Everyone knows the horror of feeling a little breeze between your thighs only to discover your favorite pair of jeans have ripped right at the crotch. Having your pants rip is a nightmare no matter the circumstances, but a crotch rip is especially bad.

Your jeans rip at the crotch after being worn down by the friction of your thighs rubbing. You can prevent a crotch blowout by wearing better fitting jeans, avoiding exercising in them, and by taking proper care of your denim. If a rip happens, you can repair them with denim patches or by sewing them back together.

If it happens to you, don’t worry–it’s a very common problem! Below you’ll find tips and tricks to prevent and repair rips, so you can keep wearing your favorite jeans longer!

Why Your Jeans Rip At The Crotch

Jeans rip at the crotch or inner thighs because the friction from your thighs rubbing together breaks down the denim fibers. There are a few different factors that affect how much tension is put upon your jeans to cause them to rip.

1. Having Thick Thighs

While thick thighs save lives, they also tend to put more pressure on the friction between your legs. The same rubbing that causes painful chub rub can also cause your jeans to blow.

For my thick-thigh beauties, it’s a good idea to check your jeans every time you put them on. Feel along the crotch area for any thinning of the fabric or small tears. If you notice anything, invest in some denim patches right away (we’ll discuss those in more detail below)!

2. Wearing Improperly Fitting Jeans

When denim is stretched too much over time, the fibers will break down under the pressure. This means it won’t take as long for your thighs to rub the material away.

Alternatively, if you wear jeans that are too loose and slide down all day, that can also cause a rip in the crotch. The sliding down puts more stress on the groin area seam while yanking them up all day puts more stress on the inner thigh seam.

3. Wearing Your Jeans While Exercising

While jeans aren’t many people’s go-to running pants, a lot of people wear jeans while cycling their commute or on a hike. It’s best to avoid that as the constant movement causes friction that starts slowly wearing down the fabric.

4. Not Caring for Your Denim Properly

Many people think jeans need a wash after every wear. This should be avoided because high heat washing and drying cause the jeans to shrink, making them too tight and putting undue stress on the fabric. The tumble movement of the dryer can also break the fabric down.

5. Wearing Lightweight Denim

Lightweight denim looks great (we love these Virjinya Jeans by G-Star Raw), but it is the least durable weight of denim because of its thinner yarn and looser weaving. This makes it more susceptible to damage, and it will lose its original shape and start to thin more quickly than thicker denim.

4 Ways to Reduce Jeans Wear and Prevent Crotch Blowouts

You can reducing jeans wear and prevent crotch blowouts by wearing jeans that fit properly, avoiding activities like cycling or hiking in jeans, caring for your jeans properly, and buying jeans made of heavier weight denim. 

Read below for more detailed tips!

1. Wear Properly Fitting Jeans

Jeans should fit your waist comfortably, but not too loosely. A gap between your back and the waistband of the jeans means the jeans will probably slide down all day, putting stress on the crotch seams. You can tell if a pair is too tight if you notice wrinkling on the inner thighs. Either way, remember it’s the jeans, not you that has to fit properly!

2. Avoid Exercising in Jeans

Exercising in jeans more than likely means continuous thigh rubbing, putting stress on the groin area seams, and causing a not-so-cute rip. If you normally commute to work in jeans, it’s best to change into them once you arrive to reduce friction.

3. Care For Your Jeans Properly

Denim is a low-maintenance fabric that does not require a wash after every use. Jeans should only be washed on your washer’s gentle cycle with cold water if you notice stains or a smell. After being washed, avoid a machine dry and hang dry them instead. If you’re pressed on time, learn how to dry jeans fast!

4. Wear Heavier Weight Denim

Heavyweight denim is more durable because it’s more tightly woven with thicker yarn. If you find yourself going through lots of jeans because of a rip in the crotch, buy heavier-weight denim. Heavyweight denim is a great way to make jeans last longer, especially for people with big thighs. If you want more detail and specific recommendations, check out our guide on denim weights.

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.

If you’ve checked out the label of your jeans, you might find a weight in ounces listed – but what does it mean, and is this really how much your jeans weigh?

The weight of denim jeans is measured by the heaviness of the denim fabric used: lightweight jeans use 5-12 oz denim; midweight jeans 12-16 oz; heavyweight jeans 16 oz+. These are per square yard – to get the actual weight, multiply by 1.5 (the average length denim needed for jeans) or 2.0 for selvedge.

This means the average pair of blue jeans weigh around 18-24 oz. This is an average weight, so women’s jeans weight may be a little lower, and men’s a little higher. Other factors include the size of the jeans, the fabric used, the tightness of the weaving, and more.

If you’re curious how jeans weight is measured, what the difference between lightweight, mid weight, and heavy weight denim is, or how denim weight should affect your purchasing decision, keep reading below! I’ll also cover our top picks for lightweight, midweight, and heavyweight jeans.

Lightweight, Midweight, and Heavyweight Jeans – Our Sustainable Recommendations

If you’re looking to buy a pair of jeans in a specific weight, keep reading for our top picks for jeans from sustainable denim brands.

Lightweight Denim Jeans

For lightweight women’s jeans, the Virjinya Slim Jeans by G-Star weigh only 11.5 oz., so they’re the perfect summertime blue jeans:

If you’re looking for lightweight men’s jeans, G-Star’s Lancet Skinny Jeans are breathable, stretchy, and stylish.

Midweight Denim Jeans

For women, the Nudie Breezy Britt is the ultimate 90’s straight cut jeans complete with a 13.25 oz. denim that’s structured, but still flexible.

For men’s everyday dark wash jeans, the 3301 Regular Tapered Jeans from G-Star are a raw, mid weight pair of jeans.

