Sustainable Fashion

Why Do Jeans Bunch at the Knees? (5 Solutions)

Find out why your jeans bunch at the knees and just what you can do about it with our five solutions.

Why Do Your Jeans Bunch At The Knees Featured

Even though some gen Z’ers might disagree, I love my skinny jeans. They’re sleek and easy to style. Except, of course, when the knees start to bunch and throw off my outfit completely—annoying! Luckily, I’ve found out why and how to solve this common issue.

Jeans bunch at the knees if the material gets stretched after being bent for a long time, if they’re ill-fitting, or if the denim is worn out from over-washing or wearing. To prevent bunching, you should choose the right denim and care for it properly. Ankle bands, belt, boot clips, or tucking can also help.

3 Reasons Your Denim Jeans Bunch

Here’s a breakdown of the common reasons why excess fabric forms at the knee, so you can identify the problem you’re having. Then, we’ll talk about all of the ways to fix it!

1. Your Denim Jeans Lack Elasticity

If you’ve dealt with baggy knees in jeans before, you know that sitting down for long periods can stretch out the denim so that it bunches up when you stand up. But did you know that certain denim blends do this more than others?

100% cotton materials, like no-stretch denim, will not stretch as much as elastic fabric blend denims, but they also won’t “snap back” into place when you stand up. If you wear skinny jeans made of non-stretch denim, not only will you be less comfortable, but they’ll also stay baggy at the knees once your stand up.

Not only are elastic stretch denim blends better at snapping back into place after sitting down, but they also keep their shape for longer, even with washing.

2. Your Jeans Fit Poorly

Both too-large and too-small jeans can cause the knees to become baggy.

why-do-jeans-bunchat-the-knees
The right fit will help prevent bunching

Tight jeans will bunch at the knees because even bending your knee slightly while walking will inadvertently stretch the jeans out. Relaxed cut or properly fitted jeans have more room around the knee to allow you to bend without stretching the fabric.

Too-large jeans will also bunch at the knees because they’ll be baggy throughout the leg.

3. Even the Stretchiest Denim Jeans Wear Out Over Time

Denim can be easily worn out through overwearing or improper care. Machine drying, washing on high-speed cycles, or wearing over and over with a lot of bending can all cause the denim fabric to break down.

How to Prevent Denim Jeans From Bunching at the Knees

Now that you have identified the reason behind the bunch at the knees, here are the best ways to prevent it:

1. Buy Higher Quality Denim – It Should Last For Longer

Premium denim fabric will help prevent even skinny jeans from bunching at the knees. The elastic construction of materials like TENCEL™ Lyocell will help your jeans bounce back after bending.  Lots of sustainable denim brands make jeans with organic fabrics like TENCEL™.

Choosing cheap, low quality jeans might help you save a few bucks at first, but you’ll spend more having to replace them again and again once they lose their original shape after only a couple of wears.

If you want non-stretch denim that won’t bunch at the knees, make sure you’re paying attention to the weight of your jeans. Heavier weight denims will not stretch out as much after being bent.

2. Get The Right Jeans For Your Body Shape

Because both too tight fitting jeans and too loose skinny jeans can cause bunching, it’s important to wear jeans that fit properly. When purchasing jeans, you can do a quick test to tell if they fit correctly.

To ensure your jeans fit properly, do a quick squat! If they do not allow you to squat all the way down, they are too tight and will bunch at the knees after sitting. If they start to slide down your butt as you stand up out of the squat, they are too loose.

3. Consider Switching Out Skinny Jeans for Regular Jeans

Skinny jeans and other tight fitting jeans are the most likely to have excess fabric bunch around your knees after sitting. Try out looser fitting or purposely oversized jeans for a fashionable solution.

4. Better Care Will Help Your Denim Last For Longer

It’s important to care for your jeans to prevent them from losing their original shape through over-washing and over-wearing.

Many people throw their jeans in with the rest of their laundry into both the washer and dryer. This can cause your denim fabric to break down thanks to the hot water and air.

Follow manufacturer’s instructions and wash in cold water on a gentle cycle or they might inadvertently stretch.

4. Use Ankle Bands, Boot Clips, or Belts to Solve Baggy Knees

Did you know there are quite a few tools you can use to reduce baggy knees and keep your jeans looking perfect?

rolled-jeans-and-boots
Boot clips help prevent jeans from bagging at the knees – and can be easily hidden

These include:

  • Ankle bands wrap around your ankles outside of your jeans to keep the stretch denim fabric from riding up to bunch at your knees. They’re best if you want to wear boots without having your jeans bunch above them.
  • Boot clips are similar to ankle bands but can be more comfortable if you want to wear boots that are tighter fitting or lower cut.
  • A belt at your waist can also help prevent bunching, especially on oversized jeans in combination with ankle bands or boot clips. A vegan leather one is especially great because it’s stylish, sustainable, and long-lasting.

5. Cuff the Bottom of Your Jeans

The last solution to baggy knees while wearing jeans is strategic cuffing. This is a great method when you notice bagginess after sitting for a prolonged period and have no other way of dealing with it. 

Simply fold about an inch of the hem of your jeans up towards you while pulling down on your jeans. You can cuff twice or three times if there’s a lot of excess fabric at your knees.

Megan Lemon

Megan Lemon

Megan is a sustainability writer based in Fiji, where she lives with her partner in the house they built themselves. In her free time, she free dives, spear fishes, and takes long walks on the dirt roads.

Sustainable Fashion

Why Are My Jeans So Uncomfortable?

Why are your jeans so uncomfortable? Discover 3 reasons - and what you can do about it.

Why Are Jeans So Uncomfortable Featured

Compared to leggings or sweatpants, putting on jeans can be a really uncomfortable experience – so constricting! But not all jeans are uncomfortable, and if you’re experiencing discomfort it might be because you’ve got the wrong jeans…

Jeans can be uncomfortable if they are ill-fitting, made of low quality denim, or just too new. You can make your jeans more comfortable by changing the style you wear, wearing properly fitting jeans, choosing the right weight of denim, and wearing them in.

Check out below for more information on the most common reasons why your jeans might be causing you discomfort. Then, I’ll give you some tips and tricks for making your jeans more comfortable, so you can look and feel like a million dollars.

3 Reasons Your Jeans Are So Uncomfortable

Your jeans are probably uncomfortable for one of these three main reasons:

1: Your Jeans Are Uncomfortable Because They Aren’t a Good Fit

Jeans that are ill-fitting are typically either the wrong size or the wrong style for your body shape.

If your jeans are too tight, they will pinch at the waist, restrict your movement, and bunch at the knees. If your jeans are too loose, they will slide down every time you move and bunch in weird places.

woman squatting down in jeans 800
You shouldn’t need holes in your jeans to enable you to bend!

Even in the right size, if you’re wearing a particular style that doesn’t work with your body, it can be uncomfortable.

Either way, unless you find the perfect fit, jeans can be uncomfortable. It’s all about finding jeans that support and mimic your body’s proportions. Read below for my tips on finding your right size, so you can always feel good in jeans.

2: Your Low Quality Denim Causes Irritation

Low quality jeans will lose shape very easily, causing bunching at the knees and crotch area and slipping down all day – definitely not comfortable!

lots of jeans hanging up - 800
Cheaper denim is often less comfortable

They can also be super scratchy and made with chemicals like formaldehyde that can cause skin issues like dermatitis. If you find yourself feeling itchy while wearing jeans, find a pair made with organic cotton without any toxic chemicals.

Jeans should be an investment piece in your closet, but that doesn’t mean they have to be super expensive. Check out our list of the best sustainable denim brands for high quality denim made with organic cotton, non-toxic chemicals, and sustainable manufacturing processes across a wide range of prices.

3: You Are Wearing Heavier Denim, Which Is Less Comfortable

You’ve found jeans made with high-quality denim that fit perfectly, but still, you find yourself uncomfortable–what’s the deal? It might have something to do with the weight of your denim.

selvedge denim 800
Heavier weight jeans take longer to break in

Denim comes in three different weights: light, medium, and heavy. A lightweight denim is thinner and less tightly woven, making it a more breathable fabric. Heavier weight denim is thicker, more rigid, and tightly woven, making it less breathable and more insulating.

4: Your New Denim Isn’t Broken In Yet

Denim, especially heavier weight denim, can be extremely stiff for your first few wears because they haven’t been worn in and relaxed at all. Also, if the tag rubs in your new jeans, it can be super uncomfortable. Luckily, there are some pretty easy ways to remedy this that we’ve listed below.

