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Home • News

The Diva's Guide to Denim

High-waters. Mom jeans. That annoying gap at the waistband. You've had it with jeans that don't fit or flatter, and we've heard you loud and clear. It took seven women, several trips to the fitting room and numerous pairs of jeans to find what we all deserve: the perfect pair for our bodies and budgets—for as little as $30!
By · Updated October 29, 2020
01
Denim Special

High-waters. Mom jeans. That annoying gap at the waistband. You’ve had it with jeans that don’t fit or flatter, and we’ve heard you loud and clear. It took seven women, several trips to the fitting room, and numerous pairs of jeans to find what we all deserve: the perfect pair for our bodies and budgets—for as little as $30!

By Jessica C. Andrews

The Diva’s Guide to Denim
Getty
02
Full Hips

Kalyea Moss, 28 Plus-size model

• To balance out your frame, look for jeans that are boot-cut or slightly flared. A pair of sexy high heels add to the slimming effect.

• Show off your shape. Jeans that hug, not hide, your curves are ideal for your frame. Baggy jeans will only exaggerate your size and conceal your beautiful figure.

Just for My Size: Denim 24/7 jeans, $30, onestopplus.com.

The Diva’s Guide to Denim
ESSENCE/CHRISTOPHER KOLK
03
Full Thighs and Butt

Chasity Saunders, 24, Entrepreneur

• For a comfortable, customized fit, try brands that incorporate a bit of stretch like CJ by Cookie Johnson, Miraclebody by miraclesuit and Joe’s Jeans.

• A high rise and a fitted waistline will eliminate gapping at the waist-band. And choose jeans with an outseam close to the front of the thigh. This gives the illusion of thinner thighs.

Just for My Size: Ashley Stewart jeans, $49, Ashley Stewart stores nationwide.

The Diva’s Guide to Denim
ESSENCE/CHRISTOPHER KOLK
04
Jean Therapy Tips

Fold jeans instead of storing them on hangers. Pant hangers cause the waist and hem to wear out faster.

The Diva’s Guide to Denim
Getty
05
Petite and Boy-Shaped

Jasmine Harvey, 29 Marketing coordinator

• A low rise gives the illusion of a longer torso and adds enviable curves to your frame.

• Avoid cuffing. It actually makes your legs look shorter. Instead, go for ankle-length cuts. A bonus: You get to show off fabulous shoes!

The Diva’s Guide to Denim
ESSENCE/CHRISTOPHER KOLK
06
Tall and Boy-Shaped

Felisha Noel, 22 Boutique owner

• Back pockets that slant inward are your secret weapon. They draw the eye up to lift and enhance your backside. Fading in the thighs and just under the behind also gives the illusion of a curvy shape.

• High-waisted jeans create curves in the waist and hips while emphasizing your naturally long and lean silhouette.

Just for My Size: Old Navy wide-leg jeans, $35, 800-OLDNAVY for stores.

The Diva’s Guide to Denim
ESSENCE/CHRISTOPHER KOLK
07
Small Waist & Big Butt

• To complement a shapely frame, opt for jeans with stretch (4 to 5 percent spandex will do). They contour beautifully to every curve.

• Stay away from jeans with overly embellished back pockets, which draw unwanted attention to your backside. Add a pair without pockets to your wardrobe too. They also help minimize that rear view.

The Diva’s Guide to Denim
Getty
08
Tall With Long Legs

“No more butt cleavage! These are superlong and high-rise, but still sexy,” says Jan Quammie-Taylor, 26 Merchandise assistant.

• To achieve the best fit, try jeans with at least a 36-inch inseam. Gap even carries a few styles in XL that have a 37-inch inseam.

Just for My Size: Gap long and lean jeans, $60, Gap stores nationwide.

The Diva’s Guide to Denim
ESSENCE/CHRISTOPHER KOLK
09
Short and Pear-Shaped

Tia D. Rudd, 27 Television production worker

• Try brands like Gap, Calvin Klein and Banana Republic that offer petite lengths.

• A trouser-cut style works wonders for a petite, curvy frame. The pleats streamline and elongate your figure.

Just for My Size: Coldwater Creek Classic Waist ShapeMe jeans, $60, coldwatercreek.com.

The Diva’s Guide to Denim
ESSENCE/CHRISTOPHER KOLK
10
Jean Therapy Tip

As denim tends to shrink slightly in the wash, be sure to launder your jeans before having them hemmed.

The Diva’s Guide to Denim
Getty
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