12 Women on the Best Plus-Size Jeans They’ve Ever Worn (Plus, 12 Other Brands You'll Want to Know About)
Shopping for denim is a struggle for everyone, but that rings especially true for gals looking for a pair of curve-hugging plus-size jeans. You have to contend with weird gaps at the waist, styles that don’t hold up against thigh rub and weird sagging at the knees and/or rear after just a few wears. Fortunately, more brands are rethinking the way they approach plus-size clothing, starting from scratch with new fit and fabric technologies that are made to complement your body. So, we set out to round up the best of the best, polling curvy women on the brands they shop over and over again.
Read on for recommendations from 12 stylish women on the best plus-size jeans they’ve ever bought, plus 12 additional brands worth checking out.
RELATED: Affordable Plus Size Brands Every Curvy Girl Should Know
1. Universal Standard SEINE HIGH RISE SKINNY JEANS 27 INCH
The IRL Review:
“I love these jeans because they were made to fit me instead of the other way around. They’re comfy, come in a dark wash that goes with anything and they fit down my calf without being too loose! They are the perfect plus-size skinny jeans.” — Stefani Nicole, digital creator
Size range: 0 to 40 with tall and petite sizing
Universal Standard offers the largest size range of any brand on this list. But just because the brand works with a lot of body types doesn’t mean it skimps on attention to detail. Each size is specifically engineered to address the most common fit issues among curvy women, and this particular style also happens to be the brand’s best-selling jean of all time. So, it looks like Stefani’s love for this pair of denim is shared by many.
2. Good American Good Waist Jeans
The IRL Review:
“These jeans from Good American are my absolute favorite because they offer structure and support on areas like my belly and butt while also offering stretch in areas like my thighs. They are my go-to jeans especially after having not worn structured pants in what feels like forever!” — Taelor Pawnell, digital creator
Size range: 00 to 26
Since the launch of her brand in 2016, Khloé Kardashian has put a major emphasis on inclusivity and finding the perfect fit—no matter your size. In fact, she recently updated her site to include photos of models wearing every size from her core styles (for some, that means up to 15 different photos) to give shoppers a clearer sense of how the jeans will look on them. The site even has individual size guides for each cut. So basically, Good American is ensuring you’ll always wind up with a pair that you really love.
3. Madewell The Curvy Perfect Vintage Jean
The IRL Review:
“I am really pumped to get back into these post-summer, and they come in Tall which is ideal for me. They really look like ‘90s mom jeans, but actually have stretch in them, and a perfect cropped inseam.” — Katie Sturnio, founder of The 12ish Style blog and Megababe Beauty
Size range: 26 to 37 with petite, tall and 14W to 24W plus
Madewell’s curvy collection caters to those with wider hips and a smaller waist wit the mission to eliminate that pesky waist gap that plus-size women know all too well. As Sturino notes, the three inseam lengths guarantee that this easy retro cut will hit just right (in this case, right at the ankle) no matter your height.
4. American Eagle Outfitters Dream Ripped High-Waisted Jegging
The IRL Review:
“I love these high-rise skinny jeans from American Eagle because they hug my curves in all of the right places. I love jeans that have a great blend of stretch and structure where I feel held in and supported, while also being comfortable enough to move around. Also, the distressing gives these jeans a stylish flair that you can dress up or down.” — Kristine Thompson, founder of Kin by Kristine
Size range: 000 to 24, with X-Short, Short, Regular, Long and X-Long inseams
All of AEO’s denim comes in sizes 000 up through 24 (although not every style is offered in all five inseam lengths), but it’s the Curvy collection we like best for plus sizes. It’s specifically designed for those with a smaller waist but larger hips, bum and thighs to eliminate annoying waist gaps and give your hips room to move. And AEO doesn’t limit its Curvy collection or plus sizes to only jeggings or skinnies, however—there are also a bunch of non-traditional styles that are right on trend, like wide-leg crop jeans and split-hem flares.