How to Make Your Jeans More Comfortable

But wait! You don’t have to buy new jeans – there are some things you can do to make your jeans comfier.

jeans in dryer
Try to keep your jeans out of the dryer!

Don’t want to spend more than 15 minutes in your jeans before you want to peel them off again? Let’s see what we can do about that:

  • If they’re slightly too tight, put them on and button them up as best as you can. Then, get them completely wet in the bath or shower. Wear them around until they’re just slightly damp and then air dry. If you’re in a hurry, learn how to dry jeans fast.
  • Do not machine dry your jeans! This will cause them to shrink and lose their shape, becoming very uncomfortable.
  • Wear new jeans around the house while cleaning to break them in with a lot of movement.
  • Use a seam ripper or small scissors to completely remove the fabric tag if the tag rubs.
  • Soak your jeans in white vinegar and warm water and then air dry to soften them. This also helps get rid of any bad smell.

How to Find and Buy Comfortable Jeans

Finding jeans that fit perfectly, both your body and your lifestyle, is the best way to always be comfortable. Let’s break down how to find the perfect pair!

group of women wearing comfortable jeans
Great-fitting jeans will be more comfortable – and look better!

Finding the Right Size

Jeans that fit properly are always going to be the most comfortable, but it’s easier said than done if you don’t know how jeans should fit. Make the most of the fitting room by paying attention to these things when trying on jeans:

  • the waistband should touch the full circumference of your waist, but not dig in or pinch. There shouldn’t be a gap between your back and the waistband or a “muffin top” situation
  • bunching or wrinkling around the crotch, knees, ankles, or back of thighs shows they’re too loose, too tight, or too long
  • stays up when sitting or bending over without a belt
  • enough room in the legs to be able to squat down completely
  • stretchy enough to still be comfortable when sitting for a while

Finding the Right Style

The most comfortable denim style depends on your body shape and lifestyle. This isn’t to say that certain body types should or should not wear certain cuts of jeans, it’ll just maximize your comfort if you wear jeans that match your body shape.

If you’re rocking a short torso, avoid high rise jeans that practically come up to your armpits and choose a low or mid rise pair instead.

If you’ve got super muscular thighs, avoid rigid skinny jeans that restrict. Choosing stretchy jeans or a cut with more room in the legs like boyfriend jeans will be more comfortable.

If you spend your days sitting in an office chair, skinny jeans might be too tight, so a slim fitted cut would work better.

Finding the Right Weight

Each weight of denim comes with different pros and cons.

  • Lightweight: softer and feel comfortable right off the bat; not very insulating or durable
  • Midweight: stretch well, warm, soft, especially when blended with stretch fabrics; can be stiff at first
  • Heavyweight: very durable and warm; not very soft or stretchy

If you consistently have issues with how warm you get in jeans or scratchy denim fabric, change what weight denim you’re wearing.

Finding the Right Fabric

The last thing to pay attention to when looking for a comfortable pair is the denim fabric itself. The most comfortable denim fabric has:

  • organic cotton for ultimate softness
  • other fabrics like TENCEL™ that give your jeans stretch without losing shape
  • non-toxic dyes and preservatives that won’t irritate your skin
Megan Lemon

Megan Lemon

Megan is a sustainability writer based in Fiji, where she lives with her partner in the house they built themselves. In her free time, she free dives, spear fishes, and takes long walks on the dirt roads.

Sustainable Fashion

How to Dry Shoes Fast: 6 Quick Methods

Discover six quick methods for drying wet shoes fast.

How To Dry Shoes Fast Featured

You’re out for a walk (or run) in the park when suddenly, the clouds grow dark, and it begins to rain. You were hoping to wear these shoes tomorrow! Wearing wet shoes leads to blisters, smelly odors, and not to mention, an uncomfortable day.

The best way to dry your shoes is to use a material that will absorb water, like newspaper or old clothes, or use a device that will extract moisture, such as Boot Bananas. Do not dry shoes in the clothes dryer as this may damage or shrink your shoes.

This article will discuss 6 different methods you can use to dry your shoes quickly. Remember, high heat will damage leather shoes. Always check manufacturer guidelines!

1: Dry Shoes With Newspaper

The newspaper method is one of the most well-known solutions to dry shoes quickly and safely. Newspaper can be reused to dry shoes fast!

Follow these steps:

  1. Use warm water and a mild detergent to gently scrub away any excess dirt
  2. Remove the insoles and dry these separately to ensure every part of your shoe is nice and dry before wearing them again
  3. Loosen up or remove laces and dry them separately
  4. Crumple up newspaper and push it deep into the toe of your shoe. Consider using pages of newspaper with less ink so that you don’t risk it running off onto the fabric
  5. Wrap your shoes in absorbent fabric, like a bath towel. It will also help if the towel is warm.
  6. Dry shoes overnight. Depending on the type of shoe, this may take more or less time.
  7. Bonus tip: Place your towel-wrapped, newspaper-stuffed shoes near a heating vent or space heater

Green tip: After newspaper has absorbed the moisture from your shoes, cut it up into thin strips and add it to your compost bin.

Read more composting tips by checking out these articles: “How Often Should You Turn Your Compost Pile?” and “Mulch Vs. Compost: Which Should You Use?

2: Speed Up The Drying Process With a Fan

Let the natural power of wind wick away moisture from smelly, soggy shoes. Whether you have a box fan, window fan, or standing fan, these options will work just perfectly to dry out your damp footwear.

Follow these steps:

  1. Wash your shoes with warm water and soap
  2. Remove the insoles and loosen shoelaces
  3. Place a towel or sheet of newspaper underneath wet footwear to absorb excess moisture
  4. Using a pair of S hooks (or two pieces of wire bent into an “S” shape), loop one side of the hook through the tongue of the shoe. Hook the other end around the fan
  5. Leave the fan on medium or high speed for at least an hour or two.

3: Soak Up Moisture With Old Clothes

Repurposing products is an excellent way to reduce pollution in our environment. Instead of throwing them away, convert unwanted clothing into moisture-wicking rags that you can reuse many times over.

Fabrics like cotton, fleece, and flannel are absorbent in nature.

Follow these steps:

  1. Scrub away excess mud or dirt
  2. Remove insoles and loosen laces
  3. Cut up unwanted clothes to the desired size
  4. Scrunch up fabric & stuff it into the shoes
  5. Let the fabric absorb moisture for 1-2 hours. Replace rags once they become saturated. Depending on the moisture level, you may need to allow shoes to dry overnight
  6. Once they have finished the job, simply throw these rags into the dryer and save them to use for another time!

Learn more about the damaging impact textile waste has on our environment through this BBC article.

4: Utilize Your Heating System With TheEcoDryer

theecodryer
Image by The Eco Dryer

Shoe dryers get to the root of the problem! TheEcoDryer will dry wet shoes and winter gear without the use of electricity.

TheEcoDryer is a family-owned business and has partnered with Consumers Energy, an energy company that is shifting to renewable energy. Learn more about their Clean Energy Plan here. These two companies work together to promote eco-friendly product designs by hosting projects within their local community. Watch this video to hear their thoughts on building a brighter future.

Follow these steps:

  1. Place the TheEcoDryer over a floor radiator or baseboard heating vent. This product uses warm air from a heating source to dry out the moisture from your boots or wet clothing
  2. Allow shoes to dry for a few hours, depending on how wet they are

To learn more about TheEcoDryer and the company’s mission to develop eco-conscious solutions within their local community, check out their website or their store on Amazon.

5: Boot Bananas Make Your Shoe Fresh and Dry

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Image by Boot Bananas

Boot Bananas (Amazon link) keep your shoes smelling fresh and feeling dry, making them a great way to dry wet running shoes. This product is portable and does not require electricity or heat to function.
Place a pair in your wet running shoes after a workout at the gym or bring them on your ski trip to dry out ski boots after a day in the snow.

The deodorizer in Boot Bananas is composed of eco-conscious materials, such as bamboo charcoal, baking soda, zeolite, and essential oils. Zeolite is a volcanic mineral that easily absorbs moisture due to its unique composition. You can find a thorough description of the ingredients they use to build their products by visiting this page from their own website.

