PZI Jeans: great skinnies for curvies

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Angie is co-founder of YLF and its resident fashion stylist.

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PZI Jeans: great skinnies for curvies

— by Angie

on April 23, 2009

Atlanta based company PZI Jeans has just launched a unique collection of skinny jeans made for curvy women. PZI Jeans Co-Founder and Vice President, Claire Jason explains:

“The industry said curvy women should never wear skinny jeans or they would look like an ice cream cone, so many lines did not offer a skinny jean for curvy women. Initially we did not offer our customer the skinny jean either. But, our customers kept asking for the skinny jean. So we started researching, studied and developed the perfect Skinny Jean for curvy women,”

As a result, PZI Jeans has 10 different skinny jean fits and styles which are suited to women with waistlines, fuller hips and curvy bottoms. The fits are available in a variety of washes, sizes (4 to 16), and inseam lengths (30 to 38 inches). The jeans claim to be premium denim quality but at an affordable mainstream price of $69 to $79 . Promising!

I haven’t yet tested the product so I can’t vouch for the fit, but I like what I see. As someone who believes that the curvier lass can sport skinnies with style, I can’t wait to get one of these jeans onto a suitable client. But if you feel you fit the body type criteria for this brand, by all means have go. There are other denim silhouettes to choose from if skinny jeans aren’t your thing.

Note that PZI Jeans is an advertiser on YLF, but that didn’t factor into my decision to write this post. These skinnies for curvies really are a great idea.

Body Type

37 comments · Add a comment

lifeasamama

(website)

My problem with the way my curviness looks in skinnies comes when you look at me directly on from the front. I noticed immediately that in this picture, they have no “frontal” shots – everybody’s at an angle or with their legs crossed… Sure, with that help they look good, but I still can’t get past the way I look from straight-on.

April 23, 2009 at 5:37 am

Rhonda

I had the same thoughts as lifeasamama, as I reading your blog. Let’s see a straight-on shot. I would be very surprised if we did not see the ice cream cone silhouette. And for that reason, I avoid the skinnies!

April 23, 2009 at 5:46 am

Eternal*Voyageur

(website)

I do think that the way a curvy figure would look in these from the front would depend upon where the curves were. If the hips are not broad, and just the butt is curvy, then it would look good, IMHO.

April 23, 2009 at 6:09 am

Danja

(website)

That is so cool! It is really awesome that this entire company is based on making our behinds look good. I’ve been staying away from skinny jeans because I don’t want to look like I was a stuffed sausage, but I am willing to go try these jeans on and see how they fit. If I get them, I will make sure I post a picture on the forum.

April 23, 2009 at 6:24 am

Jordanmktg

I’m a curvy gal who has the hardest time finding jeans that fit my hips, thigns and waist. I was really disappointed in PZI Jeans. Although the jeans fit my waist, the inseam left a horrible bulge. After weeks of looking for jeans, I found them at Wal-Mart. The brand is Faded Glory. The jeans come in different washes and have a little spandex.

April 23, 2009 at 6:37 am

Joelle

Bootcuts and straight leg jeans are far more flattering (and far more comfortable) on me than skinnies, so I giving these a pass. That said, I am glad someone is offering more options to curvy women who want to try out this look.

April 23, 2009 at 6:47 am

Real Style Real People

(website)

I am actually surprised they don’t go above a size 16 if they cater to curvy!

April 23, 2009 at 6:56 am

Meredith

Say! I’m going to give these try!

April 23, 2009 at 7:02 am

lola

Hmmm….never been a fan of skinny jeans. As a size 14 and petite, I tend to stay away. I am curious why they have no head-on shots. Is it because it will highlight the hips? I agree that if they are catering to the “curvy woman”, there should at least go to 20.

April 23, 2009 at 7:26 am

Telly

I like J.Crew matchstick jeans.

April 23, 2009 at 7:38 am

Jerseyjan

No doubt, there’s an “ice cream cone” in red skinnies in the link *other denim silhouettes*. That’s not the point. Put a lovely tunic on her and she’s stylin’!! Thanks to Angie, we’re all learning to push the envelope and try something new!

April 23, 2009 at 7:52 am

Meredith2

I’m not a fan of this look. The proportion still looks wrong to me. I still see the “ice cream cone” shape on most of these women.

April 23, 2009 at 7:57 am

Mishie

Oh, no no no….Not a good idea. Those women look ridiculous and how did they ever get their legs into the pants hole? Can you say stuffed sausage boys and girls? Thanks, I knew that you could.

