These Are the Most Flattering Plus Size Jeans in Every Style, According to Style Experts
Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.
Our top pick is the Good American Good Curve Straight Jeans
People / Alli Waataja
Like a good basic white T-shirt or a classic pair of sneakers, jeans are one of the most essential clothing pieces. And, every wardrobe needs a pair that fits incredibly well, is versatile enough to wear daily (after all, they are designed to be lived in), and provides a little confidence boost, too.
“Jeans are a utility piece that can be dressed up or down, and they tend to be more durable than other fabrics,” Samantha Brown, a celebrity stylist, tells PEOPLE. She explains that, because of this (and their versatility), jeans are one of the best pant styles for everyday wear. “There is really no limit to how you can style a great-fitting pair of jeans.”
With their endless styling potential and variety of styles to choose from, finding a pair of jeans online can feel a bit overwhelming. This is especially true when shopping for plus size jeans, as many brands don’t offer inclusive sizing or important features (like gap-proof waistbands) that can elevate a pair of jeans for curvy silhouettes.
With this in mind, we researched dozens of denim styles from many top brands to find the best plus size jeans in every silhouette. Whether you’re looking for that staple, everyday pair of jeans that are perfectly broken in and fits like a glove or want an option that is comfortable for all-day wear yet dressy enough for the office, we’ve got your shopping covered with these top picks from Good American, Levi’s, Madewell, Eloquii, and more.
Best Overall: Good American Good Curve Straight Jean
Our top pick for the best plus size jeans is the Good American Good Curve Straight Jeans. Available up to size 32 plus, these jeans are constructed from a blend of cotton and lyocell with some slight stretch to provide the best and most comfortable fit while still having plenty of structure. We love these jeans because they feature a timeless straight silhouette with plenty of versatility. You can dress them up with heels and a blazer top or wear them casually with a pair of sneakers. They’re also constructed with the brand’s contour seam to accentuate your figure and a gap-proof waistband, so there’s no need for alterations.
Sizes: 00-32 plus | Material Makeup: 69% recycled cotton, 30% lyocell, 1% elastane | Care: Machine wash on cold, dry flat or hang dry
Related: The 10 Best Plus Size Shapewear of 2024, According to Style Experts
Best Budget: Old Navy Mid-Rise Wow Boot-Cut Jeans
For a pair of boot-cut jeans at a budget-friendly price, consider the Old Navy Mid-Rise Wow Boot-Cut Jeans. Available in sizes up to 30, these jeans are constructed from a cotton and polyester blend with one percent spandex to give them some comfortable stretch. The under $35 mid-rise jeans are designed to sit right below the belly button and have a classic, everyday silhouette that goes with virtually everything.
Sizes: 0-30 | Material Makeup: 62% cotton, 30% polyester, 7% recycled cotton, 1% spandex | Care: Machine wash
Best at Amazon: Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Women's Curvy Totally Shaping Straight Jeans
If you’re shopping for a pair of plus size jeans at Amazon, we recommend Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Women’s Curvy Totally Shaping Straight Jeans. These jeans are constructed from a soft and comfortable cotton polyester blend with two percent elastane to improve the fit and feel. These Levi’s jeans also feature built-in shapewear to provide some compression and a smoothing finish.
Sizes: 2-28 | Material Makeup: 81% cotton, 17% polyester, 2% elastane | Care: Not listed
Best Wide-Leg: Eloquii The Yvette Rigid Wide Jean
Add wide-leg jeans to your wardrobe with The Yvette Rigid Wide Jean from Eloquii. These plus size jeans feature a timeless wide-leg silhouette with a comfortable high-rise construction. They’re also cut from 100 percent cotton, so they have lots of structure and are an excellent option if you prefer jeans that are a little more rigid (though, keep in mind, the lack of stretch means you have to break them in). In addition to its wide-leg look, these Eloquii jeans come in two different washes and have a contour waistband for an improved fit.
Sizes: 14-28 | Material Makeup: 100% cotton | Care: Machine wash cold with like colors
Related: We Found the Best Plus Size Dresses to Upgrade Your Wardrobe for Spring
Best Flare: Torrid Perfect Super Flare Vintage Stretch Mid Rise Jean
The Torrid Perfect Super Flare Vintage Stretch Mid-Rise Jean is our top pick for the best flare denim. We love these pants because they feature a chic and classic silhouette with a mid-rise waist. The jeans are available in sizes up to 30 and come in regular, short, and tall lengths.
Available in both light and dark washes, these flared jeans are inspired by your favorite pair of vintage jeans and are constructed from 98 percent cotton with two percent stretch for a more comfortable, lived-in feel.
