Jeans for curves - YouLookFab Forum

I have spent months and months trying to find jeans that actually fit but they're either too small or too big. They cling in the wrong parts. They're a really odd fit that they make me look huge... etc.

I'm generally between a UK size 12 and UK size 14 hourglass. The main problems seem to be chunky thighs and a wide hip but a comparatively small waist. I've read various guides about wearing bootcut but every time I wear bootcut I find that they just don't fit right either as they tend to drape my figure rather than fit snug but flattering. Not to mention that they just look scruffy once you've worn them an hour or so. Bootcut isn't even what I want as I often wear boots that I need my jeans to fit in not over.

I want to look neat and well dressed but that's pretty hard to do when things don't fit right.

I keep picking up slim fit jeans but I seem to fall in the middle of the two sizes. Likewise with skinny, though I usually struggle to get into them unless they're quite stretchy, but then the stretchy jean becomes too loose or gapes at the back. I hate feeling like I have to fit in clothes, not clothes have to fit me.

I also don't have lots of £$ to spend on higher quality brands that may or may not fit. My current spending bracket is £20-30 but definitely think I'm going to have to up this for a better pair (if I find one).

Does anyone have any suggestions on the best styles and fabric? I keep thinking I have to steer clear of the jeans with high percentage of elastane but then find some of the high cotton ones just become really loose.

Halp?

11 years ago

Tania

Veteran

I have somewhat of an hourglass figure. Last year, I had a new pair of skinny jeans tailored at the waist and it was a miracle. It cost $12. I did it on a non-premium brand of jeans.

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

There was a thread about jeans for hourglass shapes not long ago. I decided to get new jeans and was in Toronto so had a lot of stores to choose from. I was willing to spend a fair bit to get a good pair in a good fit. I ruled out any that I could stretch more than half an inch on the leg with my hands. That much stretch makes them CLING to the thighs and that is exactly what I didn't want. I looked for a heavier weight denim with a very low percentage of spandex/lycra. I ended up buying old navy sweetheart jeans but bought them so that they fit without being tight. They are called skinny but are a straighter narrow leg.

Thistle

I don't know anything about UK brands.

In the US, two brands that would fit your budget would be Levi's curve and JLo jeans from Kohls.

You could also consider finding a pair via theft shop that fits everywhere but the waist, and then spending the rest of your budget on tailoring the waist. It costs about $15 here to have the waist altered.

Diana

KUT from the Kloth would be a good brand to try but I'm not sure you can get them in the UK. They're often on sale here which would bring them down to your price range. You might try the Diana skinny, Stevie straight, and Catherine boyfriend (a slim bf) styles. I am a pear and all three fit me. I do have to size down in KUT despite my big butt; they cut very generously!

I do think that premium brands often have better denim but it is possible these days to find moderate priced options with good denim too.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

Is Boden a possibility? They might be above your ideal price range but do have sales periodically. I've found their jeans and pants pretty good on my curvy figure.

Is Asos's Curve (plus) line too big for you? I haven't tried any of their jeans but they definitely draft for a figure with fuller thighs.

All the other brand recommendations I have may not be of use to you in the UK - Old Navy's Sweetheart cut, Levi's Curve ID, Kut from the Kloth, Eddie Bauer's curvy cut...

ma342

Active Member

As a fellow curvy person, here are some I like, although I don't know if any are available in the UK: Gap Perfect Boot, Gap Curvy Boot, Gap Curvy Skinny (I think these are
being discontinued), Kut from the Kloth Diana, Levi's 535
Mid Rise Skinny.

LearningCurve

Thank you for all the comments and suggestions. I know we have some Gap and Levi dotted about, but think I'd have to go into town to try on. I'll do my research! I do appreciate all the input. I definitely need to find me a seamstress though, think that goes without saying. The more weight I lose, the more in need of one I am.

lisaflex

i just bought the grey NYDJ skinnies today. fit is fab cant wait to wear them! i am a 12 an curvy and they looked fab in the dressing room at nordies today! good luck on your search.
i also have a pair of chicos skinny premium that fit well...i got them w/ tags still on from a consignment store!

Sal

I am a similar size to you (in NZ though). I am often a NZ13 which can be hard to locate. I personally find with jeans it is best to go into a place with lots of pairs and try try try. Normally 5 are awful, 2 are okay and 1 is great.
I like a straight leg and a slim fit boyfriend jean on me the best, although I do also like a bootcut/flare and own one pair of skinnies. I think hourglasses look better mostly when the calf is not too tight (or with skinnies with tall boots). Bootcuts or flares can be flattering but I find shoes more of a challenge, trying to get the leg length right!

@Kiwigal: The issue seems to be that there are few places for women over here that have lots of the better denim jeans. Even in department stores the jeans are all scattered about, making them difficult to locate and often they're the 'fashion' denium which are poor fit and low quality. I'm definitely going to have to make a trip to Manchester soon and see if the Gap or Levi store has what I need. If not, I'm living in leggings for the foreseeable future.

@lisaflex: I've honestly never heard of either of those brands, though that's not uncommon. I'm not very up on things that that. I'll keep an eye out!

J.J.

I've seen recommendations (on other blogs; forget which, but it was two different ones) for Levi's 535 legging jeans, which apparently look good on curvy/pear-shaped people. I found them online and they're cheap--which is why I'm posting here--but here's my question: the ones I saw are 'juniors.' I know Angie says not to care about size on the label, but seeing '11' or '13' just brings me back to middle school in a bad way. BUT if they're great- maybe they're worth it?
So: does anyone have experience with Levi's 535 leggings? And are they juniors or woman's sizes?

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