Which jeans suit which figure? The 50 best tips for every body type

You'll definitely have an advantage if you know your best jeans styles and which ones suit your body type. To ensure your next jeans purchase doesn't become a frustrating marathon of changing rooms, I've compiled the 50 most important tips for finding jeans that suit your body type.

The article “Which jeans for which figure?” consists of two parts:

• Part 1: 50 tips on how to find out which jeans suit which figure
• Part 2: The perfect jeans for every body type – with concrete suggestions for the best silhouettes for every body type

As comprehensive as this jeans guide is, I must warn you: Unfortunately, I can't spare you the trouble of trying them on...

Cut details, color, wash and material of jeans determine the slimming effect

There are a few typical details in the cut of jeans that significantly determine the effect they have on your figure. These include, in particular...

• the waistband height (also called “rise”),
• the trouser leg shape,
• the trouser leg length and
• the size, design and arrangement of the back pockets.

Additionally, you should also consider the waistband, the type of closure, and the front pockets. These cut details, along with the color, wash, and material, determine the overall look of a pair of jeans.

The most important cutting details and their effect

Find out below which cut details generally flatter your figure:

Waistband, closure and front pockets

Classic jeans have belt loops at the waistband and the famous 5-pocket style, as well as a zipper at the front. But there are also other jeans models that, for example, have buttons at the front or additional front pockets. Here are some basic things you should know:

• Belt loops add a bit of bulk around the stomach, but they're usually unavoidable. If your stomach is one of your larger areas, it's best to choose a denim belt that's sturdy and holds the pants well, but has a flat buckle. Of course, it would be ideal if you could wear the jeans without a belt and with a top over them... but only if they don't slip!
• The classic 5-pocket style remains fairly flat at the front, as the pockets are barely visible on the leg. However, the fifth pocket adds another accent to the hip area, which you might not necessarily want there.
• The more visible stitching is on the waistband, fly, and front pockets, the more the jeans will appear bulky in the stomach and hip area. This is especially true for patch front pockets and those with additional stitching. Such styles are only suitable for slim Y- and H-shaped figures.
• A button closure is slightly more bulky than a zipper.

Back pockets can make your butt look bigger or smaller

When it comes to the figure-hugging effects of jeans, shaping the buttocks is often mentioned. No wonder, since jeans are famous for their rear view. The size and placement of the back pockets determine the shape of your butt:

• Medium-sized pockets that are placed neither too far out nor too far in – that is, in the middle and almost straight – create a proportionally balanced bottom.
• If the pockets are further out, they make the bottom appear larger.
• If the pockets are further down, you'll quickly get a sagging bottom or your bottom will look smaller than it is - short women, watch out!
• Pockets that are placed higher up visually lift the bottom and have the potential to make the bottom look perky – unfortunately only for smaller bottoms.
• Pockets that are too small make your bottom appear larger because there is too much open space all around.
• Small or flat bottoms can be made even more full with flap pockets and embellished pockets. Conversely, women with large bottoms should stay away from these and look for plain, flat bags instead!
• Pockets that are placed at a sharp angle create more curves for small bottoms.

The typical cut details of a pair of jeans determine whether a model fits your figure perfectly.

The waistband lengthens or shortens your upper body and keeps excess fat under control.

• A low waistband on jeans sits on the hips and elongates the torso. This is especially beneficial for women with short torsos or large breasts. But beware: Any excess fat will no longer be held in place!
• A mid-rise waistband reaches approximately to the navel or about three fingers below, but stays below the natural waistline. This flatters wide hips and a full midsection.
• Especially for women with a belly, the waistband should be wide enough so that it doesn't cut in when sitting. For a larger belly, a mid-rise waistband is often the most flattering option, as it sits roughly at the highest point of the belly.
• A high waistband visually lengthens the legs and shortens the torso. This is especially beneficial for petite women and those with long torsos.
• A jeans waistband that sits at the natural waist accentuates it and creates more curves. But be careful: A belly underneath will also be more noticeable.

The right width and line of the trouser legs makes you look slimmer, taller or curvier.

The shape and lines of the trouser legs are essential for the figurative effect:

• Narrow, long trouser legs make the lower body look long and slim – especially with a dark wash.
• Overall, wide trouser legs make the lower body and legs appear shorter and should be worn with higher heels if possible - unless your legs are already very long.
• Trouser legs that flare from the knee create a curvier silhouette and balance out the more substantial areas of the body that lie above.
• Floor-length jeans lengthen the legs, while 7/8 length or shorter visually shorten the lower body.
• Very tall women should be careful with cropped jeans. They could quickly look like they've "outgrown" their jeans.
• Petite women benefit from floor-length jeans with moderately wide hems, so that higher shoes can easily fit underneath.
• Alternatively, ankle-length, narrow trouser legs are the best option for petite women, as they stretch and offer minimal bulk. Important: The trouser legs should definitely not crease at the hem for petite women! Narrower jeans should therefore not be too long, but rather hang smoothly.

The most important jeans models and their effect on the figure

To choose the right jeans for you, it's always good to know the typical characteristics of classic jeans styles. Then you can more specifically look for your jeans silhouettes.