Different types of jeans use small changes in cut, fit, rise, leg length, leg opening, and other measurements to create distinctive styles and silhouettes, including Straight Leg, Skinny, Slim, Bootcut, and Flared. These adjustments, even small ones, affect how you look in your jeans and how you pair them with other clothes.

Many of the types of jeans we describe below overlap and often, more than one term will be applicable to the same pair of jeans. Where possible we have indicated when different types are related and how they interact.

For ease of reading, you can click this list to navigate straight to a specific section:

• What Makes One Jeans Style Different From Another?
• Jeans by Fit & Cut
• Jeans by Rise
• Jeans by Leg Length
• Jeans by Denim Type
• Jeans by Wash
• Jeans by Finish

What Makes One Jeans Style Different From Another??

A distinct type of jeans is one that is distinctive from another in one or more of the following measurements:

• Cut – The leg shape (e.g. fitted or flared)
• Fit – How tight the jeans are around the seat and thighs (e.g. slim, regular, or relaxed fit jeans)
• Rise – The location of the waistband (e.g. low-rise, medium-rise or high-rise jeans)
• Leg length – Where the end of your jeans hit (e.g. regular, ankle, or cropped jeans)
• Leg opening – How the shape of the jeans changes as you move down the leg (e.g. tapered, regular, or boot cut jeans)

Additionally, jeans may also differ in the type of denim used (e.g. raw, stretch, or selvedge denim) and the color, wash, and finish (e.g. colored, distressed, or acid wash jeans).

Types of Jeans by Fit & Cut

The main styles of jeans, including skinny jeans, slim fit jeans, and straight leg jeans, are differentiated by their fit and cut. Wearing a different style can dramatically change your look, even though the size of the jeans remains the same:

Straight Leg Jeans

Straight leg jeans run straight to the bottom of the leg, without any tapering or flaring. This means that on a straight leg jean, the leg opening and knee measurements should be the same.

Straight leg refers to the cut of the jean, not the fit or rise, so a pair of straight jeans could have a slim, regular or relaxed fit, and a low, medium or high rise.

The consistent width means straight fit jeans will feel snugger round the thigh, but looser towards the ankle. This is true even if they are marketed as slim straight jeans.

Regular Fit Jeans

Regular fit jeans are what most people think of as normal everyday jeans. They are neither slim nor loose and are designed to fit comfortably on the average person. A typical pair of regular fit jeans will have a slight taper unless it is specifically mentioned that they have a straight leg.

Slim Fit Jeans

Slim fit jeans sit closer to your body than regular fit jeans, although they do not hug it as tightly as skinny jeans. Slim cut jeans can be straight or tapered, and often have a low rise so they sit further down than regular fit jeans.

Skinny Jeans

Skinny jeans sit very close to your body, and will feel snug from your thighs all the way down to your ankles. They feature a significant taper in the legs and are normally made from stretch denim to enable the wearer to get them on. They can feature a low, mid or high rise, and are typically full-length, although skinny crop jeans are also popular.

Skinny jeans are similar to drainpipe jeans, which also sit snugly across the upper legs. However, drainpipe jeans have a straight leg rather than a tapered one.

Relaxed Fit Jeans

Relaxed fit jeans are looser than regular fit jeans, offering more space in the seat and upper and lower leg. They are comfortable to wear and suit a more casual style.

Loose Fit Jeans

Loose fit jeans, or baggy jeans, are very loose across the seat, thighs and lower leg, although they should still fit properly at the waist. They are looser than relaxed fit and considered very casual. Women’s loose jeans are typically marketed as boyfriend jeans.

Tapered Jeans

Tapered jeans can refer to any pair of jeans that has a tapered leg. A tapered leg is when the leg opening is smaller than the measurement at the knee. Tapered jeans can range from regular fit jeans with a slight taper through to slim and skinny jeans.

Bootcut Jeans

Bootcut jeans are are designed to be worn with boots. The legs on a pair of bootcut jeans flare towards the ankle, enabling the wearer to fit boots under the jean leg. Boot cut jeans typically have a leg opening of between 18 and 20 inches, which is smaller than the leg opening on “flared jeans” or bell bottom jeans.

Wide Leg Jeans

Wide leg jeans are a loose jeans style, featuring a flare that starts around the thighs and continues to the ankle, making them loose around the whole leg. This is different to flared and bell bottom jeans where the flare starts below the knee.