Follow these steps:

  1. Gently shake the pouch to distribute the silica beads evenly.
  2. Push the Boot Banana up to the toe of the shoe
  3. Leave them in your shoes or boots for 4 to 6 hours (or longer if needed)
  4. Boot Bananas have a lifespan of 6 to 12 months, although some customers have reported them lasting for two years if they care for them properly

Check out Boot Bananas’ website to learn more about their mission, product design, and care instructions to maintain exceptional performance. 

To ship outside of the UK, purchase your Boot Bananas on Amazon. Their shop includes Boot Bananas and the Original Shoe Deodorizer, suitable for running shoes.

6: Check Out The KOODER Boot & Shoe Dryer

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You can use this shoe dryer countless times without needing to replace itKOODER (Amazon link) has received significant positive feedback for its product design and quality, and the KOODER Boot & Shoe Dryers are a reliable and hassle-free way to ensure you can walk out the door in dry footwear in the morning.

Follow these steps:

  1. Plug the shoe dryer into an outlet
  2. Remove the insoles and shoe laces if you wish to dry these separately
  3. Insert each Dryer into wet shoes
  4. Leave the Dryers to dry shoes overnight, so your shoes will be good as new by the morning!

Purchase your Boot or Shoe Dryers through KOODER’s store on Amazon

Conclusion

Woman splashed by car with wet shoes
We hate it when this happens – but at least you know how to get them dry now!

Depending on the material of your shoes and how quickly you need to wear them, consider using a combination of these drying methods listed above.

Products like TheEcoDryer and Boot Bananas serve multiple purposes. Both products are commonly used to dry out wet winter gear. These companies care about the quality of their products and the needs of our environment.

Megan Lemon

Megan Lemon

Megan is a sustainability writer based in Fiji, where she lives with her partner in the house they built themselves. In her free time, she free dives, spear fishes, and takes long walks on the dirt roads.

Sustainable Fashion

Six Jeans Styles That Flatter an Hourglass Figure in 2023

Find the best jeans styles and style tips to flatter an hourglass figure.

Jeans That Flatter An Hourglass Figure

Hourglass, curvy, voluptuous, shapely – no matter what you call yourself, your beautiful curves deserve to be shown off! However, jeans can feel restrictive or uncomfortable if you don’t find the right pair for your hourglass figure. That’s why I’ve found them for you!

The best jeans for hourglass figures are high-waisted with skinny, straight, flared, or wide legs to show off or balance out your shape! Jeans made of stretch denim with reinforced pockets and smaller waist measurements are also going to make you feel more comfortable and confident.

Below I’ve listed out the best jeans for an hourglass body shape that have a flattering cut and a comfortable fit. I’ve also added some different ways to style each type to give you some hourglass outfit inspiration!

All of the jeans pictured are from one of our best sustainable denim brands, so you’ll not only be rocking comfortable and stylish jeans, but also eco-friendly ones!

What Styles of Jeans Will Best Suit Your Hourglass Figure?

When you have an hourglass figure, there are two main things to look for stylistically when buying jeans:

  • Jeans that emphasize your small waist
  • Bring balance to the proportions of your body type

However, I think it’s even more important to find comfortable jeans. Below, I’ve detailed the best jeans for hourglass figures keeping both style and comfort in mind!

High Waisted Jeans Accentuate Your Skinny Waist

The perfect jeans for hourglass shaped women are high rise jeans. They accentuate your waist, the narrowest point of your body while providing support to your tummy. They also won’t pinch your curvy hips, so you can sit comfortably all day long.

Warp & Weft Ase High Rise Straight Jeans
Warp & Weft Ase High Rise Straight Jeans (Image by warpweftworld.com)

No matter what type of jeans you like, you’ll be able to find the perfect pair for you with a high rise!

Etica Cindy Organic Cotton High Rise Skinny Jeans
Etica Cindy Organic Cotton High Rise Skinny Jeans (Image by eticadenim.com)

To give even more length to your hourglass shape, wear high rise jeans with heels!

Boot Cut or Flared Jeans Add Symmetry

Because hourglass figures have equal width shoulders and hips, boot cut or flare jeans can balance your silhouette.

Boyish Ricky Jeans in Blue Steel
Boyish Ricky Jeans in Blue Steel (Image by boyish.com)

Both of these styles are fitted through the hips to the knee and then have some extra width in the lower half. This width adds symmetry to your body shape, while also allowing more freedom and flexibility to move around comfortably–quite the win-win!

Madewell Plus High-Rise Flare Jeans in Eversfield Wash
Madewell Plus High-Rise Flare Jeans in Eversfield Wash (Image by madewell.com)

To highlight your curves, choose a form-fitting top to pair with your flare jeans.

Straight Leg Jeans

Straight leg jeans are making a comeback and that’s good news for us hourglass shape girls! They go by quite a few different names: mom jeans, 90’s jeans, girlfriend jeans, or boyfriend jeans to name a few. But they all have one thing in common: a straight cut from the hip to the leg opening. 

Outerknown Liberty Straight Jeans (2)
Outerknown Liberty Straight Jeans (Image by outerknown.com)

The trick to finding the best straight leg jeans for an hourglass figure is to avoid bulkier styles in favor of slimmer cut pairs. You’ll want to find pairs that have a defined waist and tight fit along your hips. 

Outerknown Liberty Straight Jeans
Outerknown Liberty Straight Jeans (Image by outerknown.com)

Straight leg jeans can be worn super casually with a big t shirt or sweatshirt tucked in!

Wide Leg Jeans Can Balance Your Silhouette

As a curvy girl, you might be a little apprehensive about wide leg jeans. But I assure you, they’re an amazing choice for you! They add balance to your silhouette and are one of the most comfortable styles you’ll ever slip over your beautiful curves!

Everlane Wide Leg Jean
Everlane Wide Leg Jean (Image By everlane.com)

The wide leg flows from your full hips, so you’ll be able to move freely without restricting tight pant legs! Find a pair with a fitted waist for a non-baggy look.

Reformation Logan Ultra Hise Rise Wide Leg Jeans
Reformation Logan Ultra Hise Rise Wide Leg Jeans (Image by thereformation.com)

For a fun night-out look, throw on a breezy crop top to accentuate all of your curves!

Wear Cropped Jeans to Add Length

Even though every mid-2000s cheesy makeover show told hourglass shaped women to avoid cropped pants, cropped jeans are actually fantastic! They can add length to your body shape and feel very breezy in the summer.

Etica Carine Straight Crop Jeans
Etica Carine Straight Crop Jeans (Image by eticadenim.com)

For comfort and style, avoid a skinny crop that can pinch your ankles and break up your silhouette. Instead, opt for a cropped straight leg or flare jean.

Madewell Plus Cali Demi-Boot Jeans
Madewell Plus Cali Demi-Boot Jeans (Image by madewell.com)

Or grab lunch with friends in a billowy top and your favorite pair of sandals!

Skinny Jeans Show Off Your Figure

Wear skinny jeans if you want to show off every inch of that beautiful hourglass figure! Skinny jeans are amazing for curvy women because they have a very defined waist, curvy bum support, and stretch denim to hug your thighs and legs.

Everlane Way-High Skinny Jean
Everlane Way-High Skinny Jean (Image by everlane.com)

Skinny jeans are all about tightness, so it’s important to find the perfect fit to avoid discomfort or bunching at the knees. Do a quick squat in the fitting room to test them out. Your jeans should allow you to bend all the way without sliding down. If you can’t find any like that, check out my tip below for finding curvy fit jeans!

Outland High-Rise Harriet Jeans
Outland High-Rise Harriet Jeans (Image by outlanddenim.co.uk)

Go for a boxy sweater on top tucked in for a cozy way to dress up your hourglass shape!

Additional Tips for the Best Jeans for Hourglass Figure

Finding the best jeans for your hourglass figure goes beyond just style. There are a few other things to pay attention to:

1. Find Jeans with Reinforced Front Pockets

If you find jeans uncomfortable on your stomach, look at how the front pockets are sewn in.  Most brands’ pockets are not stitched in, which doesn’t provide any tummy support and can bunch up weirdly.

Instead, look for jeans with front pockets that are sewn into the side seam for a full-on comfy support panel. This will also get rid of any weird bunching or buckling.

2. Pay Attention to the Back Pockets

Now that you have your front pockets in order, it’s time to turn around to inspect the placement of the back pockets.

Back pockets should sit in the center of the fullest part of your butt and should be big enough to cover more than 50% of each side. Too-wide pockets can make your butt look even more voluminous than it is, while small pockets can make your glorious booty look flatter.