Sizes: 10-30 (regular, short, and tall lengths available) | Material Makeup: 98% cotton, 2% spandex | Care: Machine wash cold, inside out
Best Barrel: Eloquii The Barrel Jean
Barrel jeans are one of this year’s most popular silhouettes. If you’re shopping for a pair of plus size barrel jeans, consider The Barrel Jean from Eloquii. These barrel jeans are available in sizes 14 through 28 and are constructed from 98 percent cotton, giving them plenty of structure with a little bit of stretch. We love these jeans because they come in a medium wash that goes with everything and is versatile enough to dress up with a pair of heels for a night out or wear casually while running errands.
Sizes: 14-28 | Material Makeup: 98% cotton | Care: Machine wash on cold with a gentle cycle
Best Low-Rise: ASOS DESIGN Curve Baggy Boyfriend Jeans
If you prefer a low-rise fit and want a pair of jeans with a trendier silhouette, this style from ASOS is the best option. These plus size boyfriend jeans are constructed from 100 percent cotton, so it has some structure but the baggy design makes them comfortable enough to move freely without restriction. Available in sizes 14 through 24, the baggy jeans come in two washes and are made to sit low on the hips without digging or pinching into your waist.
Sizes: 14-24 | Material Makeup: 100% cotton | Care: Machine wash
Best Dark Wash: Maeve The Colette Denim Cropped Wide-Leg Jeans
The Colette Denim Cropped Wide-Leg Jeans from Maeve is one of our favorite plus size jeans in a dark wash. These deep indigo pants are constructed from cotton and lyocell with plenty of stretch from added elastomultiester and elastane, giving them a structured yet stretchy fit. The cropped jeans feature a wide waistband with front pockets and a silhouette that resembles a modern sailor pant.
Sizes: 16-26 | Material Makeup: 81% cotton, 11% lyocell, 6% elastomultiester, 2% elastane | Care: Machine wash
Related: The 28 Best Plus Size Bras of 2024
Best Cuffed: Pilcro High-Rise Cuffed Wide-Leg Jeans
For a pair of cuff jeans that feel slightly elevated, consider the Pilcro High-Rise Cuffed Wide-Leg Jeans. The versatile pair of denim is constructed from a lightweight and breathable cotton and lyocell blend with one percent elastane, so they have some structure with enough stretch to provide a comfortable yet snug fit. The jeans are designed with a medium wash, too, which is one of the most versatile denim washes and makes the price tag worth the splurge.
Sizes: 16-26 | Material Makeup: 57% cotton, 42% lyocell, 1% elastane | Care: Machine wash
Best Mom Jeans: ASOS DESIGN Curve Relaxed Mom Jeans
The ASOS DESIGN Curve Relaxed Mom Jeans are our top pick for the best plus size mom jeans. These jeans feature a classic mom jean silhouette in a more relaxed fit, so they’re a good alternative to some of the popular low-rise jeans that are currently trending. Available in sizes 14 through 24, these jeans are also constructed from 100 percent cotton, so they still have some structure to them and are relaxed enough to provide a more comfortable, less restrictive fit.
Sizes: 14-24 | Material Makeup: 100% cotton | Care: Machine wash
Best Straight: Levi’s Premium Plus Size Ribcage Straight Ankle
For a classic straight-leg denim look, consider the Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans, which is available in plus sizes 14 through 24. These jeans are constructed from cotton — including 15 percent organically grown cotton — with one percent elastane stretch, so they have a more rigid feel with a little more give to them compared to classic rigid denim. The ribcage silhouette is a versatile design with a high-rise fit and slightly cropped ankles, so they’re great jeans to wear with loafers, flats, and sneakers. Available in five different washes (including timeless light indigo) these jeans go with everything from vintage tees to blazers and are a pair you’ll want to live in.
Sizes: 14-24 | Material Makeup: 84% cotton, 15% organically grown cotton, 1% elastane | Care: Machine wash cold on a normal cycle
Best Vintage-Inspired: L.L.Bean Women's 207 Vintage Jeans
If you love the look of vintage jeans but don’t want to rummage through bins at your local thrift store, the Women’s 207 Vintage Jeans from L.L.Bean are the next best thing. These jeans feature a timeless silhouette and are designed to have a lived-in look and feel with ultra-soft cotton polyester denim and a little bit of stretch. Available in sizes 18 through 26, the jeans fit snugly around the waist and have a more relaxed feel in the hips and thighs for comfortable all-day wear.