Flared Jeans

Flared jeans are slim fit until the knees, after which they flare out. The size of the leg opening is at least 21 inches. The leg length is long, and the hem of a pair of flared jeans should sit just above the ground.

Kick Flare Jeans

Kick flare jeans are similar to flared jeans, except they are cropped to end above the ankle, instead or coming down close to the floor. Because the hem is much higher up the leg, the flare appears subtler.

Bell Bottom Jeans

Bell bottoms are jeans with an extreme flare that causes the bottom of the leg to pool around the foot of the wearer.

Split Hem Jeans

These jeans feature a slit at the bottom of the leg either at the front or the side, enabling the wearer to better show off their shoes. The fit and cut is similar to flared jeans, with a slim fit around the thighs and a flare at the base of the leg.

Mom Jeans

Mom jeans have a high rise and a loose fit around the seat and thighs. They also feature tapered legs which normally cut off above the ankles. They are often worn with a rolled hem.

Boyfriend Jeans

Boyfriend jeans have a mid rise and a loose fit which extends down through the legs without tapering. The leg length goes below the ankle, often to the ground.

Girlfriend Jeans

Girlfriend jeans are similar to boyfriend jeans, but they sit tighter and higher. They feature a mid-high rise and a regular fit, with a tapered leg.

Drainpipe, Stovepipe & Cigarette Jeans

Drainpipe jeans feature a slim or skinny fit with a straight leg. These are tight jeans that fit snugly on the thighs but offer a little more room around the lower leg. They are also known as cigarette jeans, stovepipe jeans, and pencil jeans.

Cargo Jeans

Cargo Jeans have a loose fit and cargo pockets on the legs, and are reminiscent of military combat trousers. Because of the extra pockets, they are normally considered functional and practical rather than stylish.

Carpenter Jeans

Carpenter Jeans are another functional type of jeans. They have a loose fit and feature extra pockets. In particular, carpenter jeans are characterised loops of denim called hammer loops, which are designed to hold a hammer without the aid of a tool belt.

Types of Jeans by Rise

The rise is the location of the waistband on a pair of jeans, and is measured by the distance between the crotch and the top of the waistband.

High-Rise Jeans

High-rise jeans (aka high-waisted jeans) are jeans with a front rise measurement of at least 10 inches, which means they sit above your natural waist and cover your belly button. This has the effect of making the wearer’s legs appear longer and their torso shorter. A popular example of high-rise jeans today are mom jeans, which feature a high waist and a relaxed fit.

Mid-Rise Jeans

Mid rise jeans have a front rise of between 8 and 9 inches, and sit at your natural waistline, under your belly button but above your hips.

Low-Rise Jeans

Low-rise jeans have a front rise of between 7 and 8 inches. They sit on your hips, well below your natural waistline.

Ultra-Low Rise Jeans

Jeans with a front rise of less than 7 inches are classified as ultra-low rise, and can have a rise as small as 5 inches or less.

Types of Jeans by Leg Length

The length of the inseam of a pair of jeans can vary, giving rise to a few different types of jeans. It is worth noting that these terms are somewhat interchangeable and brands may use different terms for similar looking jeans:

Cropped Jeans

Cropped jeans have a shorter leg length that ends above the ankles, up to the mid-calves. The term cropped refers to the leg length, which can be applied to almost any style of jean including straight and ones with a tapered leg opening.

Capri Jeans

Capri jeans have a significantly shorter leg than regular fit jeans. The hem of a pair of capri jeans will sit anywhere from mid-calf to just under the knee, depending on the pair. Capri jeans with a short leg length are more likely to be slim fitting, to avoid appearing like long shorts.

Ankle Length Jeans

Ankle length jeans are slightly shorter than a typical pair, with a leg length that ends just above the ankles.

Types of Jeans by Denim Type

These jeans differ in the type of denim cloth used to create them:

Organic Jeans

A pair of organic jeans uses denim made from organic cotton, which uses fewer chemicals, less water, and less energy.

Raw Denim Jeans

Raw denim jeans are made from denim that has not gone through the washing, distressing and other processes that most denim jeans have been put through. They have a dark indigo color and are stiff to wear at first, but over time they develop high-contrast fade patterns that are unique to the wearer.

Selvedge Jeans

Selvedge jeans use denim produced on a shuttle loom, and can be identified by the white strip which becomes visible when the jeans are cuffed. Selvedge jeans are often made of raw denim (but not always).

