Denim jeans are a wardrobe staple and not surprising given they are versatile, comfortable and can be dressed up or down depending on occasion. However, with so many styles, washes, fits and brands to choose from, finding the perfect pair can be overwhelming.

The good news is there’s a pair of jeans for every shape!  The key is knowing what to look for. Read my guide to bag yourself the perfect pair of jeans for your body shape and look fab in denim this spring.

Hourglass

This body shape is characterised by a full upper body, small waist and curvy hipline/fuller thighs.  Upper and lower body are balanced.

• Straight leg jean – this style of jean works a treat as it’s slim yet doesn’t hug the leg.
• High waisted – I recommend higher waisted jeans to sit at your natural waist (where your upper body naturally creases when you slide your hand down you leg towards your foot) as they sit at the smallest part of your body, give a slimming effect over your hips and elongate your legs.  What’s there not to like about that!
• Slim flare – Opt for a pair that are fitted to the knee and then give a slight flare
• Mom & boyfriend jeans – they are made to fit over curves and being high waisted they are perfect for your body shape
• Fabric – Look for jeans that have some lyrca, spandex or elastane in them as they will have some ease to them and fit more comfortably over your curves
• Waistband – Contoured waistbands work well as they will fit your hips without leaving the jeans gapping at the waistband
• Pockets – Flat pockets are best to avoid adding more volume
• Avoid – Oversized and baggy jeans as you will lose the natural balance of your silhouette.

Oval (apple)

This body shape is characterised by a full upper body, full at the waistline (prominent tummy), wide hipline and slim legs.

• Straight leg jeans – A great cut that aren’t too figure hugging yet draw attention to your fab legs!
• Fitted bootleg – This cut work well as they can help to balance your lower and upper body.  Just be careful with the width of the flare if you er on the shorter side as too wide and they will have a shortening effect on your height.
• Skinny jeans – This style looks really good when paired with floaty, longer line tops that skim over your tummy while showing off your legs.
• Fabric – Look for jeans that have some lyrca, spandex or elastane in them as they will have some ease to them and fit more comfortably over your curves
• Waistband – Eased and midrise waistbands with tummy control
• Pockets – Flap pockets or detail on the rear pockets work well to give the illusion of a fuller bottom and help balance with your upper body while flat front pockets ensure you don’t add any bulk to your tummy area
• Avoid – Wide leg and mom jeans.  Both styles are likely to leave you looking frumpy.

Straight (rectangle)

This body shape is characterised by a lean and straight body, no defined waist and slim legs.

• Straight leg jeans – This cut was made for you as it natural follows your body shape
• Boyfriend jeans – with a midrise, more relaxed fit and tapered hemline the boyfriend jean creates the illusion of curves
• Flare jeans – Great for breaking up the vertical line that runs the length of your body shape by adding interest.  Ensure the width of the flare is no wider than the width of your shoulders.
• Fabric – more structured denim work best so opt for styles with little to no stretch.
• Waistband – Deeper waistbands help to create the illusion of a waist while midrise waistbands will balance your upper and lower body
• Pockets – Flap pockets or detail on the rear pockets give structure to this body shape. Ensure the back pockets sit high to give the illusion of a curvy, lifted bottom
• Avoid – Mom jeans as they will add too much volume to your lower half creating an unbalanced look.

Pear Shape

This body shape is characterised by a straight upper body, small waist, wide hips and full thighs.  Shoulders are much narrower than the hips.

• Bootcut or wide flares – These will look fab as the wider cut at the hem of the jean will balance out with your hips
• Skinny Jeans – If you like skinny jeans, wear them tucked into a chunky boot to help balance them with your hips.  And if wearing them in warmer weather, roll them up a couple of times at the ankle and swap out your boots for a chunky pair of trainers
• Mom & Boyfriend Jeans – designed to fit over curves and with a mid to high rise both styles work a treat if you prefer a looser fitting jean.
• Fabric – stretch denim is your best friend when opting for bootcut and skinny styles.  With mom and boyfriend jeans keep the fabric lighter – too heavy and it will add unnecessary bulk to your lower body
• Waistband – Mid to high waistbands that sit at (and highlight) your slim waist is the way to go
• Pockets – Flat back pockets (or no back pockets if you can find them) work best so you don’t add volume to the fullest part of your body.
• Avoid – Structured fabric as they don’t sit well over curves and baggy jeans as they will add more volume to your lower body.

Wedge Shape (Inverted triangle)

This body shape is characterised by wide shoulders (can be full busted), broad back, narrow waist and hips.  Often has slim legs.

• Bootcut jeans – This cut works great as the flare of the boot cut will balance with your shoulders giving the appearance of a well-balanced upper and lower body.
• Wide leg jeans – The exaggerated cut adds a bit of width to your straight, slim legs and giving a more balanced look.
• Side pocket jeans – jeans with side pockets (think cargo pants) add volume and as with the styles above are a great way to help balance your upper and lower body.
• Fabric – heavier, more structured denim works best for your shape.  And embossed and patterned fabric would look fab.
• Waistband – If your tall mid waist bands are your best bet and if shorter a higher waist band will lengthen your legs.
• Pockets – the more pockets the better as they will all add volume to your lower body.
• Avoid – Skinny and slim leg jeans as they will make you look top heavy.

What’s your favourite style?