April 23, 2009 at 8:18 am

Target-Addict

(website)

Like Lola and other commenters here, I’m really surprised that PZI isn’t offering any sizes above 16. They should go at least up to size 20, if not 24. Unless their sizing is more “forgiving” than traditional sizes.

April 23, 2009 at 8:19 am

Mary

I usually agree with you Angie but not here … I don’t think the look is flattering on the models and I KNOW it doesn’t flatter me (I’m a 14 …)

April 23, 2009 at 8:39 am

Eva

I am game to try these! Curvy gals come in all sizes. I am petite and slim, but I have curvy hips. I like the look of skinnies (I don’t plan to stand with my ankles locked together for the ice cream cone look). Telly, I have 2 matchsticks, but I have had to have them both taken in at the waist. I would love a pair that I don’t have to alter. It is expensive and doesn’t always work that well.

April 23, 2009 at 9:29 am

san

Have you seen the video on their website showing these models walking the catwalk in these jeans? I’m sorry to say this because I sure wish I had more curves, but these models look rediculous shaking it till they break it to try to prove their point that they can wear this style.

April 23, 2009 at 9:50 am

Rosie

It’s interesting to see the different comments here. Just with almost ANY sized person, skinnies look better with a top that is not skintight and little as the models have on. These jeans would look great with a tunic. Also, any size can look like a sausage squeezed into too tights jeans, not just “curvy” ladies. For me, skinny jeans are less about the size of the person but the shape of the person and what they wear them with, like Eva mentioned.

I looked at the size chart http://pzijeans.com/size_charts.html and their sizes do indeed seem to run large. The size 17 has a 38-39 waist with a 51-52 hip, which are much larger than the average size 16.

I just bought my first pair of straight legged jeans to wear with flats in a very long time, and I love them. I may just try this look to go with breezy tunics in the summer.

April 23, 2009 at 10:02 am

Rosie

Actually, I’m not sure exactly what the hip measurements are for the jeans as they have two rows…in any case, they are still on the larger side.

April 23, 2009 at 10:04 am

Olga

I don’t think this is a flattering look for ladies with curvy hips/thighs. After this fad passes I think we will look back at the photos and wonder what they were thinking. Angie’s previous recommendation of straight leg jeans or even boot cut was right on IMO.

Plus, these just look too tight to me. It doesn’t look right to have that bunching at the knees, hips and below the bum.

April 23, 2009 at 10:13 am

Brianna

I tried on a pair of these in the classic skinny style and the fit was very strange. The rise was surprsingly low (I’d guess less than 8 inches) and althought I could do them up and sit and everything, the waist purposely fits very, very tightly (I tried the size 8, which is for a 30-31″ waist, which is what I have). I think it’s supposed to create a girdling effect but it just felt uncomfortable and created muffin top. I wasn’t impressed. Sorry, Angie! I ended up with a lovely pair of Simon Chang jeans instead, which I totally recommend to other Canadian jeans shoppers (I got the Jessica style). As for the rest of Simon Chang’s clothes…. no comment.

April 23, 2009 at 10:15 am

Kim from Nebraska

I’m sure these images are totally PhotoShopped, but notice that none of these women are sporting the dreaded Muffin Tops from yesterday. That’s because the pants are the correct size. They are not tight, they are fitted. Still, I’m not liking this look and would never wear it. i would say my body is similar to the bright blue-pants woman on the far left. And I also think the front of her pants look sort of wrinkled.

April 23, 2009 at 10:18 am

Cosmo

(website)

I definitely prefer a boot cut on my size 4 curvy figure for an average day, but it is a trend that I think would be fun to play with maybe with tunic or a dress over jeans type look.

April 23, 2009 at 11:04 am

Jordanmktg

Ashley Stewart offers a great skinny jean and straight leg jeans. Also, their sizes go up to 24.

April 23, 2009 at 11:25 am

Maya

I’m sorry to say I don’t find these jeans the least bit flattering. I can imagine them being good for tucking into boots, but that’s it. Even with a tunic, I think I would rather see a straight leg opening.

They also look like they would be too low rise. The woman in the red jeans especially looks like she would not be able to sit comfortably.

Even though in theory I think these should be available in larger sizes, I think these would really look terrible on a plus size bod. I’m sorry if that sounds mean but it’s true. Just like a very slim and petite woman is going to look silly in billowing palazzo pants, I can’t imagine these flattering a plus figure (they hardly even flatter a missy figure). I think just about everyone can get the same effect with straight legs and look a whole lot better. I still appreciate skinnies for boot-tucking purposes, but other than that, I think they look pretty unflattering on everyone except stringbean figures.