Sizes: 18-26 | Material Makeup: 79% cotton, 20% polyester, 1% spandex. | Care: Machine wash
Related: The 29 Best Plus Size Underwear for Breathable, All-Day Comfort
Best Baggy: Good American Oversized Straight Jeans
For a trendy pair of jeans, consider the Good American Oversized Straight Jeans. These baggy jeans are available in sizes up to 32 plus and are constructed from mostly cotton with a little bit of spandex stretch for a better fit. The Good American jeans feature a tummy-smoothing technology, so they have a slight shapewear feel, and the brand’s signature gap-proof waistband, allowing them to fit nice and snug around the waist without the need for tailoring.
Sizes: 00-32 plus | Material Makeup: 99% cotton, 1% spandex | Care: Machine wash cold, inside out
Best White Jeans: Madewell The Plus Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Crop Jean in Vintage Canvas: Raw-Hem Edition
We are obsessed with Madewell jeans for their construction quality (we’ve had ours for over 10 years) and comfort. So, of course, we aren’t surprised that they make one of the best plus size white jeans. The Plus Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Crop Jean in Vintage Canvas is constructed from 98 percent cotton with two percent elastane, giving them that structural look of a pair of rigid jeans with lots of comfortable stretch. They also have a chic and versatile wide-leg silhouette with a raw hem that makes them feel casual and laid back enough for everyday wear.
Sizes: 14-28 | Material Makeup: 98% cotton, 2% elastane | Care: Machine wash
Best Black Jeans: Everlane The Curvy Way-High® Skinny Jean
For a classic pair of black jeans, consider the Everlane The Curvy Way-High Skinny Jean. These jeans are constructed from a comfortable and breathable blend of organic cotton and ECOVERO™, making them one of the more eco-friendly options on our list, too. Available in sizes up to 35, these curvy black jeans feature a form-hugging silhouette and are specially engineered to get rid of the pesky waist gap for a better fit.
Sizes: 23-35 | Material Makeup: Organic cotton and ECOVERO™ | Care: Not listed
Best Jogger: Lane Bryant Pull-On Boyfriend Jogger Jean
Up the ante on comfort with a pair of relaxed denim joggers. The Lane Bryant Pull-On Boyfriend Jogger Jeans are one of our favorite styles, thanks to their comfortable relaxed fit, elastic waistband, and cinched ankles. Available in up to size 40, these jeans are constructed from a cotton and polyester blend with lots of spandex stretch for added comfort. They’re designed to have a more relaxed fit with a high-rise waistband that fits comfortably around the waist without a gap. And, while they do feature a pull-on style, they have a faux zipper fly for added flair.
Sizes: 12-40 | Material Makeup: 58% cotton, 32% polyester, 10% spandex | Care: Machine wash
Best Patchwork: LOGO by Lori Goldstein Special Edition Regular Patchwork Jeans
If you love the patchwork fashion trends and want a pair of jeans that nod to the style, consider adding the LOGO by Lori Goldstein Special Edition Regular Patchwork Jeans to your wardrobe. These plus size patchwork jeans have a more rigid look but feature 1 percent spandex for some slight flexibility and long-lasting comfort. Available in plus sizes 18 through 32, the jeans all feature a timeless high-waisted, wide-leg silhouette with layers of patchwork in fun prints and colors.
Sizes: 18-32 | Material Makeup: 59% cotton, 28% polyester, 12% rayon, 1% spandex | Care: Machine wash
Best Lengths: Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love High Rise Mom Jean
For a more customized fit, consider the Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love High-Rise Mom Jean, which features a timeless mom jean silhouette and comes in regular, short, extra short, long, and extra long lengths. These comfortable Abercrombie Jeans are constructed from 99 percent cotton with one percent elastane, giving them lots of structural integrity while remaining stretchy enough for a more comfortable and slightly relaxed feel.
Sizes: 23-37 in extra short, short, regular, long, and extra long lengths | Material Makeup: 99% cotton, 1% elastane | Care: Machine wash on cold
Best Trouser Jeans: Lee Legendary Trouser Jean
Add a pair of dressy jeans to your wardrobe with the Lee Legendary Trouser Jean. These feature a classic trouser feel with a medium wash and thick hemline detail. They’re constructed from a soft cotton blend, so they have an ultra-comfortable fit and are designed to have enough flexibility to move with your body and provide lasting comfort, even if you’re sitting for hours at the office. In addition to their comfort and trouser style, we love these jeans because they have a slight Western feel, so they look great with a pair of heeled cowboy booties or a chic buckle belt.
Sizes: 16-30 | Material Makeup: Cotton blend | Care: Not listed
Best Cargo Pants: Lane Bryant Straight Cargo Jean
Cargo pants are another trendy style — and Lane Bryant has the cutest pair of cargo jeans. The Straight Cargo Jean is constructed from 99 percent cotton with one percent spandex, helping to create the illusion of a more rigid pair of jeans with a slight stretch for added comfort. Available in sizes up to 40 and regular, petite, short, and long lengths, these jeans have a more utility silhouette with lots of fun pocket details for function and style.