Heavyweight Denim Jeans

It can be difficult to find heavyweight women’s jeans, but the 501 Original Fit Levi’s Jeans is a heavyweight, rigid denim pair that will last years and keep you warm in the winter.

The Tuff Tony Heavy Selvage by Nudie Jeans will convert you to the wonders of selvage jeans–they’re heavy enough to fade beautifully, but still lightweight enough to be comfortable.

So How Much Does a Pair of Jeans Weigh?

As we’ve seen, how much jeans weigh depends on the weight of the denim and many other factors. A lightweight denim is 5-12 oz., mid weight about 12-16 oz., and heavyweight more than 16 oz. If you want to know the weight of the jeans you have, find the weight listed on your jeans and multiply it by 1.5 yards.

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.

I’m someone who tries to live a sustainable, minimalist life, but still wants to be stylish on any occasion. This can be hard to balance, especially with jeans. I used to have way too many jeans, but I found the sweet spot with four pairs of jeans.

Most people need three to four pairs of jeans. This strikes the perfect balance between a sustainable and minimalist lifestyle and having jeans for every occasion. Rather than having multiple pairs in the same style, diversifying your jean collection means fewer pairs and more options. 

Read below for the best pairs of jeans for men and women to have in their closets. Every pair suggested below is from a sustainable denim brand, so you can be sure that your closet is filled with eco-friendly clothing.

How Many Jeans Should a Woman Own?

There’s no one right answer to this question. The average woman owns about seven pairs of jeans. But even when I owned so many pairs of jeans, I could usually never find that single pair that worked wherever I was going.

That’s why I transitioned to a more minimalist wardrobe. I only buy and keep clothing that is comfortable, fit perfectly, and can be worn for a variety of occasions.

Below you’ll find the four styles of jeans I recommend having for women:

1. Regular Blue Jeans

This is going to be your most basic pair of jeans. Picking blue denim with a good amount of stretch means you can wear them at any point of the month without having to worry about bloating or weight fluctuation.

Your go-to pair of blue jeans should be a medium wash because it’s the most timeless and can be worn casually or more dressed up. Light blue wash can be too casual or dated right away. A skinny or straight leg fit is the most versatile.

Something like the Outland Denim Lucy in New Blue is ideal. It’s made of organic cotton with ethical production and can be worn just as easily to a nice dinner or with a casual look.

2. Regular Black Jeans

Black jeans are the most versatile pair in your wardrobe. They can be worn as work pants, date night pants, and casual hanging out pants.

Picking black jeans in a pure black, not faded wash, with a slim fit means you can rock them to work, dinner, or wherever else you need to go.

The Everlane Way-High Skinny Jean in Ash is a great pair for all occasions. Thanks to the soft organic cotton  and EVERCO™ fabric, it’s comfortable enough to be at your desk all day.

3. Messy Jeans

This pair of jeans is perfect for days spent running around. Instead of spoiling your nice jeans, this pair are comfy throw-on jeans that can take a beating because you only wear them when you’re going to get messy.

The best option for these jeans is old jeans that still fit comfortably. However, if you’re looking to purchase a good pair, a boyfriend jean is a great choice because they’re loose-fitting and super comfy.

The G-Star Raw Kate Boyfriend Jean has a relaxed fit and lower waist. Plus, bonus points for having usable pockets!

4. Fashion Pair

If you still need another pair of jeans, this pair can be your fashion pair. Whether it be ripped jeans you can’t wear in front of your grandmother or a cut boot cut flare jeans, this pair is a more trendy piece.

For sustainability reasons, buying clothing that you won’t wear forever isn’t the best plan, so limit this to a pair you can wear in many different ways. One rule of thumb is to not buy an item of clothing unless you’ve been thinking about it for over two months. This usually weeds out trendier pieces that you can’t wear past their season.

I’ve been a big fan of the Ase High Rise Straight Jeans for a while because they’re not one of the classic styles, but still can be styled in a lot of different ways.

How Many Jeans Should a Man Own?

Men can get away with three pairs of jeans. If you’re looking to boost your wardrobe with more stylish, sustainable pieces, read below to find the three staple jeans every man should have in their wardrobe.

1. Slim Fit Everyday Jeans

Slim fit jeans are the perfect everyday jeans for men. It’s not as tight as a skinny and not as baggy as your dad’s favorite pair of Wranglers.

It’s the perfect tailored fit for date night, errands, and grabbing drinks with friends. It can even fit the dress code at a lot of workplaces, especially for casual Friday.

Warp + Weft’s AMS Slim Sleepwalker Jean are great everyday jeans that can be dressed up or worn casually.

2. Dark Wash Jeans

Dark blue jeans can be worn as dressy jeans or casual jeans depending on what you style them with. Everyone should have at least one pair of them.

Black or dark blue wash jeans are a great option for people who like to wear jeans every day because you can wear them with different shirts to create a whole new outfit. Something like the Ambassador Slim Fit Selvedge is perfect for dark wash jeans for casual and dressier places.

3. Messy Jeans

To save your nice jeans, you should have one pair of messy jeans. If you’re going to be doing anything like hiking, gardening, or painting, these are the pairs you wear and you don’t care what happens to them. It’s great to use an old pair of jeans for this.

If you’ve recently changed sizes or don’t have any jeans you’re willing to sacrifice, buying a new pair with looser fitting, thicker denim is ideal. Levi’s 505™ Regular Fit jeans are a classic for a reason–they’re comfy, durable, and available in a wide range of washes and sizes. Plus, they’re sustainable jeans that are priced accessibly.

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.

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.

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?

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 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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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 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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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. 

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. 

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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.