3. Look for Stretch Denim Blends

Every style listed above is only as good as the denim blend used to make them. For us hourglass figures, quality stretch denim makes all the difference in the world both for comfort and style.

Look for jeans made with TENCEL™ Lyocell, a sustainable fiber made from Eucalyptus wood fibers for eco-friendly stretch denim.

4. Find Curvy Fit Jeans

Denim brands are finally making curvy fit jeans with contoured waistbands that fit you in all the right places. The main difference between a curvy fit and a regular fit in the same style is just a narrower waist to avoid gaping at the waistband.

Many sustainable brands like Madewell and Everlane are now making their classic styles in a curvy fit! If you always have trouble finding jeans that fit everywhere, these collections are great!

5. Tailor Your Jeans

Hem your jeans to fall right above or at your ankle, so you’re not swimming in extra fabric. And if you can’t find jeans that work with your entire body, grab a size up from your normal size and head to the tailor. They can take in at the waist and along your curves, so they fit like a glove!

The Best Jeans for Hourglass Shapes Help You Rock What You Got

The bottom line is that jeans should not make you feel bad. If your body type is an hourglass shape, then you should choose jeans that make you feel like the beautiful, confident person you are! Show off your defined waist, thick thighs, and gorgeous curves without worry.

The jeans above all work WITH your body, not against it. You can highlight your hourglass figure in skinny, straight leg, flare, or wide leg jeans with a high waist for extra comfort! It’s up to you and what makes you feel the most beautiful.

Megan Lemon

Megan Lemon

Megan is a sustainability writer based in Fiji, where she lives with her partner in the house they built themselves. In her free time, she free dives, spear fishes, and takes long walks on the dirt roads.

Sustainable Fashion

Best Jeans for a Pear Shaped Figure (Top 6 Styles)

Discover the best jean styles for flattering a pear shaped body.

Jeans Styles That Flatter Pear Shaped Figure Featured

Are you Shakira? Because your hips do not lie! All corniness aside–if you’re rocking a pear shaped body, you’ve got hips and thighs for days. But because of this, it can be difficult to find jeans that fit your butt and your waist. That’s where I come in. I’ll help you find jeans that fit your body to perfection, so you can feel confident and comfortable!

The best jeans for pear shape bodies work with your generous hips. High-rise jeans will give comfort and support to your hip and stomach area. Bootcut, flare, and wide-leg jeans will balance out your silhouette, while slim fit and straight leg jeans will show off every inch of your beauty. 

Below you’ll find my recommendations for jeans AND extra styling and fit tips. That way you can feel and look your best as you take on the world! Plus, all jeans that I recommend are from our best sustainable denim brands, so you can rest assured knowing your jeans are good for you and the planet!

What Styles of Jeans Will Best Suit Your Pear Shaped Body?

The best jeans for pear shapes will support your hips, thighs, and stomach. Plus, styles like flare, bootcut, and wide-leg jeans add balance to your silhouette with extra width below your thighs. If you want a sleeker look, straight leg or slim fit jeans are comfier than skinny jeans and look more polished. These styles are the starting point for finding comfortable jeans that make you look and feel great!

High Rise Jeans Create a Smooth Silhouette

Because you’ve got such luscious hips, high rise waist jeans are ideal for you. While mid and low rise jeans will cut you off right at your widest point, higher rise jeans follow the natural curves of your body. That way, there’s no uncomfortable pinching!

AGOLDE Criss Cross Straight Jeans (image by amour vert)
AGOLDE Criss Cross Straight Jeans (image by amourvert.com)

Also, because your widest point is your hips, a high waist pair will prevent any sagging or sliding down of your jeans. That means no plumbers crack for you!

Grab a fun twist on high waist jeans like the Amour Vert Criss Cross Straight Jean. Its unique contoured waistband adds a new level of interest to your outfit, while the high waist accentuates your small waist!

Flare Jeans Add Balance to a Pear Shape Figure

With pear shaped bodies, flare jeans are miracle workers for bringing balance to your silhouette. By adding width to your lower leg, your hips and thighs look more proportionate. It also helps elongate your shape by adding a visual interest below your hips.

Boyish Jeans Ricky in Moonfleet
Boyish Jeans Ricky in Moonfleet (image by boyish.com)

The length of flare jeans is really important for pear shapes. If they stop right at the ankle, they can look ill-fitting. Instead, opt for a trendy pair of cropped kick flares for a casual look. Or find a pair that lands 1” or less off the ground. This longer look is a great way to wear jeans in a dressier style.

Grab a dark wash or black pair like Boyish’s The Ricky in Moonfleet for the ultimate pair of dress-up jeans. Paired with heels and a nice top, they make a great going out or dinner outfit. The high waist button fly adds a touch of style and emphasizes the contoured waistband perfectly.

Bootcut Jeans Subtly Streamline Your Pear Shape Body

Bootcut denim works very similarly to flare jeans, but a little more subtly. The slight extra width at the bottom, combined with a tight fit over your curvy hips and thighs, creates a streamlined silhouette. They make fantastic everyday jeans for errands, lunches, and whatever else you get up to.

Reformation Peton High Rise Bootcut Jeans
Peton High Rise Bootcut Jeans by Reformation (image by thereformation.com)

Bootcut jeans are especially an amazing option for shorter women. Flare or wide-leg jeans might drown your shorter body shape in extra fabric, but bootcut are just subtle enough to work for you.

To elongate your body shape, grab a long pair to wear with heels. Then add a cropped shirt or sweater to emphasize your defined waist. A dark wash pair is fancy enough for a nice dinner, while a lighter wash pair is casual enough for errands!

Wide-Leg Jeans Accentuate Your Defined Waist

Wide-leg jeans are amazing for pear shape bodies because they accentuate your waist and hips. They sit high on your waist and then follow your hips down until the top of your thighs. From there, they’ll flare out. Some are super wide, while others are more casual.

etica iris relaxed taper
Irish Relaxed Taper by Etica (image by eticadenim.com)

If you’re scared of adding width to your thighs, don’t be. First of all, look at all of the amazing places those thighs have taken you. Secondly, the wide leg balances out your proportions for a smooth silhouette.

Embrace your pear body shape with wide-leg white jeans. Yes… I said white jeans. Even though most outdated magazines will tell you that dark washes are the only option for women with wider hips, ignore them! Jeans like the Etica Iris Relaxed Taper are fresh, fun, and will look so good on you. Pair them with a crisp white tee and black shoes to play up the contrast!

Straight Leg Jeans Are Great for Thicker Thighs

Mom jeans, 90s jeans, boyfriend jeans–whatever you want to call them, they’re awesome for pear shapes! With a straight fit from your hip to your ankle, they add width below your widest part, which accentuates your waist.

Nudie Jeans Breezy Britt in Friendly Blue
Nudie Jeans Breezy Britt in Friendly Blue (image by nudiejeans.com)

Plus, they’re super comfy with more room in the thighs, hips, and legs, which makes it easier to be on the go in them. A slightly cropped pair also elongates your shape and shows off your ankles.

To fully embrace the 90s, pair your “mom jeans” with your freshest white sneakers and a tucked-in white t-shirt! The Nudie Jeans Breezy Britt in Friendly Blue is the ultimate throwback denim. They’re great for running errands or going out for lunch.

Slim Fit Jeans Are a More Tailored Look Than Skinny Jeans

If you like skinny jeans, you’ll love slim fit jeans. The difference between skinny and slim fit jeans is that slim fit jeans have slightly more room in the leg and ankle. Like the other styles listed above, this brings more symmetry to your shape.

Outerknown Generation Slim Selvedge
Outerknown Generation Slim Selvedge (image by outerknown.com)

Slim fit jeans are super chic, sleek, and easy to style casually or more professionally. Just like straight leg jeans, cropped slim fit jeans adds length to your shape. A black pair is especially great for my pear shapes because the dark color accentuates your curves.

For the perfect casual Friday look, pair some non-distressed slim fit jeans like the Outerknown Generation Slims with heels and a button-down shirt tucked in. It’s comfortable and professional!

Additional Tips for the Best Jeans for Pear Shape Figure

To find the truly perfect pair of jeans for pear shapes, you have to go beyond just style. Here are some other things to keep in mind to find comfortable, stylish, and long-lasting jeans:

Find Brands With Curvy Fits

One of the main issues that people with a pear shape figure face with jeans is finding a pair that fits in both the hips and waist. That’s where curvy fit jeans come in. They’re specifically made for pear shaped women, who have wider hips compared to a smaller waist, to prevent gapping.