Stretch Denim Jeans

Stretch jeans are made from denim that has been mixed with spandex (aka lycra or elastane). The addition of as little as 1% spandex makes the jeans considerably stretchier and more flexible than a typical pair made of 100% cotton denim. Stretch denim is used on jeans styles with a snug fit, such as skinny fit jeans.

Heavyweight Jeans

Heavyweight jeans use denim that weighs more than 16 oz. per square yard. They are more rigid and less flexible, but stronger than lighter-weight jeans.

Midweight Jeans

Midweight jeans are the most common weight of jeans, and most jeans will fall into this category. The denim used for these jeans typically weights between 12 and 16 oz. per square yard. These jeans are more durable than lightweight jeans but more flexible than heavyweight jeans.

Lightweight Jeans

Lightweight jeans use denim that is softer, more flexible, and less hard-wearing. The denim used weighs between 5 and 12 oz. per square yard. Lightweight jeans are more suited for summer wear and often have a light wash.

Types of Jeans by Wash

During production, denim can be subjected to difference washing processes to turn the dark indigo into different shades:

Dark Wash Jeans

Dark wash, or dark blue, jeans, retain much of the natural blue indigo color. Dark wash jeans look more formal than other jeans, although they are also worn casually.

Medium Wash Jeans

Medium wash jeans have undergone more washing making them lighter than dark wash jeans. They are more casual in look, although they can be suitable for some workplaces.

Light Wash Jeans

Light wash jeans are significantly lighter than medium and dark-washed jeans. These are always casual.

Acid Wash Jeans

Acid wash jeans have a mottled appearance with contrasting light and dark patches. This is achieved by adding chlorine to the washing process to bleach them (not acid, as the name suggests).

Stonewashed Jeans

Stonewashed jeans are stone washed – literally washed with stones (often pumice). Stone washing creates a worn, aged effect that minimizes the look of extended use in a new pair of jeans. These jeans start off faded, so will fade less than a typical pair off non-faded jeans. As with other types of wash, stonewashed jeans can be any other fit or style.

Dirty Washed Jeans

These distressed jeans have a ‘dirty’ brown effect which make them look messy.

Colored Jeans

In addition to the typical blue or black denim jeans, different dyes, washes and bleaches can be used to achieve almost any colour, including white, yellow, green and orange.

Types of Jeans by Finish

Once a pair of jeans has been finished, it can be modified and distressed to create new looks:

Distressed Jeans

Distressed jeans can cover any jeans that have been purposefully used. Distressing techniques include ripping, stonewashing, sandblasting, bleaching, and more. Often a manufacturer will combine several of these techniques to create a unique look.

Ripped Jeans

Ripped jeans are deliberately damaged to create ripped areas and holes. Manufacturers use lasers to achieve this at scale to enable the rips to be placed exactly where they want them.

Sandblasted Jeans

These jeans are literally blasted with sand using an air compressor to give them a worn look. This type of distressing has been linked with significant health problems with the workers that perform the task, and we recommend you no longer purchase this type of jeans.

There’s nothing worse than realizing your favorite pair of jeans you’re planning on wearing are still wet from the wash.

To dry jeans fast, use rolled towels inside to soak up moisture and make use of sunlight and outdoor air flow. You could also use other heat sources like hair dryers, heat vents, and irons. Do not machine dry denim, as this will cause them to shrink and lose elasticity.

By avoiding the tumble dryer will help keep your energy use, clothes budget, and unnecessary waste down. Let’s take a look at these methods in more detail:

1. Use Sunlight

The heat of sunlight helps evaporate water, so your jeans will dry very quickly. It also sanitizes clothing by reducing fungal contamination, so it’s a great boost to your laundry routine.

If you have access to an outdoor space, hang your jeans somewhere with a lot of sun exposure. Be mindful of how shade might change as the Earth rotates during the day. Hang them on a clothesline or on top of a towel.

If you’re confined to drying your jeans indoors, simply hang or place them in front of your sunniest window. The best window might change throughout the day, so pay attention to where you’re getting the most sun and move them accordingly.

Both indoors and outdoors, it’s important to turn them around and inside out every 30-60 minutes throughout the drying process.

2. Use Towels to Help Jeans Dry

Towels are second only to the Sun as the most helpful tool for drying jeans quickly. You’ll want to use a large, absorbent towel for the most effective drying.

There are three main ways to use towels to dry jeans quickly:

Use a towel to squeeze out excess water. 

Lie your jeans flatly on top of the towel, then, roll the jeans and towel together starting at your waistband until completely rolled up. No denim should be visible, so tuck any hanging pieces inside of the towel.

