Which jeans suit which body shape?
The Espace des Marques Team | Updated on July 1, 2025
Jeans: a wardrobe essential
Originally, jeans were made with a straight or tapered leg, five pockets (two at the front, two at the back and a small coin pocket) and a zip or button fastening. Today, the original ‘blue jeans’ have given way to a wide variety of colours and styles to suit everyone’s tastes. You’ll find high-waisted or low-waisted jeans, in loose, relaxed fits or slimmer cuts, ripped jeans or even embroidered ones, for example, depending on your taste.
Paired with a jumper, a floaty blouse or a T-shirt, it’s easy to mix and match styles with your favourite jeans. Straight-leg, bootcut, skinny or slim-fit jeans – with so many cuts to choose from, it’s not always easy to know where to start and pick the right one. However, when it comes to wearing jeans, it’s important totake your body shape into accountto ensure you choose astyle that flatters your figure. Espace des Marques breaks down body shapes and gives you some tips on how to wear the jeans best suited to your figure.
Skinny jeans for an X-shaped figure
Do you have wide hips, full thighs and a more defined waist? If so, you have an X-shaped figure, also known as an hourglass figure. Marilyn Monroe and Kim Kardashian share this same harmonious silhouette with you!
But how do you choosethe right jeans to show you off to your best advantage? With your perfect curves, there’s no need to worry – any style will suit you! Do, however, opt for high-waisted jeans, which will emphasise your waist whilst slimming your hips.
The ideal jeans: Skinny jeans
Bootcut jeans for an A-shaped figure
If you have a pear-shaped or A-line figure, you probably have narrow shoulders, a small bust and curvier hips. To balance out your figure, look for high-waisted jeans in a straight or bootcut style. On top, go for a loose-fitting or colourful blouse to draw attention to your bust.
Avoid skinny or ultra-slim jeans, which will emphasise the curves of your lower body.
The ideal jeans:Bootcut jeans
Regular-fit jeans for an O-shaped figure
Do you have a curvy figure and an O-shaped body type? Those feminine curves can easily be shown off to their best advantage! Go for high-waisted, straight-leg jeans that will elongate your silhouette and define your waist.
Pair them with a loose-fitting top that conceals your tummy and flatters your bust, and you’ll look perfect! However, avoid low-waisted jeans, which can create a ‘muffin top’ effect.
The ideal jeans: Regular-fit jeans
Jean Mom for an H-shaped figure
If you’re on the slimmer side, with shoulders and hips of equal width, then you have a straight, H-shaped figure, which can look quite androgynous.
The aim of your outfits should therefore be to define your waist and add a feminine touch to your curves! Highlight your hips and bottom with high-waisted jeans and large pockets, which will add volume to your lower body.
When it comes to the fit, go for a mom jean to add volume to your hips, or opt for a straight, slim or even skinny fit to create a slender silhouette.
The ideal jeans:Mom jeans
Slim-fit jeans for an 8-shaped figure
Do you have a curvy figure and a defined waist? Curvier than your friends with an X-shaped body type, your curves are a real asset to your femininity. All straight, flared or tapered cuts will suit you perfectly, as long as you choose a high-waisted style. Be careful, however, to avoid skinny jeans, which will emphasise your hips too much.
The ideal jeans:Slim-fit jeans
Flared jeans for a V-shaped figure
Do you have a more athletic figure? With shoulders wider than your hips, you’re slender and have a V-shaped figure. To balance out your figure, you’ll need to add volume to your bottom and hips. To do this, go for low-rise jeans, preferably a slim fit with a push-up effect if possible! You could even try flare jeans to highlight your lower body and rebalance your figure.
The ideal jeans:Flared jeans
Bonus: Team Petite or Team Tall?
If you’re onteam petite, look for jeans with a shorter inside leg.Avoid jeans with wide or flared legs, as these can make your figure look even shorter.Opt for straight or skinny styleswith a mid-rise waist to make you look taller.
And for thosein the ‘tall’ camp, look for jeanswith a longer inside leg or a high waist.Avoid styles with a croppedor ankle-lengthhem, as these can look too short on your slender legs. Go for wider styles such as flares or bootcuts; these will emphasise your waist without drawing attention to your legs.
Which jeans will ensure your looks are a hit every time?
Straight-leg jeans! A true classic,high-waisted straight-leg jeans are the perfect choice – theysuiteverybody shape and every style! All it takes is a pair of trainers or heels, a shirt or a jumper to completely transform your look with just one pair of jeans.
As well as taking your body shape and height into account, it’s important to choose yourjeans based on your personal taste. Go for a pair that fits well and is comfortable. A pair of jeans that makes you feel good will always be the best fit for your figure, because if you’re comfortable and confident in your look, you’ll shine – whatever your body shape.
FAQ: Which jeans suit my body shape?
What jeans should I wear if I have a bit of a tummy?
If you have a bit of a tummy, go for styles that flatter your figure with a high waist. Straight-leg or bootcut jeans will show off your legs. You could also try shapewear jeans for a flat tummy effect.
On the other hand, skinny jeans and low-rise styles should be avoided if you have a tummy.
Which jeans are best for petite women?
If you’re petite, go for jeans that visually lengthen your legs. Opt for high-waisted, straight-leg or ⅞-length jeans. If you like wearing heels, high-waisted flared jeans paired with heels are the winning combination for endless-looking legs. On the other hand, avoid cuts that are too baggy, as these will tend to make your figure look shorter.
How do jeans fit?
Jeans sizes vary depending on the brand, cut and fabric, but here’s what you need to remember:
For US sizes, go 10 sizes smaller than your usual size; for example, if you’re a size 38, you’ll need a US size 28. (W28) The L corresponds to the leg length (L30). Different cuts don’t always fit in the same way:
- Skinny / slim: these often run smaller (go half a size up).
- Straight / mom / flare: generally fit true to size.
- Boyfriend: loose fit; you can go down a size.