Denim is a wardrobe staple, but not all jeans are created equal. Some styles flatter your figure and make you feel fabulous, while others can do the opposite. Whether you’re shopping for a new pair or reassessing your current collection, here’s a breakdown of the most and least flattering denim styles.
1. Cropped Wide-Leg Jeans
Cropped wide-leg jeans can cut off your legs at an awkward spot, making them appear shorter and wider. The awkward cropping also makes choosing footwear complicated. This style often lacks the structure needed to create a flattering silhouette. Shop for wide-leg jeans in a stylish ankle-length for the most flattering look.
2. High-Waisted Skinny Jeans
High-waisted skinny jeans are a denim staple that everyone should have in their wardrobe. They’re a great way to elongate the legs and define the waist, creating a flattering, streamlined silhouette. They’re perfect for pairing with tucked-in tops or crop tops to emphasize your waistline.
3. Low-Rise Jeans
Low-rise jeans were once inescapable in fashion; however, nowadays, you’d be hard-pressed to find them, and for good reason. This style of jeans can create an unbalanced silhouette by shortening the appearance of your legs and highlighting the midsection. They’re also prone to creating muffin tops, which can make them less flattering on most body types.
4. Bootcut Jeans
If you don’t like how your legs look in jeans, try a pair of bootcut jeans. This style is universally flattering and gives off a balanced shape that elongates the legs while providing a subtle flare at the ankle. For the illusion of longer legs, pair your bootcut jeans with heels.
5. Baggy Boyfriend Jeans
Though baggy boyfriend jeans are trendy and give off a cool, slouchy vibe, they can actually swamp your figure, hiding your shape under excess fabric. While comfortable, they have no structure or tailoring, making them pretty much unflattering for almost every body type.
6. Straight-Leg Jeans
When it comes to shopping for a timeless, great-looking pair of jeans, it’s hard to go past the humble straight-leg jeans. This style offers a classic, versatile fit that works for almost any body type. They create a tubing effect on the legs that looks extremely chic and balanced, making them a go-to option for a polished look.
7. Wide-Leg Jeans
Wide-leg jeans can seem chic, but wearing them can overwhelm your frame, especially if you’re petite. The extra fabric can make your legs look shorter, and your overall silhouette appears less defined, which can be unflattering. Instead of wide-leg jeans, try opting for a pair of straight-leg jeans.
8. Dark Wash Denim
Color theory also applies to denim. Some complexions suit light-wash denim, while others better suit darker washes. While dark-wash denim suits some complexions more than others, it’s universally slimming and versatile. It also gives off a more sophisticated look than the traditional denim blue. These jeans can be dressed up or down, and their deep color helps to elongate and streamline your legs.
9. Light Wash Jeans
While the traditional denim blue is stylish, super light wash jeans are not so flattering. Light-wash jeans can sometimes add bulk to your frame, especially in areas like the thighs and hips. They tend to highlight every curve and bump, making them less forgiving than darker washes.
10. Slim-Fit Jeans
While skinny jeans are outdated and unflattering, slim-fit jeans are an excellent alternative for someone who doesn’t want a bulky look to their denim. Slim-fit jeans offer a close fit that contours your body without being as tight and restrictive as skinny jeans. This style is great for showing off your shape while maintaining a comfortable, polished look.
11. Acid-Wash Jeans
Acid-wash jeans have a bold, dated look that can draw attention to the wrong areas. The uneven coloring can exaggerate the appearance of your hips and thighs, making them less flattering overall. Besides, jeans are meant to be a wardrobe staple that doesn’t conform to flash-in-the-pan trends. So, when it comes to jeans, stick with timeless styles, cuts, and colors.
12. Ankle-Length Jeans
There’s something chic about jeans that cover the foot, but sometimes you have a pair of shoes on that everyone should see. You need a great pair of ankle-length jeans on hand for those moments. Ankle-length jeans are perfect for showing off your shoes and elongating your legs. They hit just the right spot to create a sleek, tailored look that works with both flats and heels.
13. Stretch Denim
While some fashion snobs might look down on stretch denim, this style molds to your body, offering comfort and a flattering fit. The added elasticity helps to smooth and shape your curves, making these jeans a comfortable and flattering choice for all-day wear. In fact, these days, stretch denim is so good that you can’t distinguish between stretch and regular.
14. Super Distressed Jeans
While a few rips and tears can be stylish, overly distressed jeans can look messy and draw attention to the areas you might want to downplay. They can also make an outfit look too casual, which isn’t always flattering. Swap out messy, ripped, distressed jeans for a pair with one or two embellishments for a more polished look.
15. Mid-Rise Jeans
High-rise jeans are stylish, but they may not be everyone’s taste. That’s where mid-rise jeans become an attractive alternative. Hitting just below the natural waist, offering a comfortable fit that flatters most body types. They provide enough coverage and support without feeling restrictive, making them versatile.