The 14 Best Jeans for Thick Thighs of 2023 That Are Comfortable and Flattering
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The struggle with jeans is real — but these pairs are stretchy, well-made, and available in a wide range of sizes.
InStyle / Alli Waataja
No two women were created the same, so it should come as no surprise that, for many, shopping for denim is often a difficult process. And for those of us with a curvy frame, navigating the various size charts, styles, and waistlines between brands can become exhausting and downright demoralizing.
We've had plenty of experiences where we've tried on styles that were meant to fit us in the waist, only to realize they won't pull up above our legs. Or, alternatively, they do fit our legs, but there's a huge gap when it's time to zip and snap. The whole thing has left us wondering if we’ll ever find a pair that actually fit and make us feel comfortable and confident.
But these days, the list of fashion brands that are embracing more inclusive sizing and fits for bodies of all shapes and sizes is skyrocketing. With more options to choose from than ever, these are the best jeans across a variety of washes, rises, and fits that you’ll never want to take off.
Related:The 9 Best Jeans for Wide Hips That Are Comfortable and Accentuate Your Curves
Best Overall: Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love Ultra High Rise Ankle Straight Jean
What We Love: These universally flattering jeans come in an extensive size range and have a gap-free waistband.
What We Don’t Love: They aren’t super stretchy, but that doesn’t stop us from buying them.
We really didn’t believe that the perfect pair of pants existed until we found these High Rise Straight Jeans from Abercrombie’s Curve Love line. The hip-hugging fit hits right at the waist to accentuate your figure in all the right places, while the straight-legged style drapes down the leg for a loose (but not too loose) silhouette.
The Curve Love line has those of us with thicker thighs covered — these jeans are constructed with an additional two inches through the hip and thigh to eliminate unwanted gaps around the waist. The ultra-flattering fit comes in five different inseams including extra short, short, regular, long, and extra long, to accommodate heights from petite to extra tall. Plus, it comes in 10 different washes, including black and white, as well as styles with distressed details.
Price at time of publish: $90
Size Range: 23—37 | Rise: Extra high | Material: Cotton, elastane
Best Budget: H&M Slim Mom High Ankle Jeans
What We Love: They fit so well, you’d never know they’re not designer.
What We Don’t Love: It’s not made with a stretchy fabric.
For a budget-friendly pair of pants, we’re adding these mom jeans from H&M to our carts. The silhouette is relaxed, but still fitted, making it quite flattering for curvy legs. And at this price point, we’d be crazy to only buy just one pair. The high-waisted style is ideal for everyday wear and the pants fall just at the ankle, so you can pair it with any type of shoe, depending on the occasion. The pants also feature five functional pockets and come in four different washes.
Price at time of publish: $25
Size Range: 0—20 | Rise: Extra high | Material: Cotton, spandex
Best Splurge: Mother Denim Private Zip Pocket Ankle Jeans
What We Love: This unique pair of jeans has the ability to upgrade any basic outfit.
What We Don’t Love: They only come in one color.
Mother Denim makes high quality jeans that are sure to last for seasons to come. So if you’re in the market to shell out for a unique style that will retain its color and shape, we love these Private Zip Pocket Ankle Jeans. Designed with a cargo pant-esque pocket structure, a straight, yet relaxed, fit, and the brand’s signature superior denim, these jeans immediately elevate any ensemble for an off-duty model vibe. The waistband also has a significant amount of stretch, so minimal effort is needed to put these on.
While they are on the pricier side, we adore the eccentric detailing that makes these anything-but-basic jeans worth it.
Price at time of publish $315
Size Range: 23—34 | Rise: High | Material: Cotton, elastane
Related:The 9 Best Jeans for Wide Hips That Are Comfortable and Accentuate Your Curves
Best Baggy: Levi's Premium Baggy Dad Women’s Jeans (Plus Size)
What We Love: This style is simultaneously slouchy and flattering.
What We Don’t Love: They run slightly big, so you may want to size down.
The overly baggy style has become a celebrity staple as of late, and Levi’s Baggy Dad Jeans make it easy to hop on the streetwear trend.
This style provides a flattering silhouette by gently hugging the butt and hip area, while letting the oversized and slouchy fit start at the thighs, going all the way down to the calves. As someone with thicker thighs, I personally love the way these jeans hang nicely on the leg and this pair is my go-to for everyday wear (I think I might even sport them too often). They even come in three different lengths and eight classic colors.
Price at time of publish: $108
Size Range: 23—34 | Rise: Mid | Material: Cotton, tencel
Best Skinny: Levi’s 311 Shaping Skinny Women’s Jeans
What We Love: They are made with high-stretch materials for a totally flexible fit.
What We Don’t Love: Some washes have more inseam length options than others.
Contrary to what Gen Z says, the skinny jean style isn’t dead yet, and our denim experts wholeheartedly agree. Chelsea Volpe, a New York City-based stylist is a proponent of “high waisted, hip-hugging skinny jeans with the perfect amount of stretch” for anyone with curvier thighs.