Everlane Curvy 90s Cheeky Jean
Everlane Curvy 90s Cheeky Jean (image by everlane.com)

Curvy jeans will have a larger butt and thigh area with a narrower waist. Not every brand offers jeans like these that are made for pear shaped bodies. However, sustainable brands like Madewell and Everlane do, so you don’t have to choose between sustainability and the perfect fit of jeans.

If You’re Between Sizes, Choose the Smaller One

Denim is made primarily of cotton, which means it will stretch a bit as you wear them. Pear shapes have to worry about the annoying gap between your waist and the waistband of jeans because many jeans don’t take into account large hips with a smaller waist.

Find a pair that fits on your waist well, but is a little tight on your hips and thighs. This way, your jeans will stretch to fit your hips, while the waist remains fitted. If you choose a larger size, you’ll be pulling up your pants every five minutes after your first wear.

Look for Jeans Made with Stretch Denim

Denim blends made with cotton and some type of stretch material are going to allow your jeans to comfortably hug all of your curves. Because a pear shaped body holds more weight in the hip and thigh area, it’s important to have denim that will stretch. That way, your jeans will fit your waist and your hips with gapping.

Most styles, like slim fit or skinny jeans, are almost always made with stretchy denim, but mom jeans and wide leg jeans are more often made with 100% cotton. It adds more structure to the shape of the jeans, but it’s less comfortable and less flexible.

Some brands use nylon or spandex but look for denim blends that use TENCEL™ Lyocell. It’s a sustainable and soft material made from bamboo.

Choose the Right Length for Your Jeans

Finding the perfect-fitting jeans is about more than just the waistband. Length of jeans is super important for a tailored, elongating look.

Because the pear body shape is widest at the hips, too-cropped jeans can make you look shorter than you are. Plus, it can emphasize your proportions in a way that might not be that comfortable. Too long of jeans can swallow you and bring the focus of your outfit to your feet.

If you wanted a cropped jean look, they should end right at the top of your ankle bone. This will highlight your ankles and footwear of choice while also elongating your look. This is a great length for tighter styles like slim fit, straight leg, and skinny jeans!

If you’re wearing flare or bootcut jeans that are full-length, they should stop about 1 inch from the ground. If you typically wear heels with jeans, make sure you take that into consideration when shopping or hemming.

Pay Attention to the Pockets

For the most comfortable and flattering jeans, pocket construction is key. Both the front and back pockets can make a huge difference!

Front pockets should be sewn into the side and zipper seams on the pants. When they’re sewn in, they create a panel that flattens, smooths, and supports. This is great for pear shaped women with wider hips.

ABLE Whitney Boyfriend
ABLE Whitney Boyfriend Jeans (image by ableclothing.com)

Back pockets are all about placement. Perfectly placed pockets will sit at the most voluminous part of your butt. Too close together and they’ll add extra width. Too far apart and your gorgeous backside will look flatter than a pancake! They should be large enough to cover over 50% of each cheek to emphasize but not overwhelm your assets.

The Best Jeans for Pear Shapes Emphasize All of Your Natural Beauty

Remember–jeans don’t have to be “flattering” or “slimming,” whatever that even means anyway. They have to work with your body to support, comfort, and make you feel confident. These styles of jeans follow your natural curves the most comfortably, which means you won’t have to be thinking about or adjusting your outfit all day!

Megan Lemon

Megan Lemon

Megan is a sustainability writer based in Fiji, where she lives with her partner in the house they built themselves. In her free time, she free dives, spear fishes, and takes long walks on the dirt roads.

Sustainable Fashion

Best Jeans for Apple Shape Body Types

Discover the best jeans styles that flatter an apple shape body type.

Jeans Styles That Flatter An Apple Shaped Figure Featured

It can be tough for apple-shaped women to find the perfect pair of jeans that are comfortable, cute, and confidence-boosting. If this sounds familiar, you can stop spending hours in the dressing room trying on every style imaginable, I’ve found the best styles of jeans for your gorgeous apple-shaped figure!

The best jeans for apple shapes include wide leg, straight leg, and bootcut jeans styles which balance out your wider upper body and create curves where they might not naturally exist. Slim and skinny fits with the right amount of stretch, the perfect rise, and great pocket placement will also highlight your natural beauty.

If you’re tired of pinching waistbands and not feeling your best, read below! I cover the best styles for your apple body shape along with additional tips and tricks for finding the best jeans for your apple shape.

What Styles of Jeans Will Best Suit Your Apple Shaped Body?

Apple shaped women typically have slender arms, a wider upper half, and slim legs. The best jeans for apple body shapes will support your tummy area while adding balance to your silhouette with a wider bottom half. With that in mind, let’s get into the best jeans for an apple body shape!

Slim Fit Jeans Feel Comfortable and Look Good

Slim fit jeans are the best of both worlds for an apple body shape. They show off your lovely body shape and bring balance to it. If you’re not sure of the difference between slim leg and skinny jeans, slim leg jeans are not as skin tight and have wider leg openings.

AGOLE Nico High Rise Slim fit Jeans
AGOLE Nico High Rise Slim Fit Jeans (image by agolde.com)

The bit of extra room in them, compared to skinny jeans, balances out your shape subtly like wider styles. The tight fit means they follow your body shape, highlighting every inch of you. This makes them a comfortable and confidence-boosting style for all body shapes, but especially apple shapes!

They also look more tailored and professional, so they’re great for work or less casual events. A dark wash or black denim pair make them even more dressy.

For a pair that can go from the farmers market to dinner, grab a darker pair like Amour Vert’s Nico High Rise Slim Fit Jeans. Paired with a tucked-in tee and some sneakers, you’re ready to run all of the errands. With a button-up shirt and loafers, they’re professional and chic!

Wide Leg Jeans Define Your Waist

Wide leg jeans are a super comfortable option for apple shaped women. Starting off fitted along your waist, they’ll flare out starting at your hips for a full-figured effect. The flare creates the illusion of a very defined waist, while also giving your legs more room to breathe.

ABLE Leah Sailor Jean
ABLE Leah Sailor Jean (image by ableclothing.com)

Wide leg jeans can make it look like you have an hourglass shape without constricting you. They’re also great because they can look very dressy if you grab them in a dark wash or black denim. A cropped wide leg is especially great at showcasing those tiny ankles of yours!

For a fun and flirty outfit, style a pair of wide leg jeans like the Able Leah Sailor Jean that has unique front pockets with a tucked-in shirt. This will highlight your waist. Add a pair of sandals for the ultimate summer look!

Straight Leg Jeans Streamline Your Silhouette

Straight leg jeans are apple body shapes’ best friend. They balance your silhouette by adding width below the widest part of your body. Plus, because of the extra space in the hips and thighs, you’ll be more comfortable in them all day.

Outerknown Liberty Straight Leg Jean
Outerknown Liberty Straight Leg Jean (image by outerknown.com)

The trick for finding the perfect pair of straight leg jeans for apple shapes? Choosing slimmer versions of the classic straight leg styles. Instead of bulkier boyfriend jeans or mom jeans, choose a pair of girlfriend jeans. Boyfriend and mom jeans can look a little saggy on an apple shape. Instead, girlfriend jeans are more tailored to your body shape and show off your slim legs!

Find a mid rise straight jean like the Outerknown Liberty Straight for an easy everyday pair. Paired with a basic t-shirt and your comfiest sneakers and you’re ready to hit the streets!

Bootcut and Flare Jeans Give You Curves

Draw attention to your legs and add more curves to your body shape with bootcut or flare jeans. These jeans have a tight fit from the waistband to the lower leg. Flare jeans will widen starting at the knee, while bootcut jeans slightly flare out starting mid-calf.

Warp + Weft PSP Once Crop Bootcut Jean
Warp + Weft PSP Once Crop Bootcut Jean (image by warpweftworld.com)

This type of shape will highlight your cute butt and shapely thighs, and then add curves with the extra width at the bottom. If you don’t naturally have a lot of curves, it’s a great shape for you.

A cropped bootcut jean like Warp + Weft’s PSP is a great option for any apple shape! Add a sleeveless white top, which will highlight your slender arms and strong, broad shoulders. Pair them with some chunky sandals to show off those tiny ankles of yours.