5. New Look Curve lift and shape skinny jean
The IRL Review:
“My favorite jeans are from Tesco’s FandF line (unfortunately only available in-store in the U.K.), but New Look is a close second. These are my best black jeans because, with five percent elastane, they hug every curve, they’re the perfect length and they’re great to style for a first date outfit. New Look is definitely one of my top brands to shop for any style jeans.” — Teni Pascal, plus-size fashion and mental health blogger
Size range: 14 to 24
Those in the U.S. may not know New Look by name, but you’ve likely spotted (or even shopped) the brand at ASOS in the past. The trendy brand, which makes women’s, men’s and kids’ clothes, is all about crafting affordable fashion that’s also well-made, including its denim. The majority of New Look’s styles fit in the realm of classic silhouettes (think skinnies and mom jeans), but there are always a few fun fashion-forward fits as well, like this throwback ‘90s flare.
6. Levi’s 724 High-Rise Straight Crop Jeans
The IRL Review:
“These Levi’s fit so well and they’re unique and fun! They hug my curves really well and even though they’re distressed they're still super chic enough to dress up.” — Mona Seddeek, founder of The Smiling Sweetheart
Size range: 25 to 33
A fantastic classic wash and universally-flattering cut mean these jeans will stay in style for at least a few years to come. Made from Levi’s sculpt fabrication, these jeans are soft and stretchy enough to move with your curves (rather than against them) while still sucking everything in to create one smooth line.
7. Eloquii Acid Wash Jeans
The IRL Review:
“I don’t really have a ride-or-die brand or pair of jeans. I just buy what I think I’ll like. But I’ve been the most successful with Torrid, Lane Bryant and Eloquii. This particular pair is one of my favorites from Eloquii. I love the throw back acid wash, ankle length and fit.” — Nekiah Torres, Hopi-Tewa fashion blogger
Size range: 14 to 28
Eloquii has a fantastic mix of both classic styles (like jeggings and mom jeans) and trendy or specialty cuts (like Torres’s pair above or a newly released two-tone style). Plus, because the entire brand is designed specifically for sizes 14 and up, you know you'll be getting a pair of jeans that fits your curves like a glove and wasn’t just sized up from a narrow-hipped size 6. If you’re still a little wary about investing in a new pair of jeans you can test them out for a week or two (or more) with Eloquii’s rental service, Eloquii Unlimited. That way you can see exactly how they stretch and wear over time before purchasing them outright (at a discount, we might add).
8. DL1961 Hepburn High-Rise
The IRL Review:
“I’ve been wearing this same pair of DL1961 cropped wide leg jeans for a couple of years now, and they’ve become my number one pair of jeans in my (quite extensive) denim wardrobe. They go from casual to NYFW-ready easily, and the denim is great quality, with enough stretch to stay comfortable without sacrificing the aesthetic. The cut is spot on, which is not easy to do with a wide leg jean, especially in plus (so many companies get the proportions wrong and it spoils the effect). And DL1961 is sustainably made with consistent sizing across styles (another denim rarity), so I always feel good recommending them to my friends and readers.” — Sarah Chiwaya, body-positive plus fashion blogger and founder of New York City Plus
Size range: 25 to 34
Chiwaya really hit on all the major reasons we love DL1961—sustainability efforts, fashion-forward styles, high-quality—and while the premium denim brand isn’t super affordable, it is definitely worth the investment (trust us, they last for years and wash incredibly well). That said, you can often find the brand on sale places like Verishop, Shopbop, Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s.
9. Madewell Curvy High-Rise Skinny Jeans
The IRL Review:
“I'm obsessed with the way Madewell’s 10” high-rise skinny highlights my curves! From the stretch-with-structure fabric, to the curve-friendly fit and of-the-moment washes, they’re always on repeat, whether I'm wearing them on their own or underneath a shirtdress like this.” — Tanesha Awasthi, founder and CEO of Girl With Curves
Size range: 26 to 37 with petite and tall
Another Madewell fan, Awasthi is a fan of both the brand’s classic cuts (like the skinny jeans above) as well as the trendier washes, like white cropped boot-cut jeans and faded boyfriend styles. And as the brand continues to evolve, its plus-size offerings are becoming more and more numerous so everyone can join in on the fun.
