Jeans for Most of America: A detailed guide on buying great, flattering jeans for the plus-sized woman.

The average woman’s size in America is a 12/14. It’s been a while since I’ve taken a statistics class, but I’m pretty sure that indicates that around half of the female population is above that mark. So it only makes sense that with every denim post that I’ve written, I’ve gotten hundreds of emails and comments requesting tips on how to find great jeans for those in plus sizes.

Sadly enough, most denim designers blatantly ignore any semblance of fashion in plus sizes. The pocket placement is typically wrong, the styles are insultingly dated, the material is often cheap.

So I set out on a two month research journey with the help of four fabulous volunteers.  We visited half a dozen stores and used my own denim stash, tried on every pair of jeans in every store, and photographed them all.  I spent approximately 30 hours gathering, analyzing, and summarizing our findings.

We discovered that it may take some digging and a lot of dressing room action, but there are a few good pairs to be found.  My hope is that this project will help many women feel great relief that their problem may be their jeans, not their body.

Here’s a sample of our results, with more details to follow:

Subject A is a size 18.  She is petite, and expressed to me that “If I found jeans that fit, I was thankful for that and bought them.  I never even looked at the back, because I didn’t really think I had earned a good-looking butt.”  I am happy to say that she now feels differently:

Jeans for Most of America: A detailed guide on buying great, flattering jeans for the plus-sized woman.

Subject B is a size 24/26.  She shared with me that she struggles to find jeans that look right because she carries a lot of “junk in the trunk.”  By finding the right fit, we visually shrank her booty by at least three sizes:

Jeans for Most of America: A detailed guide on buying great, flattering jeans for the plus-sized woman.

Subject C is a size 12/14 who thought she was a 16.  Her problem area is her belly, and so she would size up to fit it, and her tiny legs and butt would completely disappear.  By finding the right kind of jeans, we rediscovered and flaunted her adorable legs and butt, without making her stomach uncomfortable:

Jeans for Most of America: A detailed guide on buying great, flattering jeans for the plus-sized woman.

(I realize that not everyone likes prominent stitching on the pockets.  We will discuss that later in the post.)

Subject D is a size 16/18.  She struggled to find jeans that fit her correctly, as they all had too much room in areas where she didn’t need extra room.  She could pull handfuls of extra fabric in the crotch, but would find her jeans uncomfortable in other areas.  She, too, found choices for comfortable, properly fit jeans:

Jeans for Most of America: A detailed guide on buying great, flattering jeans for the plus-sized woman.

The following are the points that we discovered.  Although every body is different, you should be able to use these guidelines to find the perfect jean for you.

1.  Pocket Placement.

This is easily the biggest issue with all jeans, and the problem is only magnified in the plus-sized jean world.  It is critical to the health of all jeans.

Here are the keys to proper pocket placement:

a. Proportionally sized pockets
b. Correctly Placed Pockets – covering the bottom curvature of the butt
c. Width between pockets – minimize as much as possible.

Proportionally sized pockets are a must – if you have a larger butt, you need larger pockets achieve butt balance.  If you have a smaller butt, you need smaller pockets to prevent butt flattening.

Basically, you want the pocket to properly cover your butt, but not overcover your butt.

Your pockets should come down an inch or two PAST the bottom curvature of your butt to prevent Long Butt, cover to the sides of your butt to prevent Elbow Butt, and have as little room as possible between the pockets to prevent Wide Butt.

The left pair in this photo doesn’t cover enough of the sides or middle,

Jeans for Most of America: A detailed guide on buying great, flattering jeans for the plus-sized woman.Subject D

the left pair in this photo doesn’t cover enough of the top or bottom,

Jeans for Most of America: A detailed guide on buying great, flattering jeans for the plus-sized woman.Subject B

and the left pair in this photo is just all-around too small.

Jeans for Most of America: A detailed guide on buying great, flattering jeans for the plus-sized woman.Subject A

As already stated, pockets should never end before the bottom curvature of your butt.

If they do, they will make your butt look wider, longer, bigger, and older.

Jeans for Most of America: A detailed guide on buying great, flattering jeans for the plus-sized woman.Subject A

(Also, try to find pockets that are completely vertical, not curving out to the sides, which also creates Elbow Butt.)

