What Jeans Style is Best for Hourglass Figures?

If you've got an hourglass figure, you've won the genetic lottery – your bust and hips are roughly the same measurement with a defined waist. The trick is finding jeans that celebrate these proportions rather than hiding them. After fifteen years styling women of all shapes, I've learned that the right pair of jeans can make you feel absolutely unstoppable.

Why High-Waisted is Your Best Friend

High-waisted jeans are genuinely transformative for hourglass figures. They sit at your natural waist – the narrowest part of your torso – creating that perfect nipped-in effect. I always tell my clients to think of high-waisted jeans as a modern corset; they're doing all the work of defining your silhouette.

The key is ensuring they're not too tight around your hips. You want a smooth line from waist to hip without any pulling or gaping. If you're getting that dreaded hip grab, size up and consider alterations at the waist if needed.

Styles That Work Brilliantly

Straight-Leg Jeans

Straight-leg jeans are absolutely divine on hourglass figures. They follow your natural hip line before falling straight down, creating a sleek, elongated silhouette. I particularly love them in a mid-to-high rise with a bit of stretch for comfort.

Bootcut Jeans

Don't sleep on bootcut jeans! They balance your proportions beautifully by echoing the curve of your hips with a gentle flare from the knee down. They're especially flattering if you're shorter through the torso, as they create length.

Skinny Jeans (Done Right)

When skinny jeans fit properly, they're like a second skin that shows off your curves without being restrictive. The trick is finding ones with excellent recovery – jeans that bounce back to their original shape after wearing.

Styles to Approach with Caution

Whilst I'm not one to ban any style completely, there are certain cuts that don't naturally flatter hourglass figures. Low-rise jeans can make your torso look longer and your legs shorter – not ideal when you want to show off that gorgeous waist. Wide-leg jeans can work but need careful styling to avoid overwhelming your frame.

My Top Brand Recommendations

High Street Heroes

• & Other Stories – Their high-waisted straight jeans are consistently excellent, and the sizing runs true to form
• Cos – Minimalist perfection with incredible attention to fit and proportion
• Weekday – Their Lash jeans are cult favourites for good reason
• Arket – Sustainable options with a focus on longevity and classic cuts

Premium Picks

• Agolde – American brand with exceptional high-waisted fits that are Instagram-famous for a reason
• Mother Denim – Vintage-inspired cuts with modern technology
• Paige – Their Hoxton style is specifically designed for curves
• Citizens of Humanity – The Chrissy style is a high-waisted dream

Luxury Investment Pieces

• Frame – Le High styles are cut specifically for hourglass figures
• Good American – Khloé Kardashian's brand genuinely understands curves
• Re/Done – Vintage Levi's reimagined with modern fits
• Ganni – Danish brand with playful takes on classic cuts

The Fitting Rules I Live By

Always try on jeans in the afternoon when your body has settled into its natural shape. Sit down, walk around, and check the back view – if they gap at the waist or pull across the hips, they're not right. Remember, the size on the label means nothing; it's all about how they fit your unique body.

Look for jeans with a bit of stretch (around 2-5% elastane) but not too much, as they'll lose their shape quickly. The best jeans should feel snug but not restrictive when you first try them on.

Styling Your Perfect Jeans

Once you've found your perfect pair, styling becomes effortless. Tuck in fitted tops to show off that waist, or try the half-tuck for a more casual look. Blazers work beautifully with high-waisted jeans, creating a polished silhouette that works from desk to drinks.

For shoes, heels will elongate your legs beautifully, but trainers and loafers work just as well for everyday styling. The key is ensuring the proportions feel balanced.

Never Guess Your Size Again with Tellar

Finding the perfect jeans shouldn't involve endless returns and sizing headaches. That's where tellar.co.uk comes in – the UK's leading sizing tool that matches your body exactly to over 1500 brands instantly.

How Tellar Works

1. Measure once using your bust, waist, hip measurements or your existing brand size
2. Use their tellar.co.uk
3. tellar.co.uk
4. Ultimate Guide to Jackets & Best Buys

Final Thoughts

Remember, the best jeans are the ones that make you feel confident and comfortable. While these guidelines will steer you in the right direction, trust your instincts and don't be afraid to try different styles. Fashion should be fun, and with the right fit, you'll find yourself reaching for your favourite jeans day after day.

Your hourglass figure is something to celebrate, and the right pair of jeans will do exactly that. Take your time finding them – when you do, you'll wonder how you ever lived without them.