Skinny Jeans Are Great for ALL Body Shapes

A lot of people online try to tell apple shaped women to avoid skinny jeans because they’re not the most “flattering jeans” for an apple body shape. I’m here to tell you that they’re wrong: skinny jeans look good on everyone. You get to flaunt your beautiful legs and body shape!

Everlane Authentic Sketch High Rise Skinny
Everlane Authentic Sketch High Rise Skinny (image by everlane.com)

If you’re nervous that the tight fit might draw attention to parts of your body that you typically like to hide, there are a few things to keep in mind while styling them. Skinny jeans should have a good amount of stretch in the denim so you can really highlight your legs and butt. Read below for tips on finding the right stretch denim.

Find a pair that is slightly cropped to about an inch above your ankle bone. Wear some bulkier shoes like an ankle boot or large sneakers to add symmetry to your shape.

A great styling tip for apple shapes looking to wear skinny jeans? Tucked in a v-neck shirt to define your waist and add curves. Dress the outfit up with some heels or throw on your favorite sandals for a more casual look.

Additional Tips for the Best Jeans for Apple Shape Figure

You’ve found the best styles of jeans for your apple shape. Now, it’s time to put the cherry on top with these tips and tricks!

Get the Right Amount of Stretch in Your Denim

You can find the perfect style for your apple shape and still not be comfy enough if it doesn’t have the right amount of stretch! Especially with a wider waist and thinner legs, it’s important that your jeans contour to your body as much as they can.

Styles like slim, bootcut and flare, or skinny jeans should be made with stretchier denim. More structured styles like a wide leg or straight leg should have a more rigid feel, so they keep to their shape.

Many brands use fabrics like spandex, which are not very sustainable to create their stretch denim. Instead, opt for brands that use fabrics like TENCEL™ Lyocell, which is a fiber made from eucalyptus wood pulp and is very sustainable.

Pay Attention to Your Pockets

An often overlooked part of your jeans, pockets can make or break a pair.

Front pockets tend to bunch up, which can be uncomfortable and add bulk to the widest area of your body. To ensure comfort and some tummy control, look for jeans that have front pockets sewn into the side and zipper seams of your jeans.

If you’re an apple shape with a smaller, or perhaps flatter, behind, perfectly placed back pockets can do wonders! They should sit at the most voluminous part of your butt and take up about 50% of each cheek. If you struggle with a flat or saggy behind, back pockets that sit higher on your butt will add volume. Also, flap pockets or pockets with designs on them can create a fuller illusion.

Buy the Smallest Size That Fits

One trick for finding jeans that fit perfectly beyond just the first wear is buying the smallest size that fits your waist while zipped up. It can be a touch uncomfortable the first time you slide them on. However, jeans naturally stretch with wear, especially ones made with 100% denim.

Because apple shapes have a wider waist and more narrow hips, jeans should initially start out tight on the waist and be well-fitted on the hips and butt. As you stretch them out, the waistband will expand while the hips stay nice and tight. Otherwise, you’ll have to deal with jeans that slip down all day–not fun!

Find Jeans With Your Perfect Rise

For most other body shapes like a pear or hourglass shape, high rise jeans are the only comfortable choice. However, people with an apple shaped body have more variety in the rise of jeans that work best for them.

Because apple shaped bodies have a less defined waist, you can wear most rises comfortably. Most people with an apple body shape do have shorter torsos, though. This means high rise jeans might come up too high on you, meaning they sit a lot higher than your belly button and the natural break of your waist. Low rise jeans might create a “muffin top,” which can be uncomfortable if it’s pinching you.

Mid rise jeans are a great option for an apple shape! They’re high enough to smooth out your silhouette, while low enough to sit comfortably on your tummy. Mid rise jeans with a wide waistband will be the most comfortable because they won’t pinch.

The Best Jeans for Apple Shapes Boost Your Confidence and Comfort

Finding the best jeans for apple shapes isn’t about hiding or minimizing a part of your body. It’s about finding jeans that make you feel confident and comfortable all day every day! Styles like wide, straight, slim, flared, and skinny do all of that and more.

Once you find the fit that works the best for your body and lifestyle, pay attention to the rise, pocket placement, and stretch fabric for the ultimate pair of denim!

Megan Lemon

Megan Lemon

Megan is a sustainability writer based in Fiji, where she lives with her partner in the house they built themselves. In her free time, she free dives, spear fishes, and takes long walks on the dirt roads.

Sustainable Fashion

Why Your Jeans Smell (3 Common Reasons + Solutions)

Discover the three common reasons behind stinky jeans and what you can do about it.

Why Your Jeans Smell Featured

Have you ever pulled a pair of jeans out of your closet only to discover they smell like your grandmother’s closet? Or are you all too familiar with the new jean chemical smell that makes you want to never wear them? If so, you’ve come to the right place.

Jeans can smell bad because of the chemicals some brands use during production, mildew from storing in damp conditions, or sweat and sebum on dirty jeans. To get rid of the unpleasant odor, you can use household products like baking soda and vinegar for gentle cleaning power and fresh air and sunlight to dry and deodorize.

Below you’ll find the most common reasons for those nose-wrinkling smells and how best to remove them.

3 Reasons Your Jeans Smell Bad

The three main foul odors on jeans are a chemical smell, a musty, sour smell, and a stinky clothes smell: 

Reason 1: A Chemical New Jeans Smell

Label on blue pair of jeans
The label won’t mention it, but many chemicals are used to produce your new pair of jeans

Have you ever excitedly opened up the package you just got with new jeans inside only to be hit by a waft of a strong chemical smell? There are a couple of different reasons for this foul odor:

A Chemical Smell From Formaldehyde in Denim

Does formaldehyde sound familiar? Yup, the same chemical used to embalm bodies is on your new pair of jeans – yikes!

Most mainstream denim producers use formaldehyde to make denim last and stay wrinkle-free throughout production. Formaldehyde can cause dermatitis, a skin irritation that can also cause the skin to blister or flake off, so the smell isn’t even the worst part. 

The best way to avoid this smell is to buy from a sustainable denim brand like Reformation that doesn’t use harsh chemicals like Formaldehyde to make their jeans. 

A Chemical Smell From Harmful Dyes Used in Production

A lot of brands use harmful dyes like AZO dyes to make their jeans, especially black jeans. These dyes can leave a pretty nasty chemical scent and have been seen to release carcinogens that are easily absorbed by the skin. 

Again, buying from a sustainable denim brand that does not use AZO dyes is a great way to avoid the chemical odors and carcinogens altogether. 

Reason 2: Mildew Can Cause Your Jeans to Have a Musty Smell

Jeans Drying on the Line
Fresh air and sunlight is a great way to improve the odor of your jeans

If you’ve ever smelled a sour smell after pulling out a pair of jeans you haven’t worn in a while, you might be wondering how a folded-up pair of jeans could start to smell so bad.

Mildew is a type of fungus that grows in damp conditions and releases a musty, sour odor. While mildew isn’t as dangerous as other types of mold, airborne spores can still cause respiratory issues or allergic reactions, especially in more vulnerable populations like the immunocompromised, young, and elderly. 

If you’re in the habit of rushing the jeans drying process, mildew can start to grow rapidly, causing an earthy, stinky smell. You can prevent mildew forming by only putting your jeans away once they are 100% dry (check out our article on how to dry jeans fast if you need a few tips).

If you still notice the musty smell, check out your washing machine and where you store your jeans. An unclean, smelly washing machine can grow mildew and put the scent on everything it washes. 

Reason 3: Too Little (or Too Much!) Washing Can Cause Scents To Build Up

Man exercises in pair of jeans on exercise mat
Exercising in jeans? This could be why your jeans smell…

If you’re in the anti-washing jeans camp, I’m right there with you. However, despite being the best way to make denim last longer, there is such a thing as taking it too far. Your washing habits (or lack of) can cause smells in a few ways:

A Buildup of Sebum Can Leave a Noticeable Smell 

Sebum is a waxy substance that your skin secretes to protect itself. Not only is it one of the most common causes of acne, but it also can be the source of your foul-smelling jeans. 

When it builds up too much, it can create a barrier woven into your jeans that attracts dirt and other odorous elements. Because sebum is an oily substance, it can be difficult to remove if there is too much built-up because water cannot penetrate it. 

Feeling the Heat? Sweat Can Also Cause Issues

Sweat combined with bacteria on your skin can cause a body odor smell in your clothes. If you do not wash your jeans after a day of running around town, your jeans can soak up the sweat and smells.