Although you need to check your full-butt visual (which is hard to do without a camera or a trusted friend), checking from the side can also help:

Jeans for Most of America: A detailed guide on buying great, flattering jeans for the plus-sized woman.

Subject A

And finally, minimize the width between your pockets to have the smallest, most streamlined butt footprint (buttprint?)

Jeans for Most of America: A detailed guide on buying great, flattering jeans for the plus-sized woman.Subject D

The exception to this rule is if you have a very small butt.  A wide pocket, even paired with non-centered stitching, can assist in making your butt look more curvy.

Jeans for Most of America: A detailed guide on buying great, flattering jeans for the plus-sized woman.Subject C

So let’s talk about stitching.

On my last post, I got questioned many times about the use of stitching on pockets.  Many people feel that stitching is a young look, or a cheap look, or a trend they simply don’t prefer.

(In fairness, there were many more people who loved the stitching.)

The popularity of stitching varies with geographical location, and it is completely a matter of taste.

If you don’t like stitching, don’t do it.

I’m not here to push a fashion choice or to share what is “on trend” – my goal is to show the most flattering fits, and stitching can be very flattering.  It can break up space, add visual interest, and actually minimize butts.

Jeans for Most of America: A detailed guide on buying great, flattering jeans for the plus-sized woman.Subject B

However, excessive fading and distressing combined with pocket stitching can be too much.  Don’t buy jeans that make you look like you’ve been through a garbage disposal and back out the other side.

Jeans for Most of America: A detailed guide on buying great, flattering jeans for the plus-sized woman.Subject D

Pocket flaps were something that several of my models were skeptical of, simply because they were afraid that they would add bulk.

The pocket flap does not add bulk, but when done correctly, offers proper and nice curves.

Jeans for Most of America: A detailed guide on buying great, flattering jeans for the plus-sized woman.Subject A

Look for flaps that have a modern, pointed flap, and never, ever, EVER have a flap without a pocket.

Jeans for Most of America: A detailed guide on buying great, flattering jeans for the plus-sized woman.Subject B

 

2.  Leg Width.

Many people assume that the bigger the leg opening, the smaller the body will appear.  This is definitely not the case.  Although I hardly ever recommend a stick-to-your-ankle skinny jean for anyone, a narrower leg tends to slim, where a bulky leg can weigh you down and shorten your legs.

Also, it should be noted that the term “Skinny Jean” has come encompass a vast range of leg opening widths, from a jegging that clings to every curve and dimple, to what used to be called a straight cut or barely boot.

I adore the Barely Boot version of Skinny, so even though in stores it’s called a skinny, for the purposes of differentiation, we’re going to refer to it as a Barely Boot.

Subject D shows the typical Bootcut/Flare as compared to a Barely Boot,

Jeans for Most of America: A detailed guide on buying great, flattering jeans for the plus-sized woman.

And Subject A shows the narrowing effect of the Barely Boot as compared to the Trouser Jean.

Jeans for Most of America: A detailed guide on buying great, flattering jeans for the plus-sized woman.

(Forgive the ridiculous length on the trouser.  We were so exhausted by the time we got to that store that we didn’t even bother hiking it up.  But trust me: narrower is better, whether your jeans have a Princess-Wedding-Length Train or not.)

(Extra Note: Be willing to get jeans hemmed.  Lengths are rarely perfect off the rack, it usually costs $10 or less, and it is totally worth it to get great jeans.)

If you carry your weight almost entirely in your stomach, and therefore always find your jeans ridiculously too large on your butt and your legs, go for an all out Skinny Jean – because skinny jeans tend to have a stretchier waist, allowing you to size down to fit your legs.

Jeans for Most of America: A detailed guide on buying great, flattering jeans for the plus-sized woman.Subject C

Note: The unattractive upside-down triangle effect that skinny jeans can sometimes create is caused by hip width, not stomach width.   Skinny jeans minimize stomachs, but maximize hips.  See this post for more illustrations.

 

 

3.  Fabric Color and Fading

As a rule, darker jeans are almost always more flattering.

Jeans for Most of America: A detailed guide on buying great, flattering jeans for the plus-sized woman.Subject B

They minimize, streamline, and cover over a multitude of cellulite.