Finally, you’ll wring as much water as you can from the pants. You’ve removed all of the excess moisture, so you can air-dry jeans quickly. 

Use a towel as an absorbent drying pad.

If your jeans aren’t soaking wet, but just damp, using a towel as an absorbent pad is a great way to quickly dry jeans.

All you have to do is lay a towel on the ground and place your jeans on top. Try to place them in a sunny area, even if it’s just in front of a window, for the quickest drying. Flip and turn inside every 30-60 minutes for even drying.

Stuff your wet clothes with towels to absorb moisture

Another method for quickly drying jeans is stuffing the pair with rolled-up towels. This helps dry the inside as the outside is dried by the sun or breeze.

Simply roll towels into roughly the width of the jean legs. Then stuff the legs with the towels until the entire inside is filled. Make sure to have towels for the crotch and waistband as they tend to be the slowest drying areas.

Do not stuff your jeans too tightly. Because denim is more elastic when wet, you risk stretching them out. Stuff just enough to fill the jeans about 75% full.

3. Air Dry Outside

Even on a cloudy day, jeans will dry a lot quicker outside than inside. Pay attention to the weather to avoid rain or high humidity as that will increase drying time.

Hanging them on a clothesline will help bring air flow to all parts of the pants, which helps them dry quickly. Make sure to turn them inside out about halfway through.

If it’s too rainy to set them out, you can always hang them in a room with a fan or open windows (temperature permitting) to recreate the outdoor breeze.

4. Use Other Heat Sources

If you need your jeans to dry in minutes rather than hours, turn to sources of heat other than your dryer. All of the following heat sources use less energy than a full-size dryer.

However, you should limit using them to only when you need your dry jeans quickly in an emergency. Applying intense heat to denim can shrink it or make it lose its elasticity. Do not use these methods on raw denim jeans, it could permanently ruin them.

Use a Radiator or Vent

If you have the heat going in your house, make the most of it by placing your jeans near your radiator or vent. Avoid placing directly on the heat source. Hanging them above a vent or next to a radiator will dry your jeans quickly and easily.

This is an awesome method for sustainable quick jeans drying because you’re using your heating system for two different things at once.

Air drying with a hair dryer

Most hair dryers use about 1800 watts of energy, while a tumble dryer can use up to 6000 watts. Plus, dryers take a lot longer to dry jeans compared to the direct airflow of a hair dryer. You can lower your energy consumption and drying time by using a hair dryer.

If using a high heat setting, don’t place the hair dryer directly onto your jeans. Otherwise, it can warp or burn the denim.

Instead, hang your jeans and then take your hair dryer and in long, steady up-and-down motions, blow hot hair along the entire length of your jeans. Once you’ve gone completely around them, flip your jeans inside-out and repeat.

This works best with damp rather than fully wet pants.

Use an Iron

Using an iron to quickly dry jeans might leave you feeling like a mad scientist from all of the steam that will surround you. It’s a great method to use in a pinch, but only for damp, rather than soaking wet jeans.

You can simply lay the jeans flat on your ironing board and get to work, but if you combine it with the towel stuffing method, you’ll be able to dry your jeans even more quickly.

Use the highest heat your jeans allow – usually 150-200˚F (65-90˚C). Move the iron around slowly while pressing down with moderate pressure. Keep ironing until your jeans are completely dry.

5. Use a Tumble Dryer Sparingly

While you should avoid drying your jeans in a tumble dryer, sometimes it’s necessary to avoid having to wear wet jeans. Instead of throwing your jeans in the dryer, throw some cotton towels in. Then, use those heated towels in any of the methods above. Stuffing your jeans with heated towels will quicken the drying process even more.

If you absolutely have to put your jeans in the dryer, use a low or no-heat setting. Instead of using heat, dry them on a high spin cycle for maximum air flow. This will help dry them without having your jeans shrink.

Use eco-friendly dryer balls to keep your jeans from tumbling around and stretching. They’re made of organic wool, are hypoallergenic, and are reusable for up to four years. Plus, they cut drying time by 25%, saving time and electricity.

Conclusion: How To Dry Jeans Fast

So, how do you dry jeans quickly? Using towels, sunlight, and outdoor air are the best sustainable ways to reduce jean drying time. In a pinch, you can use other heat sources like your house heating system, hairdryers, and irons to quickly dry jeans. If you absolutely have to, you can pop your jeans into the dryer with eco-friendly dryer balls to reduce drying time.

