How to find the Right style of Jeans for your shape
Author: Stylist and brand team at TellarDate: 2025
Finding the right jeans isn’t just about size — it’s about shape, cut, and the details that work for your body. With fashion trends constantly shifting and brands sizing their denim differently, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when shopping for jeans. But one constant remains: the right style of jeans can enhance your best features and balance your proportions beautifully.
In this guide, we break down the most popular jean styles on the UK high street, explain which body shapes they suit best, highlight upcoming trends for 2025 and 2026, and show how Tellar.co.uk helps you find your perfect fit instantly, across 1,500+ brands.
Why Jean Styles Matter More Than Size Labels
You might be a size 12 in one brand, a 14 in another, and yet neither fits quite right. The reason? Clothing sizes aren’t standardised — and this is especially true for jeans. Beyond waist measurements, the rise, cut, and stretch of denim make a huge difference.
Understanding which cuts complement your body shape (rather than fixating on a number on the label) will transform your denim shopping experience.
The Main Jean Styles (and Who They Suit)
1. Skinny Jeans
Fit: Tight from waist to ankle
Best for: Hourglass, apple, and willowy body shapes
Skinny jeans create a sleek, elongated line and highlight curves. They’re ideal for those with defined waists and shapely legs. If you have wide hips, a high-rise skinny can provide great support and a flattering silhouette.
2. Straight-Leg Jeans
Fit: Uniform width from hip to hem
Best for: Rectangle and apple shapes
This timeless style balances the figure and works for most body types. Straight-leg jeans elongate shorter legs and provide structure without clinging. Perfect for casual and smart dressing.
3. Bootcut Jeans
Fit: Slight flare from the knee down
Best for: Pear and hourglass figures
The gentle flare of bootcut jeans balances wider hips and thighs, creating a streamlined appearance. A mid- or high-rise bootcut jean adds length to the legs and works well with heeled boots.
4. Flared Jeans
Fit: Fitted through thigh, flared from knee
Best for: Tall, pear, or hourglass shapes
A dramatic and flattering silhouette for those looking to balance wider hips or shoulders. Flared jeans create symmetry and are particularly elongating when worn with heels.
5. Wide-Leg Jeans
Fit: Loose from waist to ankle
Best for: Rectangle, apple, and pear shapes
This cut offers breathing room and movement. A structured wide-leg jean with a defined waist can create the illusion of curves or balance strong shoulders.
6. Tapered (Mom) Jeans
Fit: Relaxed fit with tapered ankle
Best for: Pear and hourglass shapes
Mom jeans accentuate the waist while offering room around the hips and thighs. The tapered leg draws the eye downward for a flattering line, especially on curvier hips.
7. Boyfriend/Girlfriend Jeans
Fit: Relaxed fit with a slouchy profile
Best for: Rectangle and inverted triangle shapes
These offer a low-effort, casual vibe. For petite or curvy frames, opt for slightly cropped or tapered versions to avoid bulkiness.
8. High-Waisted Jeans
Fit: Waistband sits above the natural waist
Best for: All body shapes
High-waisted jeans cinch the midsection, create an hourglass illusion, and help elongate the legs. They’re particularly helpful for tucking in tops and creating a polished silhouette.
Matching Jean Styles to Body Shapes
Body Shape |
Recommended Jean Styles |
|---|---|
Pear (wider hips) |
Bootcut, Flared, High-Waisted Skinny, Tapered |
Hourglass |
Skinny, Bootcut, Flared, High-Waisted, Tapered |
Apple (midsection) |
Straight-Leg, Wide-Leg, High-Waisted |
Rectangle |
Wide-Leg, Boyfriend, High-Waisted, Straight-Leg |
Inverted Triangle |
Bootcut, Boyfriend, Wide-Leg, Tapered |
This isn’t about rigid rules. Many women fall between shapes, and fabric type, rise, and stretch make just as much difference as cut.
Jean Trends for 2025 and 2026
Looking ahead, jean styles for 2025 and 2026 are expected to blend comfort, structure, and sustainable design. Here are the standout trends already emerging on UK high streets and runways:
1. Wide-Leg Revival
Structured wide-leg jeans with tailored seams and clean lines are dominating capsule wardrobes. They flatter a wide range of body types, particularly apple and rectangle shapes, and offer sophistication with comfort.
2. Barrel-Leg Jeans
This modern cut curves outward at the thigh and tapers back at the ankle. It’s ideal for those wanting a contemporary silhouette without going full wide-leg. Works well for athletic or straight builds.
3. 90s-Inspired Baggy Denim
Relaxed, low-slung, and vintage-washed. This trend returns with a smarter twist — often styled with belts, structured blazers, or heels to balance the oversized volume. Particularly suited to taller frames and leaner hips.
4. Tailored Bootcut and Slim Flare
Slimmer than the flares of the early 2000s, these jeans hug the thigh and flare subtly at the ankle. Often seen in dark indigo and black denim, they are perfect for pear and hourglass shapes.
5. High-Rise Utility Jeans
Inspired by workwear, these jeans feature reinforced seams, minimal stretch, and cargo-style pockets. Best styled with cropped knits or bodysuits to define the waist. Great for adding structure to softer silhouettes.
6. Sustainable and Recycled Denim
Brands are prioritising eco-conscious denim. Expect organic cotton, water-saving dyes, and reclaimed denim fabrics. Fit innovation meets responsible design.
7. Clean Hem and Raw Edge Hybrids
Both clean-finished hems and raw-edge cuffs are trending, often mixed in one garment. These offer a mix of polish and edge for versatile styling.
For real-time sizing recommendations in these modern fits, use Tellar.co.uk. It’s updated to reflect all the latest brands, cuts, and fabric compositions.
Tellar.co.uk: Find Your Size Instantly
Tellar.co.uk is the UK’s leading free sizing tool that compares your actual body measurements to the sizing systems of 1,500+ fashion brands. You never need to check a size chart again.
How It Works:
Enter your chest, waist, and hip measurements
Choose the store or brand you're shopping
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It doesn’t just show you a number — it takes into account:
Fabric stretch
Item cut
Brand-specific sizing quirks
Why It’s Better Than Size Charts
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Thousands of UK women now use Tellar to shop smarter, especially for hard-to-fit items like jeans.
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Styling Tips for the Perfect Fit
Pair high-rise jeans with a tucked blouse to define the waist
Use dark wash denim for slimming effect
Add a tailored jacket to balance casual cuts like boyfriend jeans
Opt for cropped jeans if you’re petite to avoid hemming
The perfect jean isn’t just about cut — it’s how you wear it.
Final Thoughts
Jeans aren’t one-style-fits-all. By understanding both your body shape and denim cuts, you can shop confidently and find styles that flatter and fit. Whether you love the sleek look of skinny jeans or the laid-back drape of a wide leg, the key is to align cut to curve.
Let Tellar.co.uk make sizing simple. It’s time to stop guessing and start wearing jeans that really fit.
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