The Curvy Girl’s Guide to Denim


Finding the perfect jeans can sometimes feel like punishment. Between the fit, the color and wash and the millions of trends and styles, it can be overwhelming. But once you find that perfect pair—it’s nirvana. And, finding that diamond in the rough can be a challenge no matter your body shape. Are you're enviably curvy, but have trouble finding your dream denim? We hear you! So, we crafted this guide to denim—just for you curvy girls—so you can find your perfect pair.

Keep reading for our tried, true (and blue!) way to find the perfect jeans for curvy girls.

Find Your Rise

What is rise and why is it important? Denim rise is the distance from the middle of the seam right between your legs to the top of the waistband and it’s important because it determines where your jeans sit on your body. Attención! That means, your rise dictates where you want your waistline to be.

Low-Rise

7-8” & sits 2” below navel

If you’re petite and curvy, opt for lower rises—petite woman’s best friend when it comes to bringing a balanced frame between your upper and lower body.

Stylist Tip: Tuck your tops and blouses into your low-rise denim to define your torso and leg line.

Best for: Petite ladies!

Mid-Rise

8-9” & sits just below navel

Mid-rise denim offers a happy medium for those that want just enough coverage of their midsection, without covering the navel.

Stylist Tip: Curvy but with slightly more petite proportions? Most mid-rises will act more like a high-rise for anyone with a height under 5’3”.

Best for: Apple, inverted triangle and rectangle body shapes!

High-Rise
9-10” rise & sits at or above navel

High-rise denim is the trend du jour with some serious staying power. With waist-cinching attributes and length that gives anyone legs for days, it’s little wonder why this rise has reemerged in popularity and is a must-have for curvy shapes.

Stylist Tip: Have a gap in the back of your jeans? Consider it solved with a pair of high rise jeans.

Best for: Honestly, looks great on everyone.

Find Your Fit

Once you know your rise, the next important ingredient for your denim recipe is finding the right fit. This might be the time to dig your heels into the silhouettes that you know you love or time to dabble in new silhouettes to expand your denim repertoire.

Your Perfect Jeans

What should a curvy girl wear them with?

The beauty of boyfriend jeans? They’re a style chameleon that will work just as well with your feminine floral blouses as your edgy moto jackets.

Stylist Tip: Cuff your jeans like a pro and then finish with a trendy ankle boot or fashion sneaker.

Your Perfect Jeans

What should a curvy girl wear them with?

Complement this denim’s classic cut with equally timeless tops like striped boat-neck tees, patterned button-downs, and knit blazers.

Stylist Tip: Opt for an ultra-dark wash or color if you’re looking to slim your silhouette.

Your Perfect Jeans

What should a curvy girl wear them with?

Since bootcut jeans have more volume at the hem, reach for structured layers, fitted knits, and tailored blouses to create a balanced look.

Stylist Tip: Choose a longer inseam than your usual so that the hem almost hits the floor so you can pair them with stacked heels for an easy, but comfortable outfit. 

Your Perfect Jeans

 

What should a curvy girl wear them with?

This silhouette is a serious statement boasting retro vibes, so channel this with your tops and reach for breezy blouses and maybe even a chambray button-up for a cool, denim on denim look.

Stylist Tip: Tuck in those tops! This helps exaggerate the long leg line your jeans are already working toward.

Your Perfect Jeans

 

What should a curvy girl pair them with?

Boho blouses, wrap tops and structured layers always nail put-together polish with this slim and sleek silhouette.

Stylist Tip: Be sure you’re snagging skinnies in the right inseam, which ensures an intentional fit and longer-looking legs.

Find Your Wash

The finishing touch to finding your denim soulmate? Reach for the right wash! From light to dark and even black, various rinses do different things for both your shape and can seriously influence your style goals.

Dark Wash

This wash has the style superpower of being ultra slimming. And the best part? They are dressier than the average wash and can be found in trouser cuts that are perfect for casual Fridays at work.

Light-Medium Wash

These are made for relaxed weekend-wear and will be besties with your favorite comfy tees. Experiment with trendy distressed versions or one with dreamy bohemian embroidery at the hem.

Black

The appeal of black jeans is undeniable-these dark beauties offer everything from elegance to rock n’ roll depending on what you pair them with. Dress them up for work with a tunic blouse and knit blazer, or with your favorite band tee and moto boots on your days off.  

If you’re still not sure of the look you want, here are some examples to inspire you:

  • Casual & elongating: Nothing says casual like athleisure, so pair your softest hoodie, crisp white sneakers and a pair of dark wash denim for maximum comfort.
  • Fancy & slimming: Layer a sexy silk cami over a plain white tee, paired with charcoal skinny denim and pop of color pointed toe heels to lengthen your sophisticated look.
  • Trendy & flattering: Marry a slouchy sweater to distressed straight leg, high rise denim. Complete this cozy chic look with embellished mules and statement earrings.

Want to take the guesswork out of denim days? Take your style quiz and schedule a Fix. Your expert stylist can send you a Fix with five new pairs to explore. The right rise, wash, and silhouette are only a few clicks away. Too excited to wait? Dive into your Stitch Fix Freestyle ™ shop and instantly buy pieces curated for your style and size. 

Personal Styling for Plus Sizes

Stitch Fix connects you with personal stylists to send you cute & trendy looks you'll love.

Learn More

Need expert fashion advice?

Get a personal stylist

Want more tips, trends & insider news? Follow @stitchfix on Instagram