Jeans for Most of America: A detailed guide on buying great, flattering jeans for the plus-sized woman.Subject A

However, this is just a rule.  If a light pair happens to look really good, go with it.

Also, don’t be afraid of color.  I personally was very frightened by it for a long time, but have recently come around.  And my models agreed: color was fun, surprisingly flattering, and added a lot of character to their outfits.

Jeans for Most of America: A detailed guide on buying great, flattering jeans for the plus-sized woman.Subject A

(I’m still scared of prints, though.  Check back with me next year.)

Jeans for Most of America: A detailed guide on buying great, flattering jeans for the plus-sized woman.

Fading is a tricky art, because it can either be slimming OR widening.  As a rule, when in the front, you want it to leave some darkness on each side of your leg, thereby adding contour.

Jeans for Most of America: A detailed guide on buying great, flattering jeans for the plus-sized woman.Subject B

In the back, avoid the below-the-pocket fade, unless it is very subtle.

Jeans for Most of America: A detailed guide on buying great, flattering jeans for the plus-sized woman.Subject D

 

4. Fit

Jeans should be fitted but not clinging.  I use the back of the thigh and the butt to determine all good fits.

Don’t have a saggy butt, but definitely don’t have The Upside-Down Heart Crack Cling.

Jeans for Most of America: A detailed guide on buying great, flattering jeans for the plus-sized woman.Subject A

Make sure that your thighs are fitted to the point that the denim wrinkles finely and horizontally, but are not so tight that your leg is squishing out from between the wrinkles.

Jeans for Most of America: A detailed guide on buying great, flattering jeans for the plus-sized woman.Subject D

And finally, I urge you to find an honest friend to shop with you.  Because you literally cannot see all of your own butt.  Trust me: I almost broke my ankle trying to see mine last week.

If you can’t find an honest friend to shop with, then take cell phone pictures of your butt and text or email them to an honest friend.  If you can’t find an honest friend to accept your butt texts, then feel free to email your butt to me (graspingforobjectivity at gmail dot com) – I get several butts a day in my inbox and don’t mind adding yours to the stack.

Remember: you can’t see all of your own butt, and if you buy based on what you can see, you’ll end up with something like this:

Jeans for Most of America: A detailed guide on buying great, flattering jeans for the plus-sized woman.

 Subject D

The right jeans can be a miracle for your body.  So take notes, find a friend, and go shopping to discover a better butt!


Appendix: Frequently Asked Questions.

Where can I find the jeans pictured in this post?

I do not recommend buying jeans online without first trying them on, but for reference, here were the jeans that looked best on some or all of the models:

  1. Code Denim Skinny (Barely Boot) Dark Washes – (Discontinued)
  2. Silver Suki Surplus, Available at Maurices, $90; Amazon, $95; Torrid, $95
  3. Emerson Edwards with pocket Dark Washes,  (Discontinued)
  4. Torrid Isabella Bootleg (also referred to as Source of Wisdom Slim Boot), Available at Torrid, $58.50; Amazon, $58.50
  5. Emerson Edwards Colored Jeans (Discontinued)
  6. Torrid Sophia Skinny, Available at Torrid, $58.50; Amazon, $58.50
  7. Miss Chic and LA Idol Jeans, Available through Amazon, $50 – 70

Once you know what fits you, HauteLook is a fantastic resource to find designer jeans at half the price – I buy all of my jeans there, and they often feature Plus-Sized Jeans.

Surely the before and after photos aren’t the same model.  Some of their shirts are even different!

All photo pairings are of the same woman, even if the shirt colors aren’t the same. Because of the time commitment needed, we conducted our research over several weeks.

I noticed that you are a Vault Denim rep.  Did you just write this post to sell jeans?

Nope. Update: I’m not affiliated anymore, and due to the fact that they are selling significantly lower quality jeans, I no longer recommend them in any way.  I was a blogger first, and have been writing posts about how to find great jeans for years.  I became affiliated with Vault last year because I needed easier access to great denim to help people that wanted my consultation – and their prices were up to half off retail prices (Updated To Note: they no longer carry those great brands.)  I often recommend other brands (as can be seen in this post), and I gave away almost all of my referrals to other reps across the country because I highly discourage buying without trying on, and unfortunately, not everyone lives in Alabama.

My goal is to help women achieve better looking butts and better self-images in the process, whatever that takes.