Sizes: 12-40 in regular, petite, short, and long lengths | Material Makeup: 99% cotton, 1% spandex | Care: Machine wash
Related: The Best Plus Size Lingerie on the Market, According to 5 Undergarment Experts
How to Pick the Best Plus Size Jeans
Stretch
When shopping for plus size jeans, styles with some stretch can provide long-lasting comfort and, in some cases, a better fit. In fact, Brown says stretch can actually provide a shaping effect.
However, Kam Throckmorton, a stylist with over 20 years of experience dressing plus size women, says don’t go for something with too much stretch and instead opt for styles without any or around one to two percent. “Stretchy jeans are comfortable unless they have too much stretch and you spend your day pulling your pants up or with saggy knees,” she explains. “Brands like Good American have the technology to provide stretch and support in all the right places,” she adds.
Our top pick for the best plus size jeans overall is the Good American Good Curve Straight Jeans, which feature a recycled cotton and lyocell blend with one percent of elastane stretch. We also love the Good American Oversized Straight Jeans, which have one percent spandex stretch. For something a little more rigid, consider the Eloquii The Yvette Rigid Wide Jean or the ASOS DESIGN Curve Relaxed Mom Jeans, which are constructed from 100 percent cotton.
Distressing
Throckmorton says to also look out for distressing and whiskering, as this can make or break a pair of plus size jeans. “A well-placed hole or distressed feature can manipulate the eye like magic, while a misplaced one can draw attention to a less-than-favorite body part,” she notes. With this in mind, be weary of distressed styles, and don’t be afraid to try on several pairs until you find the right ones.
Pocket Placement
It’s also worth paying attention to pocket placement and size, says Swati Kelkar, the chief product officer at Maurices. “A perfectly sized and placed pocket can give a lifted rear view,” she notes. Look for styles with pockets that don’t sit too low on the butt. Otherwise, they can create the illusion of a saggy backside. Pockets that are smaller than average can create the illusion of a larger butt, while larger pockets can create a slimming effect. Depending on the look you’re going for, keep these in mind while shopping for a pair of jeans.
Rise
From a style standpoint, Brown says the rise is also worth considering as some are more comfortable than others, depending on your figure and personal preferences. “A mid to high rise can work well as it keeps your figure shapely and can help define a waistline, particularly on ladies who carry weight in their stomachs,” Brown notes. “When the rise of pants is too low, they can sag, and the waistband can have a cutting effect, which can shorten your leg line,” she adds.
Leg Silhouette
The leg silhouette is one feature that completely dictates style. Beyond that, Brown says it’s important to consider from a fit perspective, too. “If you carry weight in the lower leg and ankle, a skinny jean will accentuate this while a flared, straight, or wide-leg style will camouflage this,” she explains. When determining what style to shop for, consider the areas you want to accentuate and where you want to elongate or camouflage. This will help you determine the best option for your style and fit preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sizes are considered plus size?
When it comes to sizing, there is no industry standard. In numbered sizes, brands often start plus sizing at 14, and alpha sizes usually begin at size XL. However, this can vary tremendously from brand to brand, so it’s best to have your measurements on hand and use a company’s size guide to inform your selection.
What brand has the best plus size jeans?
There are several brands with excellent plus size jeans, all of which are featured on this list. However, if you’re looking for a brand with lots of variety, we recommend the brand Good American. In addition to offering an inclusive size range with lots of different styles to choose from, Good American uses methods that help keep waist gap at bay for a more tailored fit and feel. In addition to Good American plus size jeans, we also love shopping for styles at Eloquii, Lane Bryant, Torrid, and Levi’s.
Take Our Word For It
Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. To find the best plus size jeans, Jessie consulted with top style and denim experts Kam Throckmorton, Samantha Brown, and Swati Kelkar to learn more about what to look for in a pair of plus size jeans and learn more about important factors like stretch, leg shape, and rise.
She researched dozens of options from top brands, including Good American, Lane Bryant, Eloquii, and Levi’s, to find her top picks. While researching, Jessie considered the fabric construction, stretch (if applicable), and different styles available. She also considered additional perks like waist gap technology and shaping compression. As a result, she curated this list of the best plus size jeans.
Meet Our Experts
Kam Throckmorton is a stylist with over 20 years of experience dressing plus size women.
Samantha Brown is a celebrity stylist and best-selling author of Dressing Up: Pip's Truly Fashionable Tale.
Swati Kelkar is the chief product officer at Maurices.
Related: After Testing 17 Pairs, We Found the Best Jeans for Women of 2024
For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on People.