“A skinny jean style can do a great job at flattering the legs,” concurs Christine Rucci, a denim expert with nearly 40 years in the business. “A higher content of stretch materials, like Levi’s 311s, will also provide more flexibility in this style.”
With multiple inseam designs, stretch-friendly fibers, and a flattering high-waisted fit, Levis checks all the boxes for a great pair of skinny jeans. The high-waisted 311 style is available in four different length options and nine washes, so you’re bound to find a pair that hugs your legs and hits your ankle exactly where you want it to, while also matching anything in your wardrobe.
Price at time of publish: $70
Size Range: 24—34 | Rise: High | Material: Cotton, polyester, recycled cotton, spandex
Related:The 18 Best High Waisted Jeans of 2023
Best Relaxed Fit: Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love High Rise '90s Relaxed Jean
What We Love: This curve-friendly jean is one of the most versatile options on this list, and can be dressed up or down for any occasion.
What We Don’t Love: These jeans don’t have a lot of give.
Our favorite pair of relaxed jeans comes from the same Curve Love line as our best overall pick. These Abercrombie Relaxed Curve Love jeans are designed in a high-rise style to elongate the legs, but it's the loose vintage feel we love the most. This pair is truly a goes-with-anything wardrobe staple.
The loose-legged fit comes in 11 different colorways, including options with unique detailing, like leather trimming, asymmetrical waistbands, and distressed hems. Plus, Abercrombie’s inclusive size range is a major perk.
Price at time of publish: $72
Size Range: 23—37 | Rise: High | Material: Cotton, elastane
Best Cropped: Universal Thread Women’s Bootcut Jeans
What We Love: The high-stretch fibers make these jeans super easy to get on, and they come in extended sizing.
What We Don’t Love: We wish there were more washes.
Sometimes cropped jeans can be unfavorable for those with thicker thighs, as they tend to make the legs look shorter (and wider). However, this pair from Universal Thread is nothing but totally complimentary.
The high waistline works to lengthen the look of the legs, while the flexible fabric makeup delivers a comfortable fit. The pants are designed with a significant percentage of stretch materials, including lyocell and elastane, eliminating the need to perform an extensive squat routine that a rigid pair of jeans often requires (we’ve all been through it).
Price at time of publish: $32
Size Range: 00—24 | Rise: High | Material: Cotton, lyocell, elastane
Best Straight-Leg: Djerf Avenue Straight Jeans
What We Love: These jeans are universally flattering and can be styled in a ton of different ways.
What We Don’t Love: The waist runs a bit small, so size up if you want more of a loose-fitted style.
If you’re looking for a new pair of straight-leg jeans, it’s time to make room for these stunners from Djerf Avenue in your closet. The straight jeans are designed with a high-waisted rise and relaxed fit around the calves, which are the ideal ingredients when constructing a pair of pants that will accentuate the legs.
Mickey Freeman, a professional stylist, recommends straight jeans for anyone with curvier thighs. He explains that the straight leg style “evens out the proportions of the leg, creating a more svelte physique.”
These will quickly become your favorite pair of everyday jeans, you know the type you can go several wears without washing (we’re all guilty of it).
Price at time of publish: $134
Size Range: 24—33 | Rise: High | Material: Organic cotton, elastane
Best Wide-Leg: Madewell Perfect Vintage Wide Leg Jean
What We Love: These wide-leg jeans have a unique waistline with intricate detailing.
What We Don’t Love: The sizing is slightly inconsistent, so be sure to try them on before you buy.
Our favorite pair of wide-leg pants for thicker thighs comes from one of Freeman’s go-to denim brands, Madewell. He loves that the retailer “has a broad range of jeans tailored to curvier women that are well-constructed with quality denim.”
Their wide-leg style is designed in an effortless fit that gently drapes down the leg without squeezing the thighs. We suggest throwing them on with a fitted top to balance the silhouette and to display the double-button detailing and unique stitching along the waistline.
Price at time of publish: $148
Size Range: 23—33 | Rise: High | Material: Cotton non-stretch denim
Related:The 11 Best Jeans of 2023 for Tall Women That Fit As Good As They Feel
Best High Rise: Everlane The Curvy Way High Jean
What We Love: They’re made with high-quality and sustainably sourced denim.
What We Don’t Love: These jeans aren’t available in an extra long length.
A high-waisted fit is always a top choice when it comes to jeans, and it’s also a favorite style from our experts. “I would say the majority of jeans I own are high-waisted,” says model Remi Bader.
To find a new pair of jeans, Volpe favors Everlane. “This brand offers ethically made jeans,” Bader explains. “And Everlane jeans will also stand the test of time without breaking the bank.”
Everlane’s The Way High Jean is an ultra high-waisted style that elongates the legs, creating the illusion of sky-high limbs. They’re available in seven different washes and three inseam height options. The organic cotton coupled with a slightly stretchy denim means that you can look as good as you feel about purchasing this sustainably sourced item.
Price at time of publish: $98
Size Range: 23—35 | Rise: Extra high | Material: Organic cotton, elastane
Best Mid Rise: Old Navy Mid-Rise Wow Boot-Cut Jeans
What We Love: These mid rise jeans have a lot of stretch, making them ridiculously comfortable to wear.