I am a total jerk and left a comment saying cruel things about your models, but now my comment isn’t showing up.  What happened to it?

The purpose of this post is to help plus-sized women find great jeans. My models were brave, enduring, open, and infinitely helpful in helping me understand their needs. Feel free to disagree with my conclusions or even mock me if you feel the need, but please do not insult my models. Any degrading comments will be deleted.

Why do you show so many butt views and so few front views?

For one, butts have always been my specialty.  Also, I focus more on the rear views of jeans because we all tend to focus on the front of pants because that’s what we can easily see. My assumption is that you know what to look for in the front, therefore, I tend to guide on the areas to which most may not pay as careful attention.

I’m your friend and I’m Plus-Sized.  Why didn’t you ask me to be a model?

I didn’t ask anyone – I only took volunteers.  It would only be completely awkward to walk up to you and say, “Hey – you’re plus sized!! Can I photograph your butt a few thousand times?”

How do you feel about Gap and Old Navy Jeans?

You can read my thoughts here.

What did you do while your models were trying on jeans?

Stooped to photograph their butts so much that my legs ached for days, ran back and forth getting new sizes and styles, and allowed them to pile their discarded jeans upon my lap so that I could make copious notes about each pair.

Jeans for Most of America: A detailed guide on buying great, flattering jeans for the plus-sized woman.

How can I get a private denim fitting with you?

Come to Birmingham, Alabama.  But email first – I don’t prefer stalkers.

What if I’m not Plus-Sized?  And/Or where can I find your other posts?

If you’re afraid you might have Long Butt, click here.
If you’re over 50 years old, click here.
If you want more specific tips and tricks to pick out the perfect jeans, click here.
If you are wearing Gap or Old Navy jeans, click here.
If you want a list of every post I’ve ever written about denim, click here.

You didn’t answer my question.  Now what?

Leave it below in the comments!  If you ask a question, I will answer within a few days.

436 thoughts on “Jeans for Most of America.

  1. Sorry to all of you who complained about jeans being too long. It is a FAR easier problem to solve (hem or cuff them), than being too tall and having all jeans land above your ankles. I am 6’1″, and am a 20/22. I am working hard to slim down but since I do Crossfit, I also have more muscle in my butt and thighs, so there’s only so much slimming to happen. I have a nearly impossible time finding cute tall, plus-sized jeans. I’ve looked at several of the brands you used for plus, but most of them make inseams of 32″ or less. I need a 34″ or above. I’d love to see you try and tackle the TALL, PLUS-sized jeans problem. I’ll even volunteer to be your model!

  2. I am marking this post forever. I had given up on wearing women’s plus sized jeans because they all sagged in my butt, or i had to go up a million sizes to fit my waist (nothing says confidence like buying a size 22/24 to fit your hips when everything else you buy is a 16/18). I had given in to wearing men’s denim. I cannot wait to take the tips you provided to go try to find some women’s pants!

  3. This was so informative; I’m sharing your article.
    My favorite part: “If you can’t find an honest friend to accept your butt texts, then feel free to email your butt to me…” Hilarious.

    Thank you!

  4. So I’m very bottom heavy. I don’t like jeans that are tight on my calfs and I have large one. And a butt that is wide and sticks out. What style of jean would you recommend for a heavy bottomed women?

  5. I am going to be up-front I am a girl who kinda yo-yos a lot if jeans size, I find that once I go from a 24W to a 26 or 28 W, yep plus size.. NON of my jeans and even most stretch-pants will NOT stay up. True, I do not have a big stuck out butt.. but sadly my tummy does. I can not find a belt that will properly fit at ALL.. and suspenders suck because half the time during the day the clips will let go. I have tried going tight as possible on fitting to as loose as I can go to where they end up loosey-goosey and still … the issue persists. Now, back in the late 80’s and early 90’s when I would hit larger sizes I had No issues. I think it is was because the JEANS back then had much higher wasit lines. Now, I did look for some of the “MOM” classic jeans and only ONE company had them and in my size, but I am sorry I can’t afford nearly $75 for ONE PAIR of jeans. Any suggestions on what to do when I am in my larger weight hit times? Trust me I try to keep my weight down as much as I can, but sometimes I fail. HELP PLEASE!

