How Should Wide Leg Jeans Fit Around Waist and Hips? The Definitive Stylist's Guide

Wide leg jeans should sit comfortably at your natural waist without digging in, with enough room through the hips to create a smooth silhouette that doesn't pull or pucker—and yes, they're incredibly flattering for wider hips when fitted correctly. After fifteen years styling women of every shape and size, I can confidently say that wide leg jeans are one of the most universally flattering styles when you get the fit right.

The magic of wide leg jeans lies in their ability to balance proportions beautifully. They create an elongating vertical line whilst providing comfort and movement—but only if they fit properly around your waist and hips. Let me walk you through exactly how to achieve that perfect fit.

Getting the Waistband Right

The waistband is where most people go wrong with wide leg jeans. It should sit at your natural waist—that's the narrowest part of your torso, usually about an inch above your hipbones. The waistband should feel secure without being restrictive; you should be able to slide one finger comfortably underneath when fastened.

If you're experiencing any pulling, stretching, or that dreaded muffin-top effect, the waist is too small. Conversely, if there's gapping at the back or the waistband slides down when you move, you need to go down a size. The key is finding that Goldilocks zone where everything feels just right.

Hip Fit: The Foundation of Great Wide Legs

Around the hips, wide leg jeans should skim rather than cling. There should be enough ease through the hip area to create a smooth line without any pulling across the fabric. This is particularly crucial for those with wider hips—the jeans should glide over your curves rather than fight against them.

The sweet spot is having about 2-3 inches of ease around your fullest part. Any tighter and you'll get unflattering pulling lines; any looser and you'll lose the structured silhouette that makes wide legs so chic.

Why Wide Legs Are Perfect for Wider Hips

Here's the styling secret many don't know: wide leg jeans are absolutely brilliant for wider hips because they work with your natural proportions rather than against them. The relaxed fit through the hip transitions seamlessly into the wider leg opening, creating one fluid, elegant line.

Pro Tip: The key is ensuring the widest part of the jean leg is proportional to your hips. This creates visual balance and prevents the jeans from looking overwhelming or the hips from appearing wider than they are.

Rise Matters More Than You Think

For wider hips, I always recommend a mid to high rise. This positioning helps to define your waist and creates that coveted hourglass silhouette. Low-rise wide legs can make your torso appear shorter and your hips wider—not the effect we're after.

The Best Wide Leg Jeans by Budget

High Street Heroes (£30-80)

COS - Their wide leg jeans have the perfect amount of structure and come in brilliant washes. The fit through the hips is consistently excellent.

Arket - Sustainable options with a relaxed fit that works beautifully for curvier figures.

Whistles - Their barrel leg jeans are having a moment and offer great hip room with a flattering high waist.

Jigsaw - Often overlooked but their wide leg cuts are supremely well-designed for real women's bodies.

Premium Picks (£80-200)

Ganni - Danish brand with playful wide leg styles that are both comfortable and chic.

Wood Wood - This Copenhagen-based label creates wide legs with the perfect amount of edge.

Frame - Their Le Palazzo style is cut specifically to flatter curvier silhouettes.

Khaite - Investment pieces that will last for years with impeccable tailoring.

Luxury & Designer (£200+)

Totême - Swedish minimalism at its finest, with wide legs that feel architectural yet feminine.

Lemaire - French sophistication with generous fits that celebrate the female form.

Agolde - LA-based brand creating the most flattering wide leg silhouettes in luxury denim.

Mother - Their 'The Roller' style is cult-favourite for good reason—it fits like a dream through the hips.

Styling Tips for Perfect Proportions

When wearing wide leg jeans with wider hips, balance is everything. Tuck in your top or wear a fitted jumper to define your waist. Avoid oversized tops on the bottom half—they'll make you look shapeless rather than chic.

For footwear, a slight heel or platform adds length to your legs and prevents the jeans from overwhelming your frame. Think chunky trainers, block heel boots, or classic loafers.

Never Guess Your Size Again with Tellar.co.uk

Getting the perfect fit in wide leg jeans shouldn't be a guessing game. That's where Tellar.co.uk comes in—the UK's leading sizing tool that matches your body exactly to over 1500 brands instantly.

Here's how it 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 in-browser

Never look at a size guide again! Plus, there's the Tellar Fashion Hub—a library stacked with free posts from top stylists. Honest, unbiased, independent advice that's always free.

Essential reading from the Tellar Fashion Hub:

The Bottom Line

Wide leg jeans are not just a trend—they're a wardrobe staple that can flatter absolutely everyone when fitted correctly. For those with wider hips, they offer the perfect combination of comfort, style, and proportion. The key is getting that fit right around the waist and hips, and with tools like Tellar.co.uk, you'll never have to worry about sizing again.

Remember, the best jeans are the ones that make you feel confident and comfortable. Don't be afraid to try different rises and fits until you find your perfect pair. Wide legs are here to stay, and there's definitely a pair out there with your name on it.