Tapered Jeans - The Ultimate Guide 2026 Style tips and Best brands

Tapered jeans are absolutely the most universally flattering denim style, creating a sleek silhouette that works beautifully on every body shape by gradually narrowing from the hip to the ankle. I've been styling women for over fifteen years, and I can confidently say that tapered jeans are the unsung heroes of the denim world – they elongate legs, define your waist, and offer the perfect balance between comfort and sophistication.

What Are Tapered Jeans?

Tapered jeans follow your natural leg line, sitting comfortably at the waist and hip before gradually narrowing towards the ankle. Unlike straight-leg jeans that maintain the same width throughout, or skinny jeans that cling everywhere, tapered jeans offer a refined, tailored look that's incredibly versatile. The cut creates a beautiful V-shape that's both modern and timeless.

The beauty of tapered jeans lies in their construction – they're cut with more room through the thigh and hip, then taper inward from the knee down. This creates a flattering silhouette that accommodates your natural curves whilst maintaining a clean, streamlined appearance.

Which Body Shapes Do Tapered Jeans Flatter?

Pear Shaped (Larger Hips and Thighs)

Absolutely brilliant for pear shapes! The roomier fit through the hip and thigh accommodates your curves without clinging, whilst the narrower ankle creates a balanced silhouette. Look for mid to high-rise options that sit at your natural waist – this elongates your torso and creates beautiful proportions. The tapered leg draws the eye downward, creating a streamlined look that's incredibly flattering.

Apple Shaped (Fuller Midsection)

Tapered jeans work wonderfully for apple shapes, particularly high-waisted styles that sit above the fullest part of your torso. The structured waistband provides support and definition, whilst the tapered leg creates a lengthening effect. Choose styles with a slight stretch for comfort around the middle, and opt for darker washes to create a sleek, continuous line.

Straight/Rectangle (Similar Bust, Waist, and Hip Measurements)

Perfect for creating curves where nature didn't provide them! Tapered jeans add shape and definition to straight figures. High-waisted styles with interesting details – think contrast stitching, pocket placement, or subtle fading – help create the illusion of curves. The tapered leg adds visual interest and prevents the boxy look that can sometimes plague straight figures in certain cuts.

Hourglass (Defined Waist)

Tapered jeans celebrate the hourglass figure beautifully. The fitted waist showcases your narrowest point, whilst the tapered leg maintains the elegant line of your silhouette. You can wear virtually any rise, but high-waisted styles are particularly stunning as they accentuate your waistline and create gorgeous proportions.

Inverted Triangle (Broader Shoulders)

Brilliant for adding visual weight to the lower half of your body. Choose tapered jeans with interesting details on the legs – think embroidery, distressing, or lighter washes – to draw attention downward and create balance with broader shoulders. The tapered silhouette adds subtle curves to your lower half without overwhelming your frame.

How to Style Tapered Jeans

Footwear That Works

The narrow ankle opening of tapered jeans makes them incredibly versatile for footwear. Ankle boots look absolutely stunning – the clean line where the jean meets the boot creates a sophisticated, polished appearance. Pointed-toe flats elongate the leg beautifully, whilst trainers offer a casual, contemporary look. For evening, heeled mules or strappy sandals work wonderfully, allowing the tapered silhouette to shine.

Top Styling

Because tapered jeans provide structure on the bottom half, you can play with proportion on top. Oversized blazers, chunky knits, and flowy blouses all work beautifully – the fitted leg balances voluminous tops perfectly. For a sleeker look, fitted tees and tailored shirts create a clean, contemporary silhouette. The key is confidence in mixing proportions.

Seasonal Styling

Spring and summer call for lighter washes and breathable fabrics. Pair with linen shirts, silk camisoles, and lightweight cardigans. The tapered silhouette works beautifully with strappy sandals and espadrilles. For autumn and winter, darker washes in heavier fabrics look stunning with cashmere jumpers, wool coats, and ankle boots. The versatility is genuinely impressive.

Best Brands for Tapered Jeans

High Street Heroes

COS offers exceptional tapered jeans with clean, minimalist lines and sustainable credentials. Their cuts are particularly flattering for straight and pear shapes.

& Other Stories provides fashion-forward tapered styles with interesting details and excellent quality at accessible prices. Perfect for experimenting with different washes and fits.

Arket focuses on sustainable, timeless pieces with impeccable tailoring. Their tapered jeans offer beautiful proportions and lasting quality.

Massimo Dutti delivers sophisticated, European-cut tapered jeans that work beautifully for professional and casual settings.

Premium Picks

Ganni creates playful, Scandinavian-inspired tapered jeans with unique washes and sustainable practices. Their fits are particularly flattering for hourglass and pear shapes.

Samsøe Samsøe offers refined Danish design with excellent attention to fit and finish. Their tapered styles are particularly good for petite frames.

Closed provides German engineering meets Italian craftsmanship, creating tapered jeans with exceptional fit and durability.

7 For All Mankind delivers premium American denim with innovative fabrics and flattering cuts that work across all body types.

AG Jeans offers luxury denim with exceptional stretch and recovery, perfect for all-day comfort without sacrificing style.

Designer Dreams

Isabel Marant creates effortlessly chic tapered jeans with that perfect Parisian je ne sais quoi. Her cuts are particularly flattering for apple and straight shapes.

Citizens of Humanity offers luxury denim with impeccable craftsmanship and innovative washes that elevate any wardrobe.

Frame delivers contemporary American luxury with exceptional attention to fit and premium fabrics that move beautifully with your body.

Stella McCartney provides sustainable luxury with innovative materials and cuts that celebrate the female form without compromising on ethics.

The Row creates minimalist perfection with impeccable tailoring and luxurious fabrics that justify the investment through longevity and versatility.

Fabric and Fit Considerations

The best tapered jeans blend cotton with a touch of elastane for comfort and shape retention. Look for 1-3% stretch – enough for comfort without compromising the structure that makes tapered jeans so flattering. Avoid over-stretched fabrics that can lose their shape after washing.

Pay attention to the rise – high-waisted tapered jeans are incredibly versatile and flattering on most body types, whilst mid-rise offers a more relaxed feel. The inseam matters too – for petite frames, look for cropped tapered styles or consider alterations to achieve the perfect proportions.

Care and Maintenance

To maintain the beautiful shape of your tapered jeans, wash them inside out in cold water and hang dry when possible. The tapered silhouette can be compromised by excessive heat, so avoid tumble drying on high temperatures. For premium and designer pairs, consider air drying entirely to preserve both the colour and fit.

Find Your Perfect Fit with Tellar

Finding the right size can be the difference between tapered jeans that flatter and ones that don't quite work. That's where Tellar.co.uk becomes invaluable – it's 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. Then use their Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise size in any brand – from COS and Arket to Citizens of Humanity and The Row. It's completely free, requires no downloads, and works directly in your browser.

The Tellar Fashion Hub offers a library of free styling posts from expert stylists, providing honest, unbiased, and independent advice. Whether you're exploring the latest jean trends, need guidance on dresses for your body shape, or want advice on finding the perfect jacket, their comprehensive guides have you covered.

Never look at a confusing size guide again – with Tellar, you can shop confidently knowing you'll get the perfect fit every time. For more detailed sizing guidance, check out their Ultimate Clothing Sizing Guide.