  6. Hi! I know you have probably already posted this but where can I find Code Denim jeans? I am so sick of finding bad jeans that do not fit nor flatter my body. I’m hoping to try this brand out! Thank you!

  7. will i dont ever read articals about anything but i came to your wright up and decided to give it a go and i was pleasantly impressed my favorite thing about the whole thing is that u have photos showing right from wrong and u explained the differences and u pretty much nailed it all well any questions i would have so that’s why i kept reading it, and next time i go shopping for pants i may just send u a butt photo and u can tell me how i did i haven’t any friends so ill wing it lol anyways ty for the fantastic artical no one ever wants to help out the plus size gals they figure if your bigger u haven’t a need to look good but if u want too try and fit in your gunna pay for it, well its been a while since u have written this blog but i only came across it now so if u ever do read my comment thanx u did a great job

  8. I know this is an older article but can I start by saying I LOVE YOU! Thank goodness for whoevers pin I stumbled upon on Pinterest sharing this! i will e adding this link to my phone and taking it with me when I next go jeans shopping!!

  9. Hello!

    I have been trying to do research on jeans ever since I came across your post. I am “plus-sized” (around 10-12), and you’ve written awesome stuff for those like me. At the end of one of your other jeans posts, I saw you said you were going to work on men’s jeans in an upcoming post, but then I couldn’t find it.

    My husband is about 6’3″, and pretty much all leg. he has…one pair of jeans, I think. He hasn’t worn them in years because 1) they have major grass stains on them, but 2) even if the grass stains came out, it would still look like he’d just got off the bus from the farm. We live in the city. He is not a farmer. This will not fly. By day, he’s in sales, and by night, we’re business people. He needs something in between slacks and sweats that won’t wear out as fast, but that he can dress up/down based on occasion; i know that as jeans, but he has no idea.

    basically, do you have any tips for shopping for men’s jeans, in terms of what to look for?

  10. First off, I would LOVE to come to Birmingham for your help but that’s not in the cards.

    I’ve been devouring your blog advice. I’ve always struggled with finding a pair of jeans that I feel good in. I’ve not found a favorite. I just today received my first pair of Grace in L.A jeans. I love the bling on the pockets and hope they’ll look good on me. I actually accidentely bought them because I’d tried on a pair of L.A
    Idol and thought they were the same brand.

    I’m 46 and a mother of 3 boys. I’m overweight but recently lost 25 pounds so they were a present to myself. I wear a 15 in the LA Idol. A size 15 in the Grace In LA is a bit snug but I’m still losing and have a size 15 of LA Idol on the way.

    Aside from not knowing if they look ok on me, I wondered….. am I too old or too fat to be wearing blingy jeans?

  11. Just stumbled upon your post via a Pin. WOW! Thanks so much for such diligence-from yourself and your models! I appreciate you being thorough and trying to help with a difficulty subject.

  12. Where can I find Miss Chic and Code Denim jeans? I can’t find anything online about where to buy them. Maurice’s at least has Silver Suki but that’s all I can find. Please help, I need better jeans!

  13. How about jeans for talls. I am 5’10” and my daughter is 6’0″. We have a terrible time finding jeans. I have relied on Old Navy jeans because they came in longs but thought i was the only person they stretched out on. My daughter has found American Eagle in extra tall but she has wanted colored jeans like her friends. Please some advice for us tall girls.

      1. I’m loving all your input except now the Edwards jeans are discontinued, I have no booty, plus sized (especially in my midsection) and have thin long legs… Please help!!

        1. Oh my goodness!! I thought I was the only one with sexy skinny long legs but my gut though, is out Of control!! And I’m also have no but I would have one if my midsection disappeared!!

          Have you had any luck finding a good pair of jeans?

  14. Use two mirrors to check your butt. Stand with your back facing one mirror and use another,hand held or whatever, and look into the mirror at your back to see your butt. Easy! Its what I do and works great.

  15. These posts on buying jeans are great! I noticed that they are several years old now. Do the same rules apply?

    Thanks!

