No matter the season, your age, your size, or where you are in life, you always need jeans. They’re the versatile pants we reach for work or weekend — and lately we reach for jeans when we’re at home and just can’t bear to put on another pair of sweatpants. But not just any pair will do: We need jeans that fit. From baggy styles to straight fit jeans, high-rise, mid-rise and low-rise, cropped to wide-legged, boyfriend jeans to girlfriend jeans, and tapered ankle jeans to skinny jeans — oh, and let’s not forget mom jeans — there seems to be a new, gotta have 'em style every year.
Finding a perfect pair of jeans can be a real mission. And although there’s not a one-size-fits-all brand of jeans that fits everyone, Old Navy is making a big effort with 180 sizes. We've assembled some universal rules to help navigate the denim waters to find comfort and style in jeans that fit.
Here's how to measure yourself for jeans.
Even if you have your size in mind, the first step in finding the perfect curve-flattering jeans that fit is to measure yourself. You’ll need a flexible tape measure made of cloth or plastic … and some patience. The waist and inseam measurements are what most denim brands use to determine their jean sizes and fits, but you’ll also want to note the rise of the jeans and even the type of denim (stretch and nonstretch fabrics are the most common options) you prefer.
To measure your waist, place the tape measure around the narrowest point of it, which is different for everyone. Pro tip: While standing, bend to the side and measure wherever a natural crease is made. This measurement could be at your belly button, a little higher, or below. Although it may be tempting to pull the measuring tape a smidge tighter to get a lower number, you should avoid it. You want your jeans to fit relaxed and comfortable and not dig into your waist all day.
To measure your inseam, measure the length from your crotch to your inner ankle. You should be dressed in leggings, underwear or something similar to get the most accurate measurement. Once you have your measurement, think about how you want your jeans to fit. Do you like a skinny jean that just skims your ankles? Or do you prefer the flattering boot-cut fit? Jean inseam measurements generally range from 27 inches to 34 inches. So a 27-inch jean measurement would be for someone who is petite or looking for a cropped style. A 30-inch jean inseam is, by industry standards, considered average. It fits most people and can be worn as is or cuffed. Jeans with inseams that measure 32 to 34 inches are considered great for those with long legs or if someone wants jeans to wear with heeled shoes or boots. Stitch fix has a great summary of inseams based on the jean type.
The rise is the measurement from the waistband and down the zipper to the seam of the crotch. This measurement will, of course, vary, but the rise will also give you a hint into the type of jeans you’ll be buying. The average rise measurement you’ll find on bottoms is between 7 and 12 inches. Do you like a mid-rise that will hit at your waist? Are you looking for high-rise jeans that have a more trendy fit? Different bodies look best with different rises.
What are the best jeans for your shape?
After you’ve sized yourself and figured out your measurements, the next step is to determine the style of jeans that fit and compliment your shape. A general rule — and honestly it’s the best rule we’ve heard to use for everything we wear — is this: Just wear what you love and what feels good. We’re seeing a revolution in fashion, and the industry is recognizing all of our different shapes and sizes, so beyond the straight sizes which have been readily available, we're seeing more plus sizes from all brands.
Plus size jeans for women fit very differently than in straight sizes. There’s added room in the rise, back, and crotch areas to make room for the belly, hips, butt, and thighs. According to Dia.com, “sometimes, plus size jeans in sizes 16-22 (which for some retailers is the largest of the straight sizes) is graded up based on the sample size and other times brands will use plus size grading for those sizes.” But like with all clothing, each brand is unique, which is part of why women’s plus size jeans can be such a tricky fit.
Here are some basic jean styles to shop that never go out of style no matter if you’re petite, plus-size or in need of plus-size maternity jeans.
Straight-leg jeans are still as popular as ever. They work well if you want a slim fit without it being a super-skinny legging look. Dress them up with strappy heels or go for a more casual look in flats, sneakers, or sandals.
Boyfriend jeans are not too baggy but they’re perfectly slouchy. Cuff these and wear this relaxed fit with flats, booties or sneakers.
Skinny fit jeans look best with a dark rinse or black. They have an instant polish to dress up for night. High-rise skinny jeans can have the same body-sculpting effect and help elongate the body. Tuck them into knee-high boots.
Boot-cut or flare jeans are 1970s-inspired styles trending this year. They feature a slim fit at the hips and thighs with a slight flare at the ankles. Combine them with a blazer and heeled boots or booties for a nice line to the leg.
Looking for the most relaxed of vibes these days? Try baggy jeans. Wear them with a slim top or sweater for a '60s feel.
Check out where to find the best jeans.
As mentioned earlier, Old Navy has 180 sizes of jeans (and they’ve always got a sale happening lately) so that’s a great place to start to find jeans that fit you best.
Amazon’s Prime Wardrobe allows you to try on up to eight styles for a seven-day period. Just try them on at home and see how they look and feel. Keep and pay for only what you like, and return what you don’t like for free before those seven days are up.
Khloe Kardashian’s Good American brand — “designed with the intention to lift you up, hold you in, and hug your every curve” — has been a champion of denim for all women, sizes 00 to 24. The jeans are available in styles including high-waisted, skinny, straight, ripped distressed, cropped ankle, and a variety of hem details.