What We Don’t Love: The tall and petite sizes are frequently sold out.
For a mid rise moment, we are turning to Old Navy’s Wow Boot Cut jeans. The brand is another favorite of Volpe’s, who loves their “relatively diverse size range." She adds that the “price point is right for the curvy customer.”
This budget-friendly pair begins right under the belly button, hugging the waist and hips in all the right places. They are constructed with 30 percent polyester, which gives the fabric a generous amount of stretch. You can choose from the short, regular, and long inseam options to ensure they are well-matched to your height as well as your thighs.
Price at time of publish $35
Size Range: 23—37 | Rise: Mid | Material: Cotton, polyester, recycled cotton, spandex
Best Low-Rise: Cotton:On Low Rise Straight Jean
What We Love: These straight jeans offer the perfect relaxed fit.
What We Don’t Love: Some washes have a limited size range.
For lovers of the low-rise, we can’t keep our eyes off of this pair of straight jeans from Cotton:On. These pants are designed in a relaxed fit, with loose legs, low-slung waistline, and rigid denim makeup. With a slouchy-straight style, these jeans provide a fresh and timeless look.
Apart from the classic blue denim, they come in a range of unique designs, including a striking red hue, asymmetrical patchwork, and distressed knees.
Price at time of publish: $60
Size Range: 0—20 | Rise: Low | Material: Cotton
Best Distressed: Good American Good ‘90s Jeans
What We Love: These distressed jeans have a relaxed fit, inclusive size range and laidback look.
What We Don’t Love: They are frequently sold out.
“To be honest all of my favorite jeans right now are from Good American,” says Bader, who adds that these distressed Good ‘90s jeans are one of her top picks from the brand. “The straight leg on these keeps them oversized, yet not TOO oversized.”
Available in sizes 00-30, these throwback-style jeans are a wardrobe must. Dress them up or dress them down — it looks great either way.
Price at time of publish: $155
Size Range: 00—30 | Rise: High | Material: Cotton, lyocell
Best Flare: Spanx Flare Jeans
What We Love: These flare jeans are made with hidden core shaping technology, so you’ll look sculpted, while still feeling comfortable.
What We Don’t Love: They run a bit long.
Spanx is a go-to for all things shapewear, but they also make some of the most flattering pairs of pants. These jeans are constructed with Spanx’s signature 4-way stretch denim, a leg-lengthening flare, and a pull-on design for optimal comfort that moves and stretches with the body. These flexible features make for a great pair of flares that are sure to flatter your body and boost your confidence.
Price at time of publish: $148
Size Range: XS—3X | Rise: High | Material: Cotton, polyester, lycra elastane
What to Keep in Mind
Rise
Where you want a pair of jeans to land on your body is a completely subjective preference, but a pair of jeans with a high-waisted rise “will shrink the waist and even out proportions,” says Freeman. For a high-waisted fit, we love Everlane’s Curvy Way High Jeans or Abercrombie & Fitch's Curve Love Relaxed Jean. For those who prefer mid or low-rise jeans, you can’t go wrong with Old Navy’s Wow Boot Cut Jeans or Cotton:On's Low Rise Straight Jean.
Material
“The most important element that a curvier woman should look for in a pair of jeans is that they are significantly comprised of a material that stretches,” says Freeman. “Doing so has not only functional, but aesthetic benefits as well, optimizing movement and cinching to create a more streamlined silhouette.”
The most common stretch-friendly fibers to look out for include polyester, elastane, and lyocell. You’ll find a few pairs made from those materials on our list, including Spanx’s Flare Jeans and Levi’s 311 Shaping Skinny Women’s Jeans, which both feature high-stretch content fibers for supreme comfort.
Your Questions, Answered
What are the best styles of jeans for thicker thighs?
Since everyone’s taste and body types are different, there is not one universal style of jeans that are “the best.” However, our experts suggest looking for elements that will flatter your individual frame. “I would opt for straight or flared-leg jeans,” says Freeman. He believes these styles are great for complimenting and elongating legs.
Rucci is also a proponent of “slim straight and wide-leg styles to flatter thicker thighs.” She also believes that “lighter washes look better in looser fits, darker looks better in tighter fits.”
What are the best brands of jeans for thicker thighs?
Brands with a more inclusive size range will definitely have better options for those of us with curvier frames. Some of our favorite brands include Good American, Abercrombie & Fitch, Madewell, and Spanx, thanks to their extensive sizing and styles that flatter every shape and size.
Why Shop With Us
Jasmine Hyman is a commerce producer for Dotdash Meredith’s beauty and travel publications. She graduated from Columbia University’s Journalism School with an MS in Journalism and writes for publications including InStyle, People, Byrdie, and more. To find the best jeans for thick thighs, Jasmine spent hours researching and trying out different brands and styles. She also consulted curve model Remi Bader, professional stylists Mickey Freeman and Chelsea Volpe, and denim expert Christine Rucci for their insight and suggestions.
Related:The 10 Best Curve-Loving Jeans for Round Tummies
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