    1. Mostly! Styles are different of course, but I think the rules can be applied to the new styles. As long as you don’t go with the PURPOSEFUL Mom Jean Style. Ick! :-)

  16. I live in Birmingham…how could I reach u to do a jean consultation if I dared to? I’m between sizes and although I’ve never considered myself plus sized I guess I would be in the fashion industry. Very tall and very curvy. Think Marilyn Monroe only taller. I hate shopping especially jeans cause nothing looks right. :(

    1. I don’t really do too many jean consultations anymore – my schedule just doesn’t allow it. But I can recommend some stores around here to try, if you’d like. What size are you currently, and how tall are you?

  17. I am a 24-26 teacher who is in of jeans that are not huge in the waist and tight in the hips. I am 5’4″ tall and love color or dark jeans. Can you please tell me how to get some jeans on a budget.

  18. You are so fun! I loved reading this article. And, I learned a lot!! I shall never shop for jeans the same way again!

  19. Unfortunately, this didn’t help me at all. I can’t blame you, I’m the odd one but I always hope…

    I’m 5’11 with a 38 inch inseam, a size 22 with a big belly (PCOS belly). I hate baggy material behind my knees (I think it’s hideous) and 99% of all jeans are too short on me.

    I live in leggings and yoga pants (the latter usually only in winter so I can tuck them into my Uggs and pretend they’re not too short on me.), but when I do wear jeans it’s only skinny jeans. All else are basically mom jeans, sorry. I hate the flare look, it’s so frumpy looking, especially on me.

    I’m very trendy and fashion conscious; just because I’m fat doesn’t mean I want to look like a harassed mother at a soccer game. It’s why I almost exclusively shop at Torrid with some Target and some Old Navy.

    What would you think? Fat girl, obscenely long legs, very trendy. What jeans would you choose?

  20. Hello! I just happened to run across this when looking on Pinterest and now I have questions! I have always been ‘full figured’ but very shapely. I am proportionate all over but still have problems finding ‘the right jean’. Until 2 years ago I was a size ten and practically everything looked great. However, after becoming pregnant, I am now in a 15/16. I have tried hundreds of pairs of jeans trying to find the best one for my shape. So far the best one has been Wallflower Curvy. They’re at Kohls. Have you tried them and if so what’s your opinion?

  21. Would love some feedback from you! My butt is quite large but my waist and legs are smaller so it’s very hard to find jeans. I did fit into a pair from express today!!!! Size 14 I was quite surprised. But would love your ideas where to buy jeans! Please help

  22. I can’t thank you enough for all your work on this! I am a 33yr old mom of two boys ages 4 and 1 1/2. I have always been a size 16, sometimes 18, because I carry my weight in my belly. I lost the baby weight and I’m a few pounds lighter now than before getting pregnant, but my shape is different thanks to two giant babies and a c-section that left me with loose skin on my belly… that puts me up a size in jeans for waist fit and also gives me an awkward fit in front, but I am 5’10” with crazy skinny ankles and calves (seriously I look like a different person from knees down, not as fun as one might think!) and definite junk in the upper thighs and trunk, though I think still shapely? I just can’t seem to dress to flatter what assets I have because this deflated midsection forces me to buy up to fit my waist- the resulting baggy fit under my butt is comical. I can grab fists full of fabric on the backs of my thighs but still be uncomfortable in the waistband. I saw your note on the skinny jeans and I have recently tried that with some success (had always avoided them!) but I wear them with boots to balance my lower half so I look less hippy.

    Have you researched/written anything on how to dress a postpartum body? I’m sure so many moms would love the info, you are so thorough and have women’s best interests at heart. Can you give any tips on what rise to look for and what fabrics at what percents? I find stretch helps me, otherwise it’s not form fitting or the band gives me awful muffin when it digs in. But too much stretch doesn’t provide support/coverage for the issues I have with my belly in the front. I’m sure I can’t be the only mom/ plus sized woman/ woman whose weight fluctuates to have this issue! Tummy tucks can’t be the only option.

    That problem is sometimes exacerbated when trying to dress for my office job, any tips to find slacks?

    I’d always buy old navy jeans, sometimes gap, because they are cheap. I read that post too and I’m over them. I recently found J Lo brand at Kohls to have a flattering amount of stretch and fit and pocket proportion for a reasonable price, and they fit my smaller friends equally well, fyi! But I had to buy a 16w to fit the belly and then still ended up with slightly less extra under butt fabric, sigh.

