Updated date:

May 15, 2020

How to Find Jeans That Will Make You Look Thinner

Author:

I've been interested in fashion for many years and enjoy helping others find the kinds of clothes that help them look and feel their best.

This article will help you learn more about your body type and what styles of jeans will help you look your best.
Ryan Moreno, CC0, via Unsplash

Let's face it, we all want to look great in jeans. There is nothing like a poor-fitting, uncomfortable pair of jeans—the type that tend to show each and every flaw that we hope to camouflage, such as the muffin top or the overly large thigh area.

So, how does one go about finding that perfect-fitting pair of jeans? The kind of pair that will flatter your individual body type and naturally work to make you look slimmer. First, you have to know your body type. Then you need to understand some simple rules that can actually make you appear slimmer in jeans.

Luckily, I have put together some useful tips that may help you find that perfect pair of jeans that will work for you and your body type.

Though it might sometimes feel impossible, there are likely at least a few kinds of jeans out there that will work well with your particular body type and style—you just need to know what to look for and where to find it.
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Get to Know Your Body Type

As a quick exercise, think about visual perception: do the clothes you wear really fit and flatter your figure type?

The most important concept of looking good in jeans is a good fit. First, choose a style and fit that truly fits your body type.

Don't let going up a size or down a size scare you when trying on a pair of jeans. All jeans aren't created equal and sizes and fits can vary between manufacturers and even single products.

The next concept to consider is what style jeans look best on your body type. In short, you've got to take a good, long look at your body. Get to know your body type and learn what will flatter your particular frame.

Balance and proportion is the key to making your body look good in anything you wear.

Here's a classic example of the dreaded "muffin top" that most of us know so well.
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Try on Lots of Different Pairs and Avoid "Muffin Top"

It's smart to keep an open mind when shopping for jeans. For instance, don't let these guidelines stop you from trying on lots of styles. Do try on your "suggested style" first, however, and make sure to try several brand names.

All brands are not equal though, and remember that going up or down a size may just help you find a perfect fit. You may just fall in love with a pair of jeans that are out of your suggested body type-style. If they look great and feel great, then feel free to take the plunge and purchase them! On the other hand, If you fall in love with a pair of jeans that just don't fit, you must accept it and walk away.

In any case, stay clear of jeans that give you overflow at the waistline. "Muffin top" is so unattractive, as well as uncomfortable.

This is a good example of a flattering pocket.

Be Wary of Poor-Fitting Pockets

Be aware of what's behind you! Back pockets can reflect the size of your "bottom." Both the placement and size of a pocket can have a great effect on how well your backside looks walking away.

Avoid tiny pockets, as well as pockets that are set too far apart. Pockets such as these will make your backside look larger, whereas those that are added lower on the jeans will tend to make your bottom look higher.

Another good tip is to avoid overdoing the embellishments. The faded rear also is hard to pull off, as it can stand to draw attention to your backside. Consider asking yourself: "Do I really want my butt to stand out?"

The best pockets are medium in size and sit a bit closer to the waist. This can give a lifted look to your rear end.

Bootcut and Flared Jeans Work Particularly Well for Taller and Slimmer Women

Bootcut give a long and lean look, which is flattering to a majority of women.

Ideal body type for bootcut jeans: tall, with a thick middle, and a boyish body figure.

Similarly, flare legged jeans really look best on the long and lean body frame. If you are on the short side, these jeans can add weight and deduct inches from your height.

Ideal body type for flare legged jeans: slim, boyish body shape, or just plain tall.

Most women can look great in a well-fitting pair of skinny jeans.
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Most Women Can Wear Skinny Jeans Well

Skinny jeans are great jeans, and most women can wear them well.

Ideal body type for skinny jeans: petite, slim and boyish shape, and tall and well-proportioned.

Here are a few great styles and brands to consider:

Seven For All Mankind five-pocket bootcut jeans
J.Lo by Jennifer Lopez jeans with pocket-free back
Calvin Klein basic fit jeans
Parasuco basic stretch five-pocket jeans
Bisou Bisou basic fit jeans
XOXO basic fit jeans

As a general rule, trouser jeans will fit most body types well.
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Trouser Jeans Complement Most Body Types Well

Trouser jeans are a good try-on starting point. They are one of the most flattering jeans for all shapes and sizes.

Cuffs are great on some body types, but the shorter woman should avoid such cuffs. If you're under 5'5", stay away from cuffs, as they will make your legs appear shorter.

Ideal body type for classic trouser jeans: slim, petite, thick in the middle, curvy, boyish, and tall.

A few great styles and brands to consider are:

AG Angel Roxy
Lee One True Fit flare jeans
Not Your Mothers Jeans Tummy Tuck jeans
City Girl Suddenly Slimmer jeans
Perfection jeans
Apple Bottom jeans

Plus-size jeans have come a long way in terms of fit and style, particular in the last few decades.
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Plus-Size Jeans Come in Various Styles for Different Body Types and Preferences

Plus-size jeans are now being made in all styles. The plus-size woman should try on every style, as there is sure to be one that will flatter all your curves: bootcut, straight cut, or trouser may do the job.

Here are a few great styles and brands to consider:

Express precision fit jeans
Lane Bryant Venezia stretch bootcut jeans
Zana di Bedford cord jeans
Avenue classic denim jeans
Tommy Hilfiger boy-front bootcut jeans
Faded Glory classic fit jeans
Land's End relaxed fit jeans
L.L. Bean wide leg jeans
Gap Long and Lean
Not Your Daughters Tummy Tuck jeans

Depending on your body type and general style, you might look better in wide leg jeans (rather than straight leg).
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Straight Leg vs. Wide Leg Jeans

Unlike straight leg, wide leg jeans can be a bit hard to pull off. A tall, slim body shape looks best in a wide leg style. On the other hand, curvy women should stay away from the wide leg jeans, as this line will add weight and make you appear shorter.

Ideal body type for straight leg jeans: slim, curvy, tall, thick middle, boyish, or petite.

Ideal body type for wide leg jeans: tall, boyish, or slim.