April 23, 2009 at 12:12 pm

the other Mary

Whatever floats your boat i reckon… but does “Hey Mister” come to mind?

April 23, 2009 at 12:18 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I hear you ladies. The picture exposes and showcases the jeans, but isn’t intended to represent the ensemble. I think they might look good with a tunic or tucked into boots. I haven’t had them on a body yet, but will let you know when I do.

April 23, 2009 at 12:41 pm

LegacyOfPearl

(website)

I agree with Angie on the tunics. I wore skinnies with longer tops lwhen I was pregnant (i was 55 pounds heavier) and even got compliments. The skinnies I got were from Old Navy. I’ll try to find a photo and post it on the forum if I have any.

April 23, 2009 at 4:39 pm

Taylor

(website)

I hope curvier women give these a try. I agree with Angie ,that done right these can look good on women of all sizes.

April 23, 2009 at 5:09 pm

kellee

I know this is off the subject of this company…

But I read about another source for skinny jeans for curvy women on this site. You will find them at Express,called the Mia jean. I did buy them. I am curvy, and they passed both the sitting down and bending over test. I love them tucked in boots or with flats.

April 23, 2009 at 7:57 pm

Imogen

(website)

It surprises me that in their promotional picture for the jeans they are so ill fitting, those blue ones on the left do not fit at the rise at all for the model, all the wrinkling at the crotch is most unflattering.

Only with a tunic top would I suggest skinnies for a curvier girl, otherwise stick to straight or bootcut for a more flattering line.

April 24, 2009 at 4:40 pm

patricia

I think a few of these women look great, but i’d prefer to see the woman wih the white pair of skinnies to be in a darker color. If yor tummy is flat and your legs and thighs are firm and not too big ( maybe up to size 12 or 14 if yor 5’7 or taller) this can be a great night time look (think dance club or concert) with a great jacket that fits at the waist or with an trench style that hits above the knee tied @ the waist. the goal is to show what a nice bottom you have yet flatter yor waist and create a long/lean look with the extra long leg. i recommend Joes Jeans they have a Curvy Honey line (Nordstoms) that fit like a dream! pricey yet worth it

April 24, 2009 at 5:00 pm

Johanna

Spin doctor it any way you want to, but the woman on the right in tight jeans has a can and a half because of the narrow width at the bottom. Not a good look, unless you are digging hooker chic. (no comment on the hoop earrings)
The gal on the left looks dumpy.
The three in the middle are ok, but the second from the left also has more bootiliciousness than is appropriate, unless she’s working the Denny’s on Aurora.

I remember my skinny jeans in high school. So tight around the ankle, it was great. I was a size 4 (back when zero was actually zero and not size 6/8)

Not only am I not feeling it, but these women are looking like the road company for Irma la Deuce, or a musical based on the life of Xavier Hollander.

At some point women need to “man up” and just admit that tight jeans and your can hanging in the wind isn’t worth fashion slavery. It’s not “fab” at all. At. All.

April 26, 2009 at 2:07 am

Johanna

Xaviara …forgot the “a”

April 26, 2009 at 2:08 am

M-m

To the user comment asking why they don’t come larger than a 16 if they are “curvy”… These are curvy cuts, and being a curvy woman really shouldn’t be a euphemism for being (morbidly) obese like a lot of the Lane Bryant crowd seems to think it is.

Thanks for reclaiming the curvy cut for *healthy* women who have curves! These jeans look great if they fit into your personal style!

May 11, 2009 at 11:26 am

Janelle

I agree with M-m. These jeans are meant to cater to healthy, curvy women, not overweight, obese, or morbidly obese women. The CEO clearly states this on her site. This is why the jeans don’t come in a size 100.

July 21, 2009 at 1:00 am

I am a size 10 and very much a pear shape. I always wanted skinnies but could never find a pair that fit — I gave these a try after reading this post and I LOVE them.

I had to go down a size (8) based on their size chart, and they really fit me perfectly on the waist and the hip. This never happens to me, I always have the gaping waist with my jeans.

Anyway, I wear them with tunics and flats or boots. They have become a wardrobe staple, in fact I also got a second pair in dark blue

To everyone that thinks the models don’t look right, they are
a. not styled in the correct way, you wouldn’t wear a tight tank top with skinnies
b. not size 2 models that you are used to seeing in magazines
c. wearing bright colors, neutral skinnies look less 80s

They will look different on you than they look on the models above. Thanks for the recommendation Angie

July 21, 2009 at 2:52 pm

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