    Thanks so much again, this makes me actually want to pants shop! I’ll try to take some pics to illustrate, and you are welcome to use them if you decide to write up on this!

  23. Please address the plus size black women with belly and a big ole booty.
    A cross between Melissa McCarthy and j.lo. literally.

  24. I’m amazed that I found this page! However I got under the apple shape category, heavy top small bottom :( which makes it really difficult to fit into any jeans! With that said a size 12 fits really tight around the waist but it’s the perfect fit for my butt and my legs, and size 14 fits around a my waist but everything else sags!!! Help!!!!

  25. This post is beyond helpful but, I am wondering if you have anything for helping guys find better jeans?
    My husband is 5’1″ so he’s quite petite with a short inseam and it’s practically impossible to find jeans that aren’t too baggy and saggy. Any suggestions?

  26. Thank you for such a thorough article and for brand suggestions. I currently find myself at my largest and, while I am making efforts to improve my physical fitness and appearance, I often feel terrible about the clothing I have in my wardrobe. I am not able to shop at lots of stores so I’m afraid I may have to resort to online shopping but at least you’ve given a helpful starting point. I may look you up next time I’m in Birmingham though!

  27. I noticed most of your pointers are for plus size women looking to minimize their butt, while I would like to maximize mine. Do the same rules apply as far as pocket spacing, length, etc.? My favorite pair of jeans so far is a Torrid skinny jegging.

  28. I wear a size 16 short, in womens. A plus size.. my problem is my tummy is big. And muffin top hang over. How can I look trim without a bigger size that will be too baggy in the legs ? I wear Lee Riders. All other brands fit my legs, but won’t hardly close at the waist creating an even bigger and tighter muffin top hang over. Suggestions?

  29. I realize the focus here is the bum but I do have a question about the fit in the front. I have a problem with finding jeans that don’t have a giant wrinkle in the crotch across the front. The hips, thighs and waist seem to be fine but that one area gives me problems and I have no idea why. Finding jeans that don’t do this is like searching for the holy grail….

  30. I love your posts on mom jeans, but I am a size 14 with an athletic build and I have trouble finding jeans that fit my legs and my waist at the same time! I also have a lot of junk in the trunk so that also complicates things! I like Torrid but so you have any other jean recommendations for the curvy athlete! HELP!!!!

  31. I read your post when looking for jeans. It was amazing!! So thank you!

    However, I would like to share my horrible experience with Silver Jeans. There customer service is horrendous (this is even after I tried talking to them and sending an email). Plus, I bought them in December and I already have a hole in the crotch. I tried to write a review online about it, and they deleted the review. Save everyone the $100+, and skip the Silver Jeans!

  32. Thanks for the great info and photos! So, I am hoping for a little help……. I am 5’4 size 14. My biggest issues: 1) jeans are too long, but petite length is too short and 2) I really like some stretch in my jeans, but most seem to go “saggy butt” after an hour AND a lot of these tend to be far too baggy in the ankles if I buy skinny jeans, which I actually find are flattering everywhere else. I will wear just about any style, if they look good, except high waisted because I find them very uncomfortable. Any ideas for a brand and cut that might work?

  33. Omgosh this was great, funny and I learned something… Small butts need dqrk wast skinny jeans haha. I don’t have a small butt I just think it was the most jaw dropping thing about this post.

    Good work

  34. Can you suggest particular brands or cuts for someone with large knees? Seems like jeans always fit too tightly in the legs and knees.

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  38. I am 55, and short and large all over. Over the last little while I have noticed that my thighs just above my knee tend to kind of bulge out over my knee. If I get pants large enough to not show that, they are too large in my waist. I am not sure what type or cut of jeans to wear.

  39. THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH! I NOW HAVE HOPE OF LOOKING BETTER IN JEANS, SINCE I NOW KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN I AM SHOPPING.

    AGAIN THANK YOU!

    TRACEY, LOUISVILLE, KY

  40. I’m 5’7, 265 #, with round (not wide) booty. I’ve had to go to leggings because I can’t keep the crotch area from being very baggy and there’s always a gap in the waist in the back.
    Should I go to low rise jeans so there will be less crotch fabric? I feel I’ll have to deal with a butt crack showing then, though. I’ll bought suspenders to help my jeans from sliding down causing more crotch damage.

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