If you’ve already lost your favorite pair to too many sessions in the dryer, grab a new pair from one of the best sustainable denim brands to keep your closet eco-friendly and fresh.

Did you know that your favorite pair of blue jeans, on average, uses about 3,000 liters of water during production? Denim also contributes to extreme pollution of rivers, high CO2 emissions, and poisoning of factory workers. But don’t worry, you don’t have to give up your go-to pants…

Sustainable denim brands allow you to rock your jeans and protect the planet. These brands use a variety of eco friendly processes to make their denim sustainable including natural dyes, organic cotton, industry organization accreditations, ethical labor practices, and in-house denim recycling.

In this article, we cover the best sustainable denim brands of 2022. It covers a wide range of styles, prices, and brands, so there’s a jean for everyone here. The best part is not only will you look good in your new jeans, you’ll be doing good for the planet.

Our Quick Picks For Your Next Sustainable Denim Brand

With every year, more and more brands are adopting more sustainable practices. This means you now have a lot of choices for sustainable denim, but here are some of our favorites. Read on for the full list:

• Best for Men: Outland Denim – timeless and classic denim pieces produced ethically by survivors of sex trafficking with all organic cotton and no harmful dyes.
• Best for Women: Everlane – a wide range of jean styles designed for every body type produced with renewable energy, recycled water, and organic cotton.
• Best for Fashion: Reformation – a fashion denim brand with a cult following, Reformation uses high-quality sustainable fabrics for pieces that are forever in style.
• Best for Work: Levi’s – the most iconic denim brand’s new sustainable collection uses organic and recycled cotton and is built to last no matter what type of work you need to do.

1. ABLE – Fashionable, Size-Inclusive Sustainable Denim

Budget: $$$
Features: Recycled Water, Reduced Carbon Footprint, No Harsh Dyes, Size Inclusive, Women-Owned

ABLE, based in Nashville, creates fashionable jeans for every woman using sustainable practices, sourcing their denim as locally as possible to avoid carbon emissions from transportation. All water is recycled and they prioritize eco-friendly dyes to avoid water pollution.

Beyond environmental sustainability, they also focus on their social impact by donating all denim scraps for use in affordable housing insulation, including women in leadership and decision making at all stages of production, and are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Their denim pieces come in a variety of styles, from a classic skinny jean to a denim shirt dress and everything in between. They carry sizes XXS-3X, making them one for the most size inclusive denim brands on the market.

Range includes: skinny jeans, straight leg jeans, wide leg jeans, overalls

Our top pick: The Whitney Boyfriend Jean for a super soft, relaxed-fit pair of jeans. Bonus points because they’re handcrafted in Mexico!

Click below to see prices at ABLE:

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2. Outerknown – High-Quality, Classic Jeans Produced With Sustainability First

Budget: $$$
Features: Organic Cotton, Made in the USA, Lifetime Guarantee, Recycled Denim, Fair Labor Practices

Outerknown is a sustainable fashion powerhouse, known for their durable and stylish jeans. 90% of the textiles they use are organic, recycled, or regenerated, so whether you’re buying their jeans or the other apparel they offer, you can be certain it’s sustainable sourced.

Their jeans are made with organic cotton, sourced from the cleanest denim factory in the world, and made in Los Angeles. They come in styles for both men and women and are designed to last.

They also have a lifetime guarantee on their jeans, which keeps jeans in your closet and out of landfills and they’ll even repair your jeans from wear and tear. If they can’t repair them, you’ll get a brand new pair and your old pair will be recycled.

Range includes: boyfriend jeans, slim jeans, straight jeans, skinny jeans, flare jeans, relaxed jeans, women’s jeans, men’s jeans

Our top picks: for men, their Selvedge slim fit is a classic jean made from organic cotton small batch selvedge from Italy. It’s some of the most premium sustainable denim on the market. For women, their straight jeans are mid-rise for a timeless, relaxed look.

Click below to see prices at Outerknown:

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3. Katherine Hamnett – Global Organic Textile Standard Certified Denim Jeans

Budget: $$$
Features: GOTS Certified Organic Cotton, Low Water Use, Non-Toxic Chemicals, Recyclable Packaging, Fair Labor Practices

Katharine Hamnett is a fashion-forward, sustainability-first brand. All of their denim is Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified, which means it passes rigorous standards for organic textiles, ethical production practices, and lower carbon emissions and water usage.

They make clothes ethically and sustainably, preserve traditional skills, source sustainable raw materials, cut carbon emissions by producing clothes in the EU, and practice good labor standards set by the Fair Wear Foundation.

