Best Jeans Rise for Pear Shape Figures - The Ultimate Guide

Mid to high-rise jeans are absolutely the most flattering choice for pear-shaped figures, creating perfect balance by emphasising your waist whilst smoothing over fuller hips and thighs. After styling hundreds of pear-shaped clients, I can confidently say the right rise transforms not just how your jeans fit, but how confident you feel wearing them.

As someone who's spent over a decade perfecting the art of denim fitting, I've seen countless women struggle with jeans that gap at the waist, dig into their hips, or create unflattering silhouettes. The truth is, when you have a pear shape—where your hips are wider than your shoulders—the rise of your jeans becomes your secret weapon for creating that coveted hourglass silhouette.

Understanding Rise and Your Pear Shape

The rise refers to the measurement from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband. For pear shapes, this measurement is crucial because it determines where the jeans sit on your torso and how they interact with your natural proportions.

Low-rise jeans (7-8 inches) are your nemesis. They sit below your natural waist, often creating a muffin-top effect and emphasising the widest part of your hips whilst shortening your torso. I've never met a pear-shaped woman who looked her best in low-rise denim.

Mid-rise jeans (8-10 inches) hit just below your natural waist and are perfect for everyday wear. They provide excellent coverage without being too conservative, creating a streamlined silhouette that's both comfortable and flattering.

High-rise jeans (10+ inches) are absolute magic for pear shapes. They cinch at your smallest point—your natural waist—creating an instant hourglass effect whilst providing excellent coverage and support for your midsection.

Why Mid to High-Rise Works Best

The science behind this recommendation is simple: by sitting at or above your natural waist, mid to high-rise jeans create a vertical line that elongates your legs whilst defining your waist. This positioning also provides better coverage for your bottom and hips, preventing any uncomfortable gaping or pulling.

I always tell my clients that the right rise should feel like a gentle hug around your waist, not a restriction. You should be able to sit, bend, and move comfortably without the waistband digging in or creating unsightly bulges.

Styling Tips from the Trenches

Tuck strategically: With mid to high-rise jeans, try a half-tuck with your tops to emphasise your waist even further. A simple white shirt tucked just at the front creates an effortlessly chic look.

Belt it up: Add a slim belt in a complementary colour to accentuate your waist. Avoid thick belts which can overwhelm your proportions.

Mind the fit: Your jeans should skim your hips and thighs without being too tight or too loose. The fabric should follow your body's natural curves without creating unsightly bunching or straining.

Consider the wash: Darker washes are universally slimming, whilst lighter washes can add volume. For pear shapes, I recommend darker washes on the bottom with lighter tops to balance proportions.

The Best Cuts for Pear Shapes

Straight-leg jeans create a clean, unbroken line from hip to ankle, balancing wider hips beautifully. They're particularly flattering in a mid to high-rise cut.

Bootcut jeans add subtle width at the ankle, creating better proportion with fuller hips. The slight flare counterbalances your lower half perfectly.

Wide-leg jeans might seem counterintuitive, but when worn in a high-rise fit, they create a dramatic, elegant silhouette that's incredibly flattering on pear shapes.

Avoid skinny jeans that cling to every curve—they can emphasise the widest part of your hips and create an unbalanced look.

Brand Recommendations by Budget

High Street Heroes

COS: Their high-waisted straight jeans are architectural and modern, perfect for the contemporary pear shape. The clean lines and structured fit create an incredibly polished look.

& Other Stories: Excellent high-rise options with European sizing that tends to be more accommodating for pear shapes. Their vintage-inspired cuts are particularly flattering.

Arket: Sustainable denim with thoughtful construction. Their high-waisted wide-leg styles are absolute perfection for pear shapes.

Weekday: This Scandinavian brand offers excellent high-rise options with contemporary cuts that work beautifully for younger pear-shaped figures.

Premium Picks

Ganni: This Danish brand creates the most flattering high-waisted jeans with subtle vintage touches. Their sizing runs generous, which pear shapes often appreciate.

Agolde: Cult favourite for good reason—their high-rise cuts are specifically designed to flatter curvier figures. The vintage-inspired fits are particularly stunning.

Mother Denim: Playful yet sophisticated, their high-rise cuts with cheeky names ('The Hustler', 'The Tripper') deliver serious style credentials.

Reformation: Sustainable luxury with cuts specifically designed for real women's bodies. Their high-rise styles are consistently flattering for pear shapes.

Luxury Investment Pieces

Totême: Swedish minimalism at its finest. Their high-waisted straight jeans are investment pieces that will never date.

The Frankie Shop: Parisian cool-girl vibes with perfectly proportioned high-rise cuts. These jeans photograph beautifully and wear even better.

Lemaire: Architectural French design with an emphasis on proportion and fit. Their wide-leg high-rise styles are works of art.

Khaite: American luxury with 70s-inspired cuts that celebrate curves. Their high-rise flares are particularly stunning on pear shapes.

The Fitting Room Test

When trying on jeans, always do my three-point check: sit down, bend forward, and raise your arms. The waistband shouldn't gap, dig, or shift uncomfortably. The rise should feel supportive without being restrictive.

Remember, the perfect pair of jeans should make you stand taller and feel more confident. If you're constantly adjusting or feeling self-conscious, they're not the right pair for you.

Never Guess Your Size Again with Tellar

Finding your perfect jeans size across different brands used to be a nightmare, but tellar.co.uk has revolutionised the sizing game. As the UK's leading sizing tool, Tellar matches your body exactly to over 1,500 brands instantly—meaning you'll never need to squint at another confusing size guide again!

How Tellar Works:

1. Measure once using your bust, waist, and hip measurements, or input your size from a brand you already know fits well.

2. Use their tellar.co.uk

tellar.co.uk

Ultimate Guide to Jackets & Best Buys

Final Thoughts

Remember, the best jeans are the ones that make you feel absolutely fantastic. Mid to high-rise cuts are your secret weapon for creating that perfect hourglass silhouette, but confidence is your best accessory. With the right rise, cut, and fit—and tools like Tellar to take the guesswork out of sizing—you'll never settle for ill-fitting jeans again.

Invest in quality denim that celebrates your beautiful pear-shaped figure. Your future self (and your wardrobe) will thank you.