Wearing jeans made of organic cotton is a great way to prevent too bad of a smell. Polyester fabrics are proven to hold onto microbial odors longer and more intensely, so sticking to breathable cotton is the right move. 

From Laundry Detergent Build Up

On the other end of the spectrum, if you’re all about washing your denim, but still have an unpleasant scent following you around, it could be because of laundry detergent buildup. 

If you use too much detergent for the laundry load you’re doing, the water won’t be able to wash all of the laundry soap out, leaving some behind. This excess detergent then sticks to your fresh laundry, trapping smells in. 

Laundry detergent is mainly for stain removal, rather than scent removal anyway. Even scented detergents just mask smells. Using the proper amount or avoiding laundry detergent altogether will do more for stink odor removal.

6 Eco-Friendly Methods to Remove Bad Smells From Your Jeans

If you’ve just picked up a pair of jeans and immediately had to plug your nose, help has arrived! Here are the best ways to remove an awful smell from your jeans.

1. Remove Stinky Odor With Baking Soda

Jeans Being Handwashed
Baking soda can make the world of difference to how your jeans smell

Baking soda is a more eco-friendly alternative to other household deodorizers like borax or heavy chemical detergents. It’s an incredible natural absorbent, so it will eliminate smells rather than mask them. 

There are two different ways you can use it deodorize your jeans:

For jeans that absolutely need to be washed, adding a pinch of baking soda and half a cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle will both deodorize and set the dye, so your jeans won’t fade. This is a great option for black jeans, especially. Avoid using warm water or hot water because those cause jeans to lose their shape.

You can also use baking soda without a full wash to get rid of the chemical smells from new jeans by soaking them in a mixture of cold water and baking soda. Make sure to rinse well afterward and then air dry

2. Castille Soap is a Great Way To Remove Unpleasant Odors From Your Denim

Castile soap is an eco-friendly cleaner made of vegetable oils and sodium carbonate that’s great for deodorizing jeans. 

Soaking jeans in a solution of Castile soap and water for about 30 minutes will remove smells without damaging jeans. Rinse them well to remove any buildup afterward. 

Some can be made with palm oil, so make sure you find one like this EWG verified Castile soap to avoid the nasty stuff. 

3. White Vinegar Can Banish Musty Smells From Jeans

White vinegar is another great household deodorizer for jeans that will not remove dye from dark or black jeans. Combined with a little baking soda, it’ll remove detergent buildup and trapped smells very quickly.

If you’re having a mildew problem, white vinegar is especially great to use because it’s acidic enough to kill mold. Either soak your jeans in a solution of vinegar or spray the inside of your washing machine and wardrobe. 

4. Try Deodorizing Jeans With Oxygen Bleach

Oxygen bleach, a mix of sodium carbonate (a naturally occurring chemical) and hydrogen peroxide, is a great way to deodorize smelly jeans.  It’s environmentally friendly, safer to have in your home, and won’t stain your clothing as chlorine bleach will.

It will remove all smells from your jeans, including chemical smells, but it’s especially great at removing mildew. 

To use, just dissolve a bit into a tub of cold water and soak your jeans for about 30 minutes. Make sure to rinse well to avoid product buildup. 

This oxygen bleach is climate pledge friendly, so it has many sustainability certifications showing a low impact on the environment. It’s also a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Safer Choice certified, so you know it’s not harmful to have in your home.

5. Lemon Juice is a Natural Deodorizer For Smelly Clothes

Lemon Juice can help clean denim
Lemons are a great natural option for cleaning your denim

If you’re looking to both deodorize and add a fresh scent to your jeans, lemon juice is a great natural option. However, it should not be used on black jeans or dark jeans because the acidity can cause them to fade. Also, it should be completely rinsed out before putting them outside to dry or it can cause damage to the denim fibers.

You can either mix freshly squeezed lemon juice and water in a spray bottle and lightly mist the inside and outside of your jeans. Or you can soak your jeans in a tub with lemon juice and water. Again, make sure to rinse completely before drying in the sun. 

6. Jeans Still Stink? The Sun and Fresh Air Are Your Friends

Clothing being air dried
Sometimes all you need is a little bit of sun

One of the easiest and most effective ways to both deodorize and reduce fungal contamination in your clothing is with sunlight. While you can get UV benefits by placing your jeans in front of a sunny spot inside, it’s even better to hang your jeans outside for both fresh air and sunlight. 

Prevent bad smells from even starting by air drying your jeans outside after every wash. If you notice a mildew smell, put all of your jeans in the sun for a day to get rid of the bad odor right away. Use that time to clean your wardrobe with vinegar to prevent them from getting smelly again. 

Megan Lemon

Megan Lemon

Megan is a sustainability writer based in Fiji, where she lives with her partner in the house they built themselves. In her free time, she free dives, spear fishes, and takes long walks on the dirt roads.

Sustainable Fashion

Can You Wash Jeans With Towels? (Don’t do it!)

Find out why we recommend you don't wash jeans with towels and what you should do instead.

Don't Wash Jeans With Towels Featured

Laundry might just be my least favorite chore around the home. That’s why I tend to overstuff my washing machine with every dirty cloth item I can find when I finally get around to the task. I rarely separate anything, throwing everything into one load. However, I always separate my jeans and towels… and so should you. Here’s why:

Jeans and towels should be washed in separate loads to extend their lives and protect their fibers. Jeans should be machine washed gently with cold water only when absolutely necessary. Towels, on the other hand, should be washed frequently with high heat, bleach, and on a heavy-duty preset. 

If even I, the queen of stuffing an enormous amount into my washing machine, keep my jeans and towels separated, so should you! Below you’ll find laundry tips on how to best wash jeans, towels, sheets, and other clothes!

Why Shouldn’t You Wash Jeans With Towels?

You shouldn’t throw your towels in with your jeans because they can damage one another in the wash and they have very different care requirements.

The zipper and buttons on jeans can snag onto the towel fibers while spinning around the washing machine. These snags make your fairly new towels look old and used. It can even begin to unravel the towel if it continues to happen.

Even more importantly, though, is how washing jeans differ from washing towels. Below you’ll find brief instructions on how best to wash towels and jeans.

How to Wash Jeans

pile of jeans ready for washing
Try to avoid washing jeans unless they really need it – they’ll last longer

Jeans should not be washed in the washing machine unless they’re heavily soiled. Hand washing jeans will help prevent shrinkage and damage to the denim fibers. 

It may take some extra effort, but it really is the best idea to hand wash them. If your jeans are smelly or covered in dirt and need to be washed in the machine, wash them on the gentle cycle with cold water. Avoid using a lot of detergent and avoid the dryer completely. Save time by line drying your jeans outside in the sun.

How to Wash Towels

towels that need washing
Unlike jeans, towels can be machine washed regularly

Towels, on the other hand, should be washed with hot water to kill bacteria. This is especially important for your bath towel which gets used every day because it holds onto a lot of your skin cells. Use detergent with non-chlorine bleach for the best results.

Wash them on a heavy-duty long wash cycle to start the drying process in the washer. Separate dark towels from light. Finished drying in the dryer at a high temperature to speed the process along and kill any remaining bacteria.

Towels should be washed and dried at the highest temperature possible. Most towels are made of cotton, which can tolerate up to 95˚F or 35˚C.

You can wash your bath towels with your hand towels. As a general rule, kitchen towels should be washed in a separate load if they have any food bits on them.

Can You Wash Other Clothes With Towels?

Now that you know you can’t wash your towels with your jeans, you might be wondering if you can wash other garments with your towels. It might be tempting to wash all of your dirty laundry in the same load, but most clothes cannot handle the high heat and heavy-duty washing cycle that towels require. So it’s best to throw your favorite sweater into a separate load from your towels.

Wash clothes according to their care instructions for the best results. Silk and lace, along with dark clothes should be washed in cold water, while other fabrics like linen and cotton clothes (other than denim) should be washed in lukewarm water. Always separate light colors from dark when washing clothes.

mixing jeans with towels in washing basket
Try to wash clothes in batches with similar items

You can wash sheets with towels as long as they’re made of cotton. However, make sure you’re not overloading your washing machine with a huge load of laundry. However, you should line dry sheets to avoid shrinkage. 

These tips will make your towels and clothes squeaky clean! Happy washing!

Megan Lemon

Megan Lemon

Megan is a sustainability writer based in Fiji, where she lives with her partner in the house they built themselves. In her free time, she free dives, spear fishes, and takes long walks on the dirt roads.