10. Levi’s Premium Ribcage Crop
The IRL Review:
“Nothing beats a classic pair of vintage Levi’s! When you find the right pair they hold you in all the right places, make your butt look AMAZING and makes you feel like a badass. Hunting a good vintage pair in the wild takes a ton of patience, but Instagram, Esty and brick-and-mortar vintage shops have done the work for you with curated selections of vintage Levi’s. And you aren’t up for a hunt, the Levi’s Ribcage Jeans are a great option. My vintage pair is a dead ringer for that exact style.” — Shanna Battle, founder of the fashion blog Me and Minnie
Size range: 25 to 32
Another advocate for Levi’s denim, Battle also provided a pro vintage shopping tip: try the men’s section. “Head to the men’s section when looking for vintage Levi’s. They are great for curvy girls and give you that amazing high waisted fit.”
11. NYDJ Teresa Trouser Jeans
The IRL Review:
“These jeans hug every single curve and even have a slight lift at the bum. I'll be the first to admit that I don't have a big butt, but when I’m wearing these it gives the appearance that I do (lol). The quality is also incredible. NYDJ really knows what it’s doing when it comes to denim!” — Essie Golden, founder of Golden Confidence and co-founder of Thick Laces
Size range: 00 to 28 with petite sizing
Born in the age of super-low rise jeans and whale-tails (the horror), Not Your Daughter’s Jeans set out to design denim that real women, not trend-focused teens, could wear with confidence. Look for pairs with Lift Tuck Technology, which is built in for an extra smoothing, slimming effect.
12. ASOS COLLUSION Plus 005 Straight Leg jeans
The IRL Review:
“These are my current favorite pair of jeans because I am a huge fan of acid wash (it reminds me of the ’90s). They are high rise with rips on the back pocket, and I like how they feel on my legs—super comfortable!” — Stephanie Yeboah, founder of fashion blog Nerd About Town and author of ‘Fattily Ever After’
Size range: Size 24 to 34, and 12 to 20
Although Yeboah’s fun acid-wash pair is currently sold out (fingers crossed for a restock soon), ASOS’s Collusion line has a number of other great 005 jeans to choose from. The site separates plus sizes (12 through 20) from regular, but the regular styles do go up to a size 34. ASOS also just introduced reviews to the site, so now you can get read more opinions from shoppers to determine who something might fit IRL before you check out.
RELATED: 5 Plus-Size Outfits to Wear on Repeat for the Rest of This Winter
MORE BRANDS THAT PLUS WOMEN LOVE:
13. Everlane
Size range: 23 to 35
The cult-favorite minimalist brand may not be the first place you think of when you think denim, but it has a surprisingly varied collection of both classic and trendy cuts, all of which go up to a size 35. And like many of the brands listed here, Everlane also offers Curvy silhouettes designed specifically for people with larger hips or bums and smaller waists, so you don’t have to stress over how to fix that annoying waist gap. Our current favorite style is the ‘90s Cheeky Jean, which is a combo of mom jeans and skinnies (to appease both Gen Z and millennials), with a booty-boosting fit at the rear to really enhance your curves.
14. Wit & Wisdom
Size range: 0 to 24
Wit & Wisdom’s Ab-solution technology is built into the waistband and back of the jeans to smooth out any trouble areas and give your booty a flattering lift. Despite the addition of curve-hugging spandex, these jeans are designed to resist sagging over time (yes, even if you end up wearing them four days a week). Even better, not a single pair will cost you more than $100.
15. Warp + Weft
Size range: 00 to 24
Warp + Weft isn’t just size inclusive and affordable, it’s also majorly eco-friendly and is constantly working to update its sustainable practices. As the brand explains on its website, a single pair of jeans made in the traditional manner requires 1,500 gallons of water, but a pair from Warp + Weft requires only 10 gallons, with 98 percent of that H20 then being treated and recycled. So not only will you look good, you’ll be doing good as well.
