7 Different Types of Jeans That Are Flattering for Varying Body Shapes

As much as I love to dress up, I have to admit that jeans are my favorite article of clothing. Because there are so many different types of jeans, there’s virtually a pair for any outfit. I’m a minimalist, and my wardrobe can fit in a checked bag, a carry-on bag, and a backpack. (For real.) Despite the fact that they take up a lot of space, I take three pairs of jeans with me wherever I go.

For me, jeans are a wardrobe staple that I can wear all year.  Depending on the cut, wash, and fit, I can use jeans for an ultra laid-back vibe. Or, alternatively, I can dress up jeans for an upscale look. (Okay, that might be a bit extreme, but that’s how I feel.) There’s a reason that denim bottoms have been in style since the 1800s.

If you’re wondering why jeans get so much love, keep reading. 

7 Different Types of Jeans

Below, we’ll explain what the different types of jeans are, which body shapes they suit, and how to style each pair. This will help you look and feel your best in these classic bottoms.

How Many Types Of Jeans Are There?

Very much like in Mean Girls, the limit does not exist when it comes to the different types of jeans. You can create virtually endless combinations of cut, wash, and fit. But for the purposes of this article, we’re only going to be talking about the fit.

When it comes to jeans, the “fit” refers to exactly that: how the jeans fit. Are they loose? Tight? Tapered? If you’re not sure what these mean, don’t worry. You’re about to find out.

What Are The Different Types of Jeans For Women?

Loose fit

If you asked me, I’d say loose fit jeans are what the youth is wearing these days. These types of jeans have all the room at the crotch, butt, and legs—which means they are super comfy. While these are a bit baggy, there are still ways to ensure that they don’t swallow your frame. 

Wide leg

I have a pair of Everlane wide leg jeans and I can honestly say I get compliments on them almost every single time. They’re high waisted, fitted at the hips, loose below the hip, and with a slightly flared hem. They are insanely form-fitting for everyone, including short and curvy girls. Even better? Regardless of the occasion or time period, wide leg jeans are a must when shopping for different types of jeans. 

Slim fit jeans

If you were a fan of skinny jeans but want something a little less constricting, slim fit jeans are a perfect fit. (Get it?) They are tight at the hips and butt, while giving you a little extra room at the knees and in the calf area. This style is also universally flattering, and it’s easy to style in a casual way or with a bit more flare. 

Skinny jeans

As someone who grew up in the early aughts, I never thought you’d get me out of skinny jeans. If you’re unfamiliar, these types of jeans are super fitted to your body. They’re as close as you can get to leggings when you’re wearing denim. While I wouldn’t say they’re still in style, fashion is timeless if you make it work for you.

All of that said, I’m never going to pick skinny jeans if my goal is to be comfortable.

Relaxed fit

If comfort is what I’m seeking, what better route than relaxed fit denim? I mean, comfort is implied in the name! These types of jeans usually have a looser cut in the crotch and leg areas. They’re not exactly curve-hugging, but they’re not super loose either. Unlike skinny jeans, relaxed fit jeans have stayed in style and will likely never look out of place.

Flare jeans

Flare jeans work wonders to create the illusion of an hourglass shape. This is because they’re fitted at the waist, on the belly, at the hips, and on the thighs. But once you get below the knee, they start to flare outward in a dramatic fashion. Think of flare jeans as the cousins of bell bottoms. When you picture that structure, it helps you see how it adds shape to your body. It stands, then, that flared jeans are flattering for everyone. 

How To Style Different Types of Jeans

Wear relaxed fit jeans with tighter tops or body suits. 

A couple of notes on these jeans styles: Firstly, they’re not great for slimmer individuals. The extra fabric may overwhelm or drown out their frame. Additionally, if you are going to wear this style, you should try to avoid wearing other baggy items. I usually like to opt for a crop top to create a demarcation at the waist. But a body suit may work too.

Tuck in your shirt when wearing straight leg jeans.

Straight leg jeans also help you with proportionizing* because they lengthen your legs while hugging your hips. (*Proportionizing is a term created and used by drag queens to create a more balanced silhouette through clothing and padding.) But to achieve this, you need to create the distinction yourself. The easiest way to do that is by tucking your shirt into your pants. This will show off your natural waist.

One thing that I will note, though, is that if you’re short and curvy, you may want to look for a different jean style. Some of these jeans may lead you to look boxy if they don’t hug your figure in the right places.

Pair flare jeans with platform or heeled shoes.

The best tip I have for wearing flared jeans is to wear shoes with a bit of height. Because of the flared hem, these jeans tend to be longer. Taller heels or platform shoes help prevent dragging and keep your jeans in good shape for longer. And they add a bit of height for an almost-exaggerated hourglass figure. 

Keep your proportions top of mind when styling loose fit jeans.

You can, of course, wear a tight shirt or a crop top to accentuate the top of your body when you’re wearing loose fit jeans. But you can also wear an oversized shirt or sweater for an ultra cozy and laid-back look. If you take this approach, I suggest tucking the front of your top slightly into your jeans. This will add a bit of shape to your baggy-on-baggy ensemble. 

You can always dress wide leg jeans up.

Wide leg jeans create a beautiful and hourglass silhouette for basically anyone who wears them. And since they have a gorgeous structure, they are really easy to style up. I like to wear mine with platform Doc Martens for a goth vibe and with heeled, pointed booties for a dressy ‘fit. Whenever I wear my Everlane wide leg jeans with a black, ribbed turtle neck, I get compliments. It’s a timeless combo that I really do swear by. 

(And in case you’ve been wondering how to style a black turtleneck, check out the linked post.)

How To Choose The Right Jeans

Consider your body shape. 

Relaxed fit jeans, straight leg jeans, and loose fit jeans are a universally flattering option for almost all body shapes. Let’s say you’re a curvier person who is looking for a balanced silhouette. Or perhaps you’re someone with a very muscular build who needs extra leg room, literally. Either one of these people would be well-suited by these types of jeans.

Conversely, if you have a petite, slim, or athletic build, skinny jeans are ideal. For women who are 5’2” and under, skinny jeans have an elongating effect. They’re also great for an inverted triangle body type because they help balance proportions. Consider your body shape so that you can get jeans that actually, well, fit.

Decide the vibe you’re going for.

As I mentioned, one pair of jeans can have a different effect depending on how you style them. But it’s also true that different types of jeans have a different inherent vibe to begin with. So if you want to exude chill energy, go for relaxed fits or looser fits. On the other hand, opt for flared or wide leg jeans if you want a bit more drama. And if you’re trying to show that the early aughts will always be chic, reach for the skinniest pair of jeans you can find.

Try them on in person.

All these tips are helpful, but only to an extent. The last thing I’d want is for you to take all of these tips as law, buy a pair of jeans online, get them, and then blame me for steering you in the wrong direction. When deciding which one of the many different types of jeans are right for you, the bottom line is that you should always try them on.