It’s true that no two women have exactly the same curves in all the same places. What they do all share, however, are five basic female body silhouettes that fall into specific categories, i.e. definitive body shapes that resemble five distinctly shaped fruit: apple, banana, strawberry, pear, and hourglass.
So, before going any deeper, you have to answer yourself – what body type do I have? Once you know your body type or shape, it will be easier to pick the right pair of jeans (or any other piece of garment, in general).
Here is a simple illustration to help you understand the different jeans fitting options that we’re going to discuss in this article.
Generally, it comes down to two factors: leg style options and rise options.
RELATED: Women’s Body Shape-Part 1
Best Jeans For Body Type
You’re an apple shape if:
- You have medium-sized to large breasts.
- The upper part of your body is in proportion with the lower half, but your waist is quite short and is where you carry most of your extra weight.
- You have slim legs and a flat bum.
- With this body type, your aim should be to elongate the figure.
Say Yes to:
- Jeans with an elasticized waist
- Denim with a mid-rise waistband (especially if they come with built-in stomach support)
- Bootcut jeans
- Any top with a nipped-in waist detail
- Necklines that are wide or come to a deep V on your chest
- Tops that end between your hips and upper thighs. Tunics and empire-style tops beautifully skim the body to create a slimmed-down effect.
Stay away from:
- High-waisted jeans will draw attention to your full stomach area.
- Low-rise jeans as these will only give you a “muffin top” effect.
- Any sort of ruffles or embellishments around your bust or waistline. Remember, the trick is to focus the attention everywhere else but your fuller midsection.
- Tops that end in your midriff area – these will make your body look stout and boxy. The same goes for tucking tops into your jeans. Your stomach will end up looking round and heavy. Instead, go for longer-length tops in soft fabrics that gently graze the body.
RELATED: Women’s Body Shape- Part 2
Jeans For Pear Shaped Body
You’re a pear shape if:
- You have small shoulders with small to medium-sized breasts
- Your hips are the widest part of your body and this is where you carry most of your weight
- Your torso is smaller than your hips and lower body
- Your waist is the slimmest part of your body
- If you’re a pear shape, you’re not alone – most women in the world have this type of body.
Say Yes to:
- Jeans that sit low or just below your waist.
- Wrap tops fold at the waist, drawing attention to this slim part.
- Jeans with tapered legs and bootcut styles that lengthen the look of the legs.
- Boyfriend jeans and other relaxed-fit styles provide some extra room in the thigh and bum area. Just don’t go for too loose as these could make you appear bigger than what you actually are.
- Denim in a dark-wash color. Darker shades on your lower half are an excellent way to slim the legs and make them appear longer, especially when worn with pointy heels.
- Flare legs, which help to balance the body.
- Structured, fitted blazers add the perfect balance to wider hips.
Stay away from:
- Jeans with small pockets on the bum. The smaller the pocket, the larger your bum will seem.
- Any kind of details on the front pocket area? Look for styles that are flat and fuss-free across the hips and without front pockets, if possible.
- Tops that end where your hips are at their widest – will only make them look wider.
- Belts that are draped right on the hips.
Jeans For Hourglass Shape Body
You’re an hourglass shape if:
- You have the classic Coke bottle shape. Think Marilyn Monroe – full bust, small waist, and round hips.
- Your body is in proportion, with your shoulders and hips being the same width apart.
- When you pick up weight, it’s generally spread out quite evenly across your body, although you may be prone to larger hips, thighs, and bum.
Say Yes to:
- Jeans with wider legs and a slight flare. Just make sure that the flares don’t exceed the width of your shoulders.
- Low-rise jeans in a bootcut style. Wear them simply with a deep V-neck top for a simple, classic look.
- Skinny jeans, just keep your figure in mind. If you carry a little extra weight in your thighs, rather steer clear of super-tight denim. Straight-leg jeans will look just as elegant and still show off your curves.
- Black or very dark denim. Instantly elegant and slimming, your hourglass curves will look stunning.
RELATED: What do your clothes say about you?
Stay away from:
- Jeans with too much stretch in them can make your thighs and hips appear larger.
- Baggy clothing, both on your upper and lower half, can make you look bigger than you naturally are. Rather choose softer, breathable fabrics in styles that lightly skim your body if you’re after a more relaxed fit.
- A-line or empire-style tops. Your waist needs to be cinched at its smallest part and these styles will only make you look larger.
Jeans For Strawberry Shape Body
You’re a strawberry shape if:
- The widest part of your body is your shoulders which are straight and quite square.
- Your shape narrows as it moves downwards (think of an inverted triangle).
- Your breasts are medium-sized to large.
- Your hips are slim and you carry little to no weight around your thighs and bum.
- Strawberry-shaped girls get the cream of the crop when it comes to jeans – just about any style suits you
Say Yes to:
- Simple, uncomplicated tops, especially those with a flattering V-neckline.
- Basically any type of jeans – lucky you! As your weight is concentrated above your waist, you most likely have slim, toned thighs and small hips. This leaves you free to experiment with whichever style of jeans you fancy most. Bootleg, flared, straight-leg, and skinny jeans – they all look great on your frame.
- Strapless and empire-waist tops highlight the elegance of your décolletage and play up your shapely breasts.
Stay away from:
- Tops with ruffles, puffed sleeves, and shoulder pads – basically anything that could add even more volume to your upper body.
- Tops that feature horizontal stripes as well as small prints of any kind. These will only make you look broader.
- Any clothing without any shape. Not only will they hide your feminine silhouette, but they could also make you seem larger than you are.
Jeans For Banana Shape Body
You’re a banana-shaped if:
- Your body has very few curves.
- You have square shoulders and your shape goes straight down to your hips and legs.
- You have no real waist definition; your bust, waist, and hips are nearly the same sizes.
Say Yes to:
- Pretty feminine styles and fabrics like lace, ruffles, and bows will help to add a soft femininity to your appearance.
- Blazers that are boxy and structured at the shoulders adversely offer a sexy, menswear-inspired look. They will also help to give you a defined waist, creating that womanly figure.
- Jeans that fit right above the hips or low on your waist. These will help to create some shape in this area.
Stay away from:
- Baggy, boyfriend styles could make you look too tomboyish.
- Tops with vertical stripes can make your body look even straighter and emphasize your lean shape.
- Flares that are too wide at the bottom. These may swallow up your whole appearance and appear clumsy.
RELATED: Vintage Styles Trend In 2022