16. Kut from the Kloth
Size range: 00 to 26
This Los Angeles-based brand is yet another that excels at creating timeless silhouettes to fit a wide variety of sizes, all for under $100. It also has a super in-depth fit guide that breaks down the ins and outs of each and every style Kut from the Kloth has to offer, with videos offering style advice and notes on which styles might fit each body type best. One note on sizing, however: Multiple reviewers suggests the inseams are pretty long (a bonus for tall gals, not so much for petite women), so those on the shorter side might want to pick up a cropped pair or think about taking them to a tailor.
17. Pilcro and the Letterpress
Size range: 24 to 32 and 16W to 26W
Pilcro and the Letterpress jeans are sold exclusively at Anthropologie and have expanded to include plus sizes and a wider range of styles—like jumpsuits and button-down shirts—over the past year or so thanks in large part to a super-devoted following asking for more. The premium denim brand offers all your go-to favorites, but the real stunners are the embroidered, tie-dye and colorful pairs, as well as those with fun detailing like lace down the sides and drawstring rope waists. If you’re looking for jeans with more flair or individuality, this is definitely the place to look.
18. Lucky Brand
Size range: 24 to 35 with four inseam options
Lucky Brand is known for its true vintage, worn-in, “oh I’ve had these for years” look and its plus styles are no exception. They also feature a built-in slimming tummy panel to really streamline your silhouette and most styles offer multiple inseam options, so tall and petite ladies can find their perfect length in addition to a waistband that fits like a glove.
19. ASOS
Size range: 14 to 22
Yes, Yeboah already called out the Collusion line, but ASOS has a ton more plus-size offerings from brands like New Look (Pascal’s fave above), Missguided, Wednesday’s Girl, River Island and ASOS’s in-house Curve collection. The U.K.-based retailer is a great option for those on a budget—almost everything comes in under $60. Despite the low price tag, shoppers rave about ASOS’s high-quality denim that won’t stretch out or bag after just a few wears.
20. Liverpool
Size range: 0 to 24
This Los Angeles-based company is all about creating high-quality, easy-to-wear pieces at an affordable price point (most of its styles are under $100). It also incorporates a new type of stretch technology called Dual FX that conforms to your curves without losing shape or support over time. So buh-bye, annoying waist gap and saggy knees!
21. Old Navy
Size range: 00 to 30
Old Navy is one of our favorite go-tos for easy dresses, adorable workout clothes and colorful accessories. And, of course, denim as well. The plus offerings aren’t just straight sizes with some extra room. Contoured waistbands ensure no gapping and a seamless fit, while secret-slim pockets (a feature included in some straight size jeans as well) give you plenty of room to actually put something in your pocket without adding any extra bulk or bumps.
22. Torrid
Size range: 10 to 30 with short and tall sizing
Another brand dedicated solely to plus-size fashion, Torrid excels at classic denim cuts that fit like a glove. There are skinny jeans and jeggings in just about every blue wash imaginable, as well as bootcut styles, straight-leg options, cropped kicks and cut-off shorts that won’t result in a dreaded camel toe situation.
23. Lands’ End
Size range: 16W to 26W
Lands’ End is low-key a great place to score timeless pieces in plus-sizes, including swim, knitwear and, of course, jeans. The brand doesn’t venture too far from the classics, but the pieces are surprisingly high-quality and will last you for years to come, despite any thigh-rubbing they may encounter. There are a handful of trendier washes, like tie-dye and pin stripes, but the best pieces are those blue, black and white washes you can reach for time and time again. Oh, and everything is under $90, too.
24. Lane Bryant
Size range: 12 to 28 with petite, short and long sizing
Lane Bryant is entirely focused on creating clothing for plus women, which means all the brand’s energy goes toward problem solving specific issues that plus-size women deal with. It tends to offer simpler, more classic items but the fit and feel make up for the lack of originality in design. Plus with most cuts available in regular, long, petite and short inseams, it’s basically guaranteed that there’s a pair that will fit you perfectly, no tailoring required.
RELATED: The 9 Best Places to Shop for a Plus-Size Wedding Guest Dress
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