hugging jeans that make you feel as good as you look.
The best types of jeans for curvy women
Finding the right jeans is hard – especially when you have curves. If you have a pear-shaped body with dominant thighs, or if you’re plus size, it can be frustrating trying to find the right jeans that flatter your figure.
Part of the issue with tracking down jeans for curvy women is that the dimensions can often be off. You might find jeans that work for your thicker thighs, but they’re too wide at your waist and leave a gap.
Silver Jeans Co. Plus Size Suki Mid-Rise Curvy Fit Slim Boot Jeans, $88.95 at Zappos; Erdem Vina belted straight-leg jeans, $447 at Matches Fashion; Boyish Jeans flared-leg jeans, $160 at Farfetch
Bootleg jeans are usually a go-to choice for curvy women as they’re universally flattering and have a straight leg, with a slightly widened hem.
These jeans are typically not as tight as skinny jeans at the calf area, meaning there isn’t as much attention drawn to your thighs.
Most women who are on the curvy side tend to carry more weight around their stomach and legs. If you have a pear body shape, look out for flare jeans that will help balance your hips and thighs, as well as elongating your legs.
Paco Rabanne High-rise washed flared-leg jeans, $433 at Matches Fashion; Ports 1961 flared dark-wash jeans, $364 at Farfetch; Madewell The Curvy Perfect Vintage jeans, $128 at Zappos
As a curvy woman, dark wash jeans are your best friend. The color creates a naturally slimming effect and will flatter your silhouette more than lighter colors. Another color effect that you need to consider is fading.
If your jeans fade towards the knee area, it can give you the illusion of slimmer thighs and help elongate your legs. You want to avoid any kind of fading around the thigh area as it’ll draw attention towards your insecurities.
Should curvy women wear skinny jeans?
You know you’ve found the right jeans when they give the illusion of slimmer hips and thighs. If you’re on the petite side, you’ll also want your jeans to give the illusion that your legs are longer.
Skinny jeans are one style that most curvy women tend to avoid. It’s one of the biggest debates in the world of curvy fashion. Should you wear skinny jeans if you have big thighs?
Part of the issue is that the style is tighter around your calf area, drawing attention to your larger thighs. They can also feel too tight around your thighs, making it uncomfortable to walk.
Good American Good Legs high-rise skinny jeans, $129 at Nordstrom; Hudson Jeans Barbara high-waist super skinny, $185 at Zappos; Mr & Mrs Italy stretch skinny jeans, $340 at Farfetch
The truth is that you can wear skinny jeans as a curvy woman, but you’ll want to keep two things in mind. Stick to a darker color scheme – like black wash jeans – and make sure to choose a fabric with stretch.
You may also need to size up to help accommodate your thighs. Black skinny jeans have been a signature style for Kim and Khloe Kardashian, both of whom have curvier thighs.
Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, Gigi Hadid, and Selena Gomez in black skinny jeans (Credit: TNYF / Michael Wright / Brian To / WENN)
If you’re shopping for skinny jeans, look out for styles that have a cropped silhouette. Ankle length jeans are a great choice for curvy women as it helps elongate your leg and draw attention away from your thighs.
How to make jeans looser around the thighs
Stretch fabrics should be your go-to when buying jeans as a curvy woman. If you’re pear-shaped or have a smaller waist but bigger thighs, you want a fabric that can accommodate your proportions. A stretch material will mold itself to fit each part of your body, including your thighs.
Fabrics that you want to look out for include ones that have an elastane, lycra, or spandex blend. They’ll have a natural stretch that will help accentuate each aspect of your figure without being tight around your thighs.
Stretchy and synthetic fibers, including a cotton-polyester blend, can be your perfect match.
Dickies Perfect Shape denim jeans – skinny stretch, $49.99 at Zappos; Chloe flared high-waisted stretch denim jeans, $795 at Saks Fifth Avenue; Re/Done Comfort Stretch cropped jeans, $252 at Farfetch
Wide-leg jeans are naturally looser at the thigh area, making them an ideal choice for curvier women. Wide jeans may seem like an odd choice for women with big thighs, but the silhouette gives you more space to accommodate your thighs and helps balance out your figure. You can add a fitted top to avoid a boxy look.
‘Mom jeans’ might sound like they’re a maternity style, but they’re made with curves and bigger thighs in mind. These jeans are naturally looser to give you extra comfort around the thighs and hip, helping to create an hourglass shape.
Looking for advice from the queen of curves herself? Supermodel Ashley Graham – who frequently uses the #ThickThighsSaveLives on Instagram, offered her advice for shopping for jeans as a curvy woman for Vogue.
Ashley’s advice echoes our own, including avoiding jeans that are fading at the thigh and calf.
Ashley Graham embraces her hourglass curves and thick thighs in skinny jeans (Credit: Daniel Deme / Oscar Gonzalez / WENN)