Find the best jeans for your body type

Hourglass

Curvaceous hips and a tiny waist can sometimes be difficult to find jeans for. To really show off your figure go for high waisted jeans. Too low and you risk cutting across the widest part of your body, making you look larger than you are. High waisted jeans will also show off your tiny waistline – to make sure the jeans cling to the right places go for a contoured waistband to reduce gaping. Go for a neutral bootcut to balance out your body. A dark wash and small back pockets angled inwards will make your bum look even smaller.

Pear

It can be difficult to find jeans that flatter the usual pear shape of wide hips and round bum. The best cut is either straight legged jeans or boot-cut as this will lengthen your legs to balance out the hip area. Go for a mid-rise jean, hitting your hipbone to reduce the emphasis on your thigh, hip and bum area. A lower waist on your back will make your bum appear smaller and avoid the gapping waist scenario which will make your hips appear bigger than they are. Blacks, navy blues and greys are best for pear shapes as these colours will make your legs and thighs appear thinner. Try to find jeans with no or fake small pockets at the front as they will look bulky. Same too for the back, long or large pockets will only make you look bigger. Try to keep all detail like buckles and zips to a minimum.

Apple

It's all about showing off your legs for apple shapes but you need to find jeans that flatter your waistline as well. Normally the apple shape tends to be heavier on top but with a small bum so it can be a struggle to find jeans that fit and flatters both. The best type of jean for this is skinny, elasticated jeans sometimes called "jeggings." With a small bum and long legs the jeans will cling in all the right places but will be comfortable enough to allow for a larger waist line. All jean shades will work for this body type and the trick is for your body to look comfortable. With stretchy jeans you don't have to make the mistake of getting jeans which are a size too small on your waist just so they fit your bum and legs. As with the pear shape, avoid detail and bulky pockets around the front but you can go for medium sized pockets or detail on the back to give the impression of a rounder bum.

Straight

A straight body shape gives you many options for jeans but the most flattering are body-hugging skinny jeans. These will cling to your shape and add feminine definition to your narrow hips and calves. Go for a waistline that runs straight across the middle, a curved waistline can cause spillage that won't flatter your figure. Make sure that you pick the right leg length -- bunched up jeans can make you look shorter -- and go for a jean that ends just below the ankle.

Athletic

If you have an athletic body add some curves with flared jeans. The jeans will make your thighs appear thinner while the wider leg opening and longer hemline create the illusion of narrow calves. A medium rise, curved waist band will show off your toned stomach while also creating a flattering curve.

Don't let height be an issue

Most stores now have dedicated areas for long or short legs, but that doesn't mean they are necessarily going to flatter you.

Petite – It can be difficult to find jeans with a shorter leg. The most flattering cut is skinny or straight cut jeans which will cling to your legs. Flared or boot-cut can make you appear even shorter. Make sure that you don't go for longer jeans just because they fit your waist and hips nicely, and wrinkled jeans will only make you look shorter. Try to find out if they have petite fits for that type of jeans. Often they will have the same waist size jeans just in a shorter leg length. Stick to dark jeans to elongate your legs and make them appear slimmer and longer.

Tall – It can be difficult to find your dream jeans in your leg length but keep looking. There are many specialist shops or websites that cater for taller women. Bootcut jeans are the most flattering for taller women as they are feminine without making you appear taller -- like skinny jeans can. You can also wear most shades from lighter hues to black. If you don't want to draw attention to your legs, go for the darker colours, which are also slimming.

Images: Nordstrom.com

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