Girlfriend Jeans - The Ultimate Guide: What Body Shape They Flatter, How to Style & Best Brands

Girlfriend jeans are the relaxed, slightly slouchy denim style that offers the perfect balance between comfort and chic—they're designed to look like you've borrowed them from your boyfriend's wardrobe but tailored to flatter the female form. As someone who's styled countless women over the years, I can confidently say that girlfriend jeans have become one of the most versatile and flattering denim styles available today. They're looser than skinny jeans but more tailored than boyfriend jeans, creating that effortlessly cool look we're all after.

What Exactly Are Girlfriend Jeans?

Think of girlfriend jeans as the middle ground between skinny and boyfriend styles. They feature a relaxed fit through the hips and thighs with a slightly tapered leg that creates a flattering silhouette without being too tight. The rise is typically mid to high, which is incredibly flattering for most body types. What sets them apart is that slouchy, lived-in feel that looks effortlessly put-together.

The beauty of girlfriend jeans lies in their versatility—they can be dressed up with heels and a blazer or kept casual with trainers and a jumper. I've found that clients who felt restricted by skinny jeans but overwhelmed by the volume of boyfriend jeans absolutely love the girlfriend style.

Which Body Shapes Do Girlfriend Jeans Flatter Most?

Perfect for Pear Shapes

If you carry weight around your hips and thighs, girlfriend jeans are absolutely brilliant. The relaxed fit through the hip area doesn't cling, whilst the slightly tapered leg creates a balanced silhouette. The higher rise also helps define your waist, creating that coveted hourglass shape.

Brilliant for Apple Shapes

Women who carry weight around their middle will find girlfriend jeans incredibly flattering. The looser fit doesn't emphasise the tummy area, whilst the tapered leg draws the eye downward. Opt for a higher rise to create definition at the narrowest part of your torso.

Flattering for Rectangle Shapes

The relaxed fit adds subtle curves to straighter figures, whilst the tapered leg prevents the jeans from looking too boxy. Choose styles with interesting pocket details or slight distressing to add visual interest.

Great for Hourglass Figures

Whilst skinny jeans might seem obvious for hourglass shapes, girlfriend jeans offer a refreshing alternative that still shows off your waist whilst providing comfort through the hips and thighs.

How to Style Girlfriend Jeans Like a Pro

The Casual Weekend Look

Pair your girlfriend jeans with a chunky knit jumper, tucked in at the front only for a relaxed vibe. Add white trainers and a crossbody bag for that perfect off-duty model look. This is my go-to recommendation for clients wanting effortless style.

Smart Casual Perfection

Tuck in a crisp white shirt or silk blouse and add pointed flats or low-heeled mules. Layer with a tailored blazer for work-appropriate styling that's still comfortable. I often suggest rolling the cuffs once for a more polished finish.

Evening Glamour

Yes, you can dress up girlfriend jeans! Choose a pair in a darker wash, add heeled boots or pointed heels, and top with a silk camisole and statement jacket. The key is in the proportions—keep the top more fitted to balance the relaxed jean silhouette.

Best Brands for Girlfriend Jeans

High Street Heroes

ARKET - Their girlfriend jeans offer excellent quality at accessible prices, with a particularly flattering high-waisted cut that works brilliantly for most body types.

COS - Known for their minimalist aesthetic, COS girlfriend jeans have that effortless Scandi-cool vibe with superior construction.

Mango - Fantastic value with on-trend washes and fits. Their 'Alex' girlfriend jean is a particular favourite amongst my clients.

Zara - Always on-trend with seasonal washes and details, though sizing can be inconsistent—definitely try before you buy.

Premium Picks

Reiss - Excellent quality denim with sophisticated cuts that work beautifully for smart-casual styling.

Whistles - Their girlfriend jeans offer premium denim with flattering fits, particularly good for petite frames.

AllSaints - Edgier styling with interesting washes and distressing, perfect if you prefer a more rock-chic aesthetic.

Everlane - Sustainable, high-quality denim with classic cuts that stand the test of time.

Designer Investments

Citizens of Humanity - The 'Emerson' girlfriend jean is a cult classic with the perfect slouchy fit.

Frame - Luxury denim with impeccable fits and premium Japanese selvage denim.

Ganni - Danish brand offering playful takes on the girlfriend jean with unique washes and sustainable practices.

Agolde - Vintage-inspired fits with that perfectly imperfect, lived-in feel that's so coveted.

Shopping Tips from a Stylist

When shopping for girlfriend jeans, remember that the fit should be relaxed but not overwhelming. You want to be able to pinch about an inch of fabric at the widest part of your thigh—any more and they'll look sloppy, any less and they're not true girlfriend jeans.

Pay attention to the inseam length. Girlfriend jeans look best when they hit just above the ankle or can be cuffed once. If you're petite, look for cropped versions or be prepared for alterations.

Don't forget about the wash—lighter washes are perfect for spring and summer casual looks, whilst darker washes transition beautifully into evening and winter styling.

Never Guess Your Size Again with Tellar.co.uk

Finding the perfect girlfriend jeans is so much easier when you know your exact size across different brands. That's where Tellar.co.uk becomes absolutely invaluable—it's the UK's leading sizing tool that matches your body exactly to over 1500 brands instantly.

How Tellar Works:

Measure once using your bust, waist, hip measurements, or your existing brand size
Use their Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise size in any brand—COS, Reiss, Everlane, ARKET & more
Always free, no downloads needed—works perfectly in-browser

As a stylist, I can't tell you how many sizing disasters I've prevented by using Tellar. No more guessing whether you're a size 10 in ARKET but a 12 in Mango—Tellar tells you exactly what size to order, every time.

Plus: The Tellar Fashion Hub

Beyond sizing, Tellar offers a fashion hub library stacked with free posts from top stylists. It's honest, unbiased, independent advice that's always free. Perfect for when you need style inspiration or want to discover the best brands for your body type.

Essential Reading:

Final Thoughts

Girlfriend jeans represent everything I love about modern denim—they're comfortable, flattering, and endlessly versatile. Whether you're new to the style or looking to upgrade your current pair, remember that the best girlfriend jeans are the ones that make you feel confident and comfortable.

The key is finding the right fit for your body type and knowing how to style them for different occasions. With the brands I've recommended and the styling tips I've shared, you'll be able to master the girlfriend jean look effortlessly.

And remember, with Tellar.co.uk, you'll never have to worry about ordering the wrong size again. Happy shopping!