Best Jeans for Pear-Shaped Bodies

If you're pear-shaped, the best jeans are high rise with a curvy or contoured waistband, in a straight, bootcut or wide-leg cut. That combination fits your hips and thighs without leaving a gap at the back of the waist.

A pear shape means your hips are noticeably wider than your shoulders and bust, and your waist is defined. It's one of the most common shapes. It's also the one most standard jeans are not cut for, because many are patterned on straighter figures.

The rise: go high

A high rise (about 10–12 inches) sits at your natural waist, the narrowest part of you. That's where a pear shape wants the waistband. A mid rise often lands on the widest part of the hip, which pushes the waistband to gap at the back.

The cut: balance the hips

• Straight leg: falls in a clean line from the widest point of your hip. It's the easiest everyday choice.
• Bootcut and flare: a slight flare at the hem balances the hips and makes legs look longer.
• Wide leg: skims past the hips and thighs completely. Great in softer, drapier denim.
• Skinny: works if you like it, but it emphasizes the hip-to-ankle taper. Pair it with longer tops if that bothers you.

Look for "curvy" fits

Many brands now make curvy versions of their best-sellers. These have extra room through the hip and thigh relative to the waist. If you always fit your hips and then gap at the waist, curvy fits are built for you.

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Fabric matters

A small amount of stretch (about 1–2% elastane) helps the jean move with your hips. Very stretchy denim can bag out by the afternoon, so size down if a pair has a lot of give.

Common pear-shape mistakes

1. Sizing up to fit the hips. This is what causes the waist gap. Try a curvy fit in your waist size instead.
2. Low rise. It cuts across the widest part of the hip.
3. Back pockets that are tiny or set far apart. Medium pockets placed slightly toward the centre are more flattering.