Can we just agree that the struggle to find the perfect jeans is real? With so many styles, washes, rises, inseams, and trends to choose from, it can be overwhelming. Let's tackle this one together and find your next pair of go-to jeans. We are all built perfectly and differently, but each of us has a general body type. Identifying our body shape is 50% of the battle, so let's start there.

Body Shapes

Apple (Round)

The apple body shape is distinguished by a wide torso, broad shoulders, a full bust, and a generous waist. It also features a full upper back and slender legs, creating a unique and recognizable silhouette.

Inverted Triangle

This body shape is characterized by a smaller lower half compared to the upper, with shoulders that are broader than the hips. Individuals with this physique often experience weight gain primarily in the upper body and abdominal region, and they typically have more ample chests paired with slender hips.

Pear (Triangle)

Individuals with this body type typically have shoulders that are narrower than their hips, with a concentration of weight in the buttocks, lower hips, and thighs. This shape is often referred to as the pear or triangle body type.

Rectangle (athletic)

This is when the top and bottom halves of the body are narrow. People with this body shape tend to carry weight in the chest and stomach areas and have slender legs.

Hourglass

This body shape is characterized by a broad chest and hips with a narrower waist, creating a balanced silhouette. Individuals with this figure often have a more defined waist compared to their chest and hips.  

Rise, Inseam, and Leg Style

Now that we have our body type defined, we want to define the common terms we hear in product descriptions.

Rise

The rise of jeans is the measurement from the top of the front waistband straight down to the crotch seam. There are three basic variations: low, medium, and high. 

Low-rise jeans, often referred to as low-waist jeans, sit at or below the hip bone with a rise of 7 to 8 inches from the waistband to the crotch.

Mid-rise jeans are designed with a waistband that sits comfortably up to two inches below the belly button. With a rise measuring 8 to 9 inches from the waistband to the crotch, they're ideally worn at your natural waistline for a perfect fit.

High-rise jeans hit at or above your belly button at your natural waist. That’s the part of your waist that bends when you lean to the side. The rise measures 9 to 10 inches and can even be 10.5 inches or more.  

Inseam

The inseam of a pair of jeans measures the distance from the crotch to the hem. To determine your inseam, consider your height and the point on your leg where you prefer the jeans to end.

Leg Style

Bootcut jeans are designed to be slimmer in the hips and thighs, widening slightly below the knee to accommodate boots, and flaring gently at the hem.

Flared jeans are similar to bootcut jeans, snug at the hips and thighs, yet they boast a more pronounced flare from the knee down. This style offers a range of flare degrees, allowing you to choose a subtle enhancement with a narrow flare, just a tad wider than a bootcut, or opt for a bolder statement with a wide flare jean.

Wide-leg, also referred to as trouser jeans feature a cut that is loose through the thigh and gradually widens from the knee to the hem. The cut can range from a straighter silhouette to a more flared leg. Among all jean styles, this type offers the loosest and most comfortable fit.

Straight-leg jeans are designed to have a consistent fit throughout the leg, from the thigh to the ankle. They can range from a looser, baggier cut to a more fitted style with a subtle taper towards the leg opening.

Skinny jeans are designed to snugly fit the entire leg, hugging the thigh all the way down to the ankle. Crafted from stretch denim, they ensure ease of movement, making them as comfortable to wear as they are stylish. Their form-fitting nature is comparable to that of leggings, offering a sleek silhouette.

The Perfect Pair

Girls with an apple-shaped figure look great in mid-rise jeans, whether they're straight-leg or wide-leg. A dark wash, skinny jean is also flattering, particularly when paired with an empire waist or V-neckline top that draws attention to the legs.

For girls with an inverted triangle shape, it is hard to go wrong with any jean style or wash. Bootcut, flared, straight-leg, skinny, and wide-leg are all ultra flattering, and these girls can rock them all. 

For those with a pear-shaped figure, the key is to highlight that fabulous mid-section. Straight-leg or wide-leg jeans that drape over the hips create a sleek and even appearance. High-waisted jeans are perfect for drawing attention to the waist.

Bootcut and flared jeans are a fabulous choice for adding volume to the lower body and creating a curvy silhouette for those with a rectangle (athletic) body shape. Skinny jeans are great for highlighting toned legs and achieving a balanced appearance.

Hourglass figures look stunning in wide-leg and low-rise bootcut jeans, especially in darker washes. Straight-leg jeans are equally flattering, perfectly showcasing those curves.

Eliza Anne