The 11 Best Jeans for Round Tummies That Compliment Curves
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Denim that does our bodies justice.
InStyle / Kristin Kempa
After years of designers only offering constricting, limited sizing, or worse, over-correcting with gaping waistlines that hang open in the back, they finally had a collective epiphany about what makes the best jeans for round tummies. “The art lies in selecting silhouettes that not only complement but celebrate your shape,” says plus-sized stylist Michaela Leitz, who suggests opting for high-waisted fits and stretchy cotton and elastane materials. She also recommends keeping an eye out, “for thoughtful details like a contoured waistband, which hugs your curves for the perfect fit, or a gusseted crotch that amplifies freedom of movement.”
But, whether you’ve got mom jeans in mind or an elegant pair of black denim, we know finding a pair that fits properly and feels comfortable can be a challenge. We tapped three sought-after fashion experts to share their top picks, including how to style them best, for you to easily shop right now.
Best Overall: Good American Good Icon Super Compression Straight Leg Jeans
What We Love: Tummy-shaping technology and a high-rise fit gently hug midsections and give your silhouette a more sculpted appearance.
What We Don’t Love: There’s no tall or petite sizing.
Good American holds a special place in Leitz’s heart, and ours too, especially its range of compression jeans which feature a built-in zipper and corset in the front rise to sculpt silhouettes into marblesque masterpieces. “Their straight cut is like a love letter to most body shapes,” she says, adding that “Its commitment to size inclusivity, offering sizes from 00 to 32 plus in three chic colors, speaks volumes about the brand’s dedication to catering to every body.”
Though the straight-cut style offers a more relaxed silhouette that allows you to move freely in the stretchy denim, it still looks structured and streamlines your figure to lengthen the appearance of your legs. For our petite friends, keep in mind that it only comes in a 32-inch inseam, but we think this gorgeous fit is worth a trip to the tailor.
Inseam: 32" | Size: 00–32 | Colors: 3 | Material: Cotton, polyester, elastane
Best Budget: Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Wide-Leg Jeans for Women
What We Love: The ultra-wide leg balances curvy silhouettes.
What We Don’t Love: You could feel overwhelmed by the fabric if you’re accustomed to a more tailored fit.
As evidenced by our favorite blazers and celeb style (notably, this Dua Lipa trench coat look), the ’90s will never reclaim its oversized silhouette. We’re convinced these Old Navy Wide-Leg Jeans have just the right amount of relaxed, slightly baggy appeal without looking too sloppy or decade-defying — particularly since the medium wash adds a more contemporary touch. Beyond that, the jeans feature a roomier fit in the hip area and they reach 1 inch higher than your traditional high-rise jeans so that we feel extra tucked in and ready to wear our teeniest crop tops with confidence. We also appreciate the upper-thigh placement of the holes that won’t stretch into a crater-sized circumference when we bend our knees.
Inseam: 31” (Standard); 29” (Petite); and 35” (Tall) | Size: 00–30 | Colors: 1 | Material: Cotton, spandex
Best Straight: Pistola Charlie High Rise Classic Straight Ankle
What We Love: A slightly faded wash and distressed hem make the jeans look vintage, but they wear brand new.
What We Don’t Love: The inseam may be too short for taller frames.
We’re sold on the lived-in look of these light-wash denim beauties. Their high rise and straight-leg silhouette stretch figures. Who could say no to looking long and leggy? And, you can often find us capitalizing on the slightly tapered leg by adding heft from our favorite heeled boots. Don’t worry, the mostly cotton construction allows for plenty of mobility in the waist and hip area so you won’t relegate to standing jeans only. However, the 27-inch inseam may lend it a too-cropped fit for taller folks.
Inseam: 27" | Size: 24–33 | Colors: 1 | Material: Cotton, spandex
Best Flare: Madewell Kick Out Crop Jeans
What We Love: The cotton fabric has stretch but retains its structure so you’re not swimming in baggy fabric after one wear.
What We Don’t Love: The cropped length limits your shoe options.
There’s a good reason why tapered pants are a holdover style staple from the ‘70s: The style hugs midsections snugly and flares at the bottom, allowing the silhouette to balance curvy figures for a super flattering fit. “With these Madewell jeans, it’s as if the brand whispered a secret acknowledgment to those yearning for a longer rise, roomier hips, and thighs, confirming that style need not be compromised for fit,” says Leitz. Since a flare cut can be tricky (the style tends to look awkward with certain shoes, like ankle-height booties), we appreciate its versatile design details like the mid-rise fit that pairs well with any type of top and sophisticated dark wash colorway that elevates the entire look and matches anything you pull from your closet.
Inseam: 27.5” (Standard); 30.5” (Tall); 25.5” (Petite); and 27.5” (Plus) | Size: 23–33 | Colors: 1 | Material: Cotton, Lycra
Best Mid-Rise: Reformation Val Belted Mid-Rise Straight Jeans
What We Love: The striking red hue and belted design kick boring denim to the curb.
What We Don’t Love: The inseam is pretty long, but Reformation does offer free alterations.
These party pants serve intense “I’m with the band” energy — suddenly we have the urge to pull on our cropped Bowie T-shirt and slide into our biggest steel-toed stompers. “Adding a splash of color to the denim world, the red jeans by Reformation are a revelation,” says Leitz. The 100 percent soft, stretchy cotton construction ensures that the mid-rise fit won’t uncomfortably dig into your skin and cut waists for an unflattering fit. Instead, it falls right below the belly button, providing coverage and breathing room. Also worth mentioning, the skinny belt addition is a nice distraction from waistlines and you can cinch it if you want a more snatched look. “The fitted waist flowing into a relaxed leg offers a silhouette that’s both comfortable and on-trend, proving eco-conscious fashion can be stunning and bold,” Leitz adds. Pro-tip: Pair these with a kitten heel or platform boot to amplify the outfit, and prevent the fabric from dragging on the ground.
Inseam: 32” | Size: 23–34 | Colors: 2 | Material: Cotton
Best High Rise: Lane Bryant Tighter Tummy Fit High Rise Straight Jean
What We Love: The brand offers the jeans in four different inseams and a very inclusive size range.
What We Don’t Love: We wish this pair was available in a lighter wash, too.
Nowadays, size inclusivity is at the forefront of the fashion conversation, but Lane Bryant has been prioritizing curvy women since its inception in 1904. Its T3 Jeans, which feature Tighter Tummy Technology are made with reinforced high-rise panels and a Flex Magic waistband. These jeans are meant to eliminate the look of any pouch without digging into the skin. “My preference is the tighter tummy high rise in the dark hue,” says New York City-based celebrity stylist Susan Moses, “They’re comfortable, figure flattering, and timeless.” Plus, each pair is made from 10 recycled plastic bottles, so you can feel a little better about your purchase.
Inseam: 31” (Regular); 28” (Petite); 29” (Short); 34” (Long); and 36” (Extra Long) | Size: 12–40 | Colors: 1 | Material: Cotton, polyester, rayon, spandex
Best for Petites: Abercrombie Curve Love High Rise Mom Jean
What We Love: Along with extended sizing, the brand also offers jeans in short and extra short inseams.
What We Don’t Love: Popular styles sell out quickly.
We’d bet the ranch you can find a couture-like fit in The Curve Love collection from Abercrombie. It exploded on social media when buyers truly felt like they could get everything on their denim wish list from one place. The retailer offers a diverse size range with sizes from 23 to 37, trendy styles, and five different lengths that cater to every frame, especially petites. In particular, we love these high-rise mom jeans, which hold tummies in with the right amount of suction. You’ll have some extra wiggle room thanks to an additional 2-inch in the waist (a boon for those with wider hips!). Truthfully, we’re surprised to see most of the styles and washes still in stock since the collection is trendy, so act fast.
Inseam: 23.5” (Extra Short); 25.5” (Short); 27.25” (Regular); 29.5” (Long); and over 30” (Extra Long) | Size: 23–37 | Colors: 7 | Material: Cotton, elastane
Best Stretch: Spanx Flare Jeans
What We Love: No zipper or button means you can slip these on in a pinch.
What We Don’t Love: It’s only available in black.
Universally flattering, everyone from our moms to our editors wears Spanx jeans. With all the benefits of shapewear and the look of denim, Spanx stretch denim delivers a body-hugging fit without sacrificing comfort. “The evolution of Spanx from shapewear to sportswear has been amazing,” says Moses. Hidden smoothing technology flattens tummies without constricting them. You won’t find any buttons or zippers on these pants, either. Instead, the stretch design allows you to shimmy them on, making them feel like your favorite pair of leggings, rather than jeans. “Spanx has never disappointed regarding support and shaping, but now they can add style to that list,” adds Moses.
Inseam: 34” (Regular); 32” (Petite); and 37” (Tall) | Size: XS–XXXL | Colors: 4 | Material: Cotton, polyester, Lycra
Best Light Wash: Big Bud Press Light Wash Carpenter Jeans
What We Love: There’s elastic in the back waist for extra breathing room.
What We Don’t Love: It takes time to break in the non-stretch denim.
We don’t plan on doing any heavy lifting in these carpenter pants. (Though the durable denim construction would certainly allow us to.) Instead, you can find us capitalizing on the red stitching and eye-catching large pockets to zhuzh our more basic wardrobe staples. Although rigid denim may seem intimidating if you’re accustomed to stretchier fabrics, plus-size influencer Jamie Hamilton says, “I prefer a low stretch in denim — ideally, a two percent stretch or less, because denim looks and feels better when it doesn’t stretch out.” She adds that heavier denim generally appears higher-end regardless of price point. Plus, the elastic waist in the back allows it to stretch and recover to provide extra space where you might most need it.
Between the ultra high-rise and a framing-favor straight-leg silhouette, we are convinced everyone needs a pair. “I’m not kidding when I say these pants are magic — my mom, aunt, and I, all with vastly different body types, own the exact same Big Bud Press jeans and they’re easily the most flattering pair of pants all of us own,” says InStyle commerce writer Irene Richardson.
Inseam: 29” (Standard); 25” (Petite) | Size: XXS–XL | Colors: 1 | Material: Cotton
Best Mom Jeans: Everlane The Curvy Way High Jean
What We Love: This design incorporates everything we love about the 90’s style with smart contemporary touches.
What We Don’t Love: You have to break in the fabric.
Mom jeans have never fully fallen out of favor, even given the sway that low-rise high-hugger waistlines have on today’s trends. Why? Because no one can deny the ample favors the vintage silhouette does for all figures. The Everlane Way-High Jeans complement curves with a two-piece contour waistband that follows hip lines and nips at the waist. Additionally, it's a super booty-flattering pair that isn’t overzealous in its wedgie fit. They’re not so trendy that say, you couldn’t wear the dark Indigo or black wash to work with a blazer and comfy heels, and the overall vibe is effortlessly chic.
Inseam: 27.5” | Size: 23–35 | Colors: 5 | Material: Cotton
Best Skinny: Universal Standard Joni High Rise Curve Slim Leg
What We Love: Sneaky design details like surprisingly deep pockets and hidden stretch fabric make these the most practical pair, yet still fashionable, of denim you’ll own.
What We Don’t Love: Sizing runs small.
Despite what our past, ill-advised purchases might suggest, skinny jeans don’t have to mean skin tight. Universal Standard factors all our favorite aspects of this silhouette hugging style, such as a snug, slimming fit, but relies on forgiving materials, like cotton and elastane, to prevent the pants from feeling like a wetsuit. In fact, this signature comfy technology is why the brand is our go-to for work pants and other non-denim styles that make us look put together when we’d rather be wearing pajamas. It’s also offered in four washes, though the black colorway is particularly versatile and sleek and its tighter fit gives it the illusion of a high-end trouser.
Inseam: Not listed | Size: 00–40 | Colors: 4 | Material: Cotton, polyester, rayon, elastane
What to Keep in Mind
Silhouette: Of course, Every body type can rock any jean style. Traditionally, however, high- or mid-rise jeans offer round bellies a more comfortable fit. Additionally, jeans with ankle-length hemlines may help to elongate your form and can de-emphasize wider areas. “Opting for straight-leg or boot-cut jeans can also add an element of balance to the overall look, elongating the legs in a subtle, understated way,” Leitz says.
Stretch: While it’s nice if your denim has a little give, typically quality denim isn’t stretchy. “If I can stretch it in my hands and the denim changes appearance (looks whiter) — it’s a hard pass,” says Hamilton. But that doesn’t mean it should feel restrictive. She recommends squatting and sitting in denim to ensure it is non-restricting on the thighs, hips, and belly. If you prefer fabric with more give, though, Leitz suggests looking for a blend of cotton and elastane. “It’s a magical mix that offers the best of both worlds — the softness and breathability of cotton, combined with the slight stretch of elastane for an unparalleled ease of movement.”
Wash: Don’t shy away from experimenting with how different washes can enhance your natural shape. For instance, “Darker washes tend to offer a sleek, streamlined appearance, which can be extremely flattering,” says Leitz. “However, lighter washes have their own charm, especially when styled creatively with contrasting tops or footwear to draw the eye vertically, enhancing the illusion of height and creating a harmonious blend of comfort and style.”
Your Questions Answered
What kind of jeans are good for a round stomach?
Before picking out your jeans, make a mental checklist in your head. “The most important details to look for in jeans if you have a round tummy is the zipper length and the structure of the denim fabric,” advises Georgia-based stylist McKenzie Crouch. “Zipper length plays a big role in how your jeans fit and look."
For the best fit, your zipper should cover about three-quarters of the front of your jeans. “Shorter zippers can create bunching in the crotch area and give the appearance of camel toe,” explains Crouch. As for structure, try to look for fabrics that don’t contain a lot of stretch otherwise, it will draw attention to your tummy area.
Additionally, Leitz says “High-waisted pieces are the unsung heroes here, cinching at the smallest part of your waist and crafting an elongated silhouette.”
What are the best jeans for my body type?
Honestly, it all comes down to trial and error and your style goals. “If it’s physical comfort — I encourage folks to try on different rises and levels of stretch,” says Hamilton. She adds that,
“For instance, I have a long torso with tall, wide hips, so I prefer a higher rise to go over my hips so my denim stays in place; however many of my apple-shaped friends prefer mid-rise.”
Why Shop With Us
Irene Richardson is a fashion and beauty writer for InStyle. She tapped plus-size influencers Jamie Hamilton and Michaela Leitz for their recommendations on finding the best fit for jeans and included their expert product picks.
She also relied on previous research from Anneke Knot, a full-time fashion and beauty freelance writer, who interviewed Georgia-based stylist McKenzie Crouch and New York City-based celebrity stylist and author Susan Moses.
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Read the original article on InStyle.