Sustainable Fashion

Slim vs Skinny Jeans: Which Should You Wear?

Our guide to the differences between slim and skinny jeans and which you should choose.

Slim Vs Skinny Jeans Featured

In any other conversation, slim and skinny could be used interchangeably. When it comes to jeans, though, slim fit and skinny jeans are two very different styles.

The main difference between skinny and slim jeans is tightness. Skinny jeans are tighter, while slim fit jeans have a straight leg and aren’t as form-fitting. Plus, skinny jeans tend to be made with stretchier denim for a comfortable, but tight fit. Slim jeans are more structured, which makes them better for work.

With Gen-Z raging a war against skinny jeans, many of us are looking toward different styles. It’s a great time to try on a pair of slim fit jeans, so I’ve also given some tips on how to style both of these popular cuts. Let’s get into it!

What is the Difference Between Slim Fit and Skinny Jeans?

You might think the only difference between the two styles is how they fit. However, they can also differ in the denim blends and weights they’re made of and ultimately how comfortable they are.

Skinny Fit Jeans Have a Tighter Fit Than Slim Jeans

One of the key differences between slim fit vs skinny fit jeans is how they fit your body shape.

Skinny jeans fit tightly to the leg, following the body very closely. They have a narrower leg opening at the bottom and are tight throughout. Some are so tight that they’re like a second skin!

Slim fit jeans are not as tight and have a straighter shape. In women’s jeans, they’ll fit somewhat snugly at the waist and through the hips. Then from the hip, they follow a straighter line and have more room in the legs. Men’s jeans in a slim fit style have a loose fit throughout. Most have a tapered leg design, but some have larger leg openings.

Skinny Fit Jeans Are Made With More Stretchy Material Vs Slim Fit Jeans

Denim is made with cotton, but most pairs use a fabric blend featuring stretchier materials like TENCEL Lyocell, Spandex, or Lycra.

Skinny jeans typically use more stretch denim so they can follow the body closely. Because slim fit jeans aren’t as tight-fitting, they usually have less elastic material blended with cotton for their denim. This helps keep their shape around your legs.

Another big difference between slim fit vs skinny fit jeans is the weight of denim used. Typically, skinny jeans will use lighter-weight denim, which makes them more flexible to move with your body.

Slim fit jeans will typically use heavier-weight denim. Just like with a higher percent cotton blend, heavier weight denim will help them keep the jeans’ shape structured.

Slim Jeans Can Be More Comfortable Than Skinny Jeans

Comfort in jeans comes mostly down to fit and material. With skinny jeans and slim fit jeans, certain aspects of each can make them comfortable or uncomfortable.

Because skinny jeans are tight down your entire leg, they can be quite restrictive. We all know the painful pinching that comes after eating a big meal in a pair of skinny jeans! The tightness on the legs, especially around the knees, can also make moving in them uncomfortable. That’s why it’s important to find skinny fit jeans with a stretchy denim blend.

Slim fit jeans have a looser fit, so they’re much more comfortable in that way.  However, because they typically use heavier-weight denim with less elastic, the material can be scratchy and inflexible.

This discomfort will mainly be felt at the waist, where the jeans will touch your skin the most. Buying slim jeans that use organic cotton. like the ones from our best sustainable denim brands will make your jeans a lot softer!

Which is the Best For Me – Slim or Skinny Jeans?

High-quality jeans can be quite the investment, so it’s good to determine which style fits your shape and lifestyle.

Woman in slim fit jeans with camera
The best style for you will depend on your taste, shape, and lifestyle

Below you’ll find info that will help you choose which style is best for you:

Body Shape

Your body shape or silhouette is determined by where you carry more weight proportionally. Some styles of jeans work best and are most comfortable on some body shapes and not others. Keep reading for the best jeans for your body shape!

If you carry your weight in your stomach…

Either style could work for you! Both skinny and slim fit jeans fit close to the waist and hips, especially women’s jeans. As long as you choose a pair with a cotton and stretch material blend that is high-waisted, you’ll be comfortable.

If you carry your weight in your legs…

Slim fit jeans are the way to go! Slim fit jeans have wider pant legs, which will be more comfortable, especially while trying to bend your leg. If you like to wear skinny jeans to avoid bagginess, try a pair of slim pants with a tapered fit for a more narrow leg opening.

Skinny styles have narrow legs that could cause you to feel restricted and pinched. They can also rip at the crotch more if they’re too tight on your thighs.

If you carry your weight on top or evenly throughout your body…

Slim fit jeans are perfect to bring a bit more balance to your silhouette! Especially when wearing a looser style of t shirt, skinny fit jeans can look imbalanced.

A slim fit jean brings more substance to your lower half. They have a tailored, tapered fit that looks stylish and put together. You can pair them with a billowy blouse or tight shirt without your proportions getting out of whack.

If you carry weight on your hips…

Skinny jeans will emphasize all of your curves without overwhelming your proportions.  High-waisted styles are especially great to highlight your narrow waist.

Slim pant styles will fall straight from your hips, which in your case is the widest part of you. Avoid any bagginess by wearing skinny fit jeans to follow your body’s natural curvatures very closely.

Lifestyle

Your everyday routine, frequent events, and how much you do in your jeans can also determine which style works best for you.

Skinny jeans are excellent for casual looks or nights out thanks to their tightness. While they wouldn’t be work appropriate in most offices, they’re great for hanging out with friends or on date night. If you do a lot of walking, make sure to find a skinny jean with lots of stretch to allow movement.

Slim jeans have a more tailored, structured look thanks to their typical heavier-weight non stretch denim. This makes it easier to dress up for business casual outfits. Also, because the fit is looser, they’re more comfortable to wear when sitting at a desk. The heavier-weight denim also makes them great for hard manual work because it’s more durable than a lighter-weight pair.

Below you’ll find a few more tips for styling both styles.

How to Style Skinny Jeans

For some skinny jeans styling tips, read below.

Tip 1: Cropped Skinny Jeans with Ankle Boots

Wearing either short or rolled-up skinny jeans like Everlane’s Way-High Skinny Jean with ankle boots can be worn casually like pictured above.

cropped skinny jeans with ankle boots
Works great as a casual look, but can also be made dressier with smarter boots

Or you can dress it up with Chelsea boots and a dressier shirt or blazer for a night out to a nice dinner.

Tip 2: Wear Skinny Fit Jeans With a Plain White Tee and Canvas Shoes

This is a great outfit for a night out to a brewery, pub, or dive bar, especially when wearing black skinny jeans like Madewell’s Men’s Classic Skinny Jeans.

Madewell Men's Classic Skinny Jeans
We love these skinny jeans by Madewell (image by Madewell.com)

If you want to stand out, wear a shirt with bold colors, but a crisp white tee looks classic and put together.

How to Style Slim Fit Jeans

Here are a few different ways to style slim fit jeans.

Tip 1: Slim Jeans Work Great With a Casual Shirt and Sneakers

Pairing slim fit jeans like the Outerknown Ambassador Slim Fit Selvedge with a casual t shirt and canvas shoes is a comfortable outfit to spend the day running errands.

Outerknown Ambassador Slim Fit Selvedge
A great casual look that works in many situations

Choosing a dark wash pair dresses the outfit up more for the office’s casual Friday or date night.

Tip 2: Consider Pairing Slim Jeans With a Button-Up Shirt for the Office

Wear slim fit jeans with a button-up shirt for a great business casual outfit. For women, choosing a black pair like Outland Denim’s Lucy Jean in Ink will dress up the outfit even more with a tucked-in shirt and blazer.

Slim fit jeans with button-up shirt
Considering pairing your slim fit jeans with a shirt or blouse

Skinny vs. Slim Jeans: The TLDR Lowdown

The biggest difference between slim fit jeans and skinny fit jeans is tightness. Skinny fit jeans are tighter throughout the entire pant leg with a narrower leg opening than slim fit jeans. The denim weight, stretch fabrics blended with the cotton, and comfort of skinny fit jeans and slim fit jeans all have slight differences depending on the pair.

Both pairs are really useful to have in your closet. Even if you’re a minimalist, most people find that having three to four pairs of jeans is the sweet spot.

Megan Lemon

Megan Lemon

Megan is a sustainability writer based in Fiji, where she lives with her partner in the house they built themselves. In her free time, she free dives, spear fishes, and takes long walks on the dirt roads.