Over the past few years, I have updated a lot of my denim due to size and style changes.
I went off hormonal birth control for health reasons in 2022. And that, plus the natural effects of aging, has impacted my body proportions. I am still pear-shaped, but I’m carrying a bit more weight around my midsection than before (I also went up two cup sizes almost immediately!).
Now, I feel most comfortable in mid-weight, stretch denim in a size 10 or 12. I prefer kick-flares, straight fits (mom jeans), and balloon/barrel jeans. Wide leg jeans aren’t always cut to suit my waist to hip ratio, with at least one exception (shared below). And skinny jeans hurt my knees when I sit down.
While I would love to tell you I found a sustainable small business that carries jeans that fit me well, that wouldn’t be truthful. Bigger brands have more access to fit data and that is really needed when it comes to a garment like jeans.
Madewell, Old Navy, Loft, Levi’s, and (occasionally) Gap are my go-tos.
For reference. I am 5’7″ and “pear shaped,” with a 11.5″ difference between waist and hip measurements. Sometimes I go up a size in pants to accommodate more room in the rise and seat.
The Best Jeans for Midsize Bodies*
*mine, at least
These are my recommendations for the best jeans for midsize bodies, especially if you’re pear-shaped and wear curvy fits.
This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if you make a purchase, at no additional charge to you.
High Rise Kick Crop
Loft pants generally fit my proportions well, which honestly surprises me given that their models tend to have very straight frames. Most of their jeans go up to size 34. I wear a 31.
High-Waisted Button-Fly OG Straight Ankle Jeans
If you’re still attached to skinny jeans, these have a closer cut without being skintight. I really like the wash shown here and have been wearing these jeans weekly for years now.
The Curvy Pencil Straight
An updated cut of a pair of jeans I reviewed a few years ago, I have found Madewell to be the most reliable when it comes to the curvy silhouette. And their denim fabric is famously perfect.
Cinch Wide Leg
These are the only wide leg jeans I feel really comfortable in. I like the lightweight denim and the fact that they’re super high rise with an adjustable waist (there are snap tab on either side to cinch in, as desired).
The Darted Barrel-Leg Jean
I haven’t tried these Madewell jeans yet, but I did review their balloon jeans a few years ago. Of course, the barrel style is now available everywhere jeans are sold. The silhouette works great for curvy mid-size bodies because of the wider shape through the thigh and knee.
See my previous denim posts here and here.