Range includes: flare jeans, straight jeans, men’s jeans, women’s jeans

Our top picks: for men, the Mick Medium Wash Jeans are an everyday jean great for every occasion. For women, the Anita light wash jeans are high-waisted and wide-flared for a stylish, but comfortable jean.

Click below to see prices at Katherine Hamnett:

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4. Nudie Jeans – 100% Organic Cotton Jeans in Modern Fits

Budget: $$
Features: 100% Organic Cotton, Recycling Program, Fair Wear Foundation Leaders, GOTS Certified Organic Cotton

Nudie Jeans are a cult favorite thanks to their ultra-soft, 100% organic cotton jeans made in timeless styles with modern fits and denim technology. Their organic cotton is certified by GOTS, so you can be sure of what you’re purchasing, and they use recycled polyester in their linings.

Sustainability is a main pillar of Nudie Jeans, so they make their manufacturing process very transparent with a full view of carbon emissions, water usage, and carbon offsetting for their entire supply chain.

They also created the Ture Recycled Blanket initiative, recycling post-consumer Nudie Jeans and used wool to create the perfect picnic blanket.

Nudie Jeans have won a lot of industry awards, including the Drapers Sustainable Fashion Award, Fairtrade awards, and have also been nominated by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency for their Courage and Pace award.

Range includes: men’s jeans, women’s jeans, skinny jeans, straight leg jeans, slim fit jeans, boyfriend jeans

Our top picks: for men, the Lean Dean Well Worn jean is the ultimate cool jean– a slim fit with a grayish-blue wash and just the right amount of rip at the knees. For women, the Breezy Britt in Friendly Blue is the ultimate 90s jeans with a high-waisted fit, tapered leg, and marbling wash effects.

Click below to see prices at Nudie Jeans:

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5. Amour Vert – Women’s Luxury Ethical Denim in Classic Styles

Budget: $$
Features: Resale Available, Recyclable Packaging, Made in the USA, TENCEL™ Fiber, Eco-Friendly Raw Textiles

Amour Vert is a US-based clothing brand that focuses on designing classic, timeless jean fits. They develop their own fabrics with mills to ensure all of their clothing is made with the most sustainable and comfortable materials. They use compostable packaging to ship your items to you, replacing 137,206 plastic poly bags since 2018.

Unique to Amour Vert is their resale marketplace, ReAmour, where you can find pre-loved Amour Vert clothing for discounted prices. This allows more customers to access their clothing and prevents clothing from ending up in a landfill if the original owner no longer wants it.

Amour Vert is known for their well-fitting and classically styled denim. Instead of super trendy pieces that get thrown out after a season, Amour Vert’s pieces are made to last and stay in style forever.

Range includes: high rise jeans, mid rise jeans, straight leg jeans, skinny jeans, boyfriend jeans

Our top pick: AGOLDE Criss Cross Straight Jean for a fun twist on a classic style

Click below to see prices at Amour Vert:

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6. Etica – Ethically Made Denim That Plants One Tree With Every Purchase

Budget: $$
Features: Fair Labor Practices, Local and Global Community Investment, Reduced Water and Energy Usage in Production, Non-Toxic Chemicals, 100% Vegan

Etica is a denim brand that puts sustainability first in every step of their process. Their denim is made with the most sustainable fabrics they can source – from organic cotton grown in the US, to cellulose fibers like TENCEL™ and Refriba that do not use pesticides, irrigation, or genetic modifications to grow. All materials are plant based, meaning vegans can shop here without worry.

With new technologies and a energy efficient production proceeds, they have been able to reduce energy consumption by 64%, water usage by 90%, and chemical usage by 70%. They also give back to local communities by recycling their water for local farmers and donating old wash stones to build low-income housing.

Etica has accreditations from OEKO-TEX Standard 100, WRAP, Cradle to Cradle™, and GOTS. They’re also a Better Cotton Initiative™ member and follower of the Fair Labor Association and Bluesign™ codes of conduct.

Range includes: straight leg jeans, high rise jeans, mid rise jeans, wide leg jeans, crop jeans, boyfriend jeans

Our top pick: the Iris Relaxed Taper jean for a comfortable, dressy white jeans option

Click below to see prices at Etica:

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7. Everlane – Environmentally-Friendly Everyday Jeans for Men and Women

Budget: $$
Features: Reduced Carbon Footprint, Recyclable Packaging, Recycled Fabrics, GOTS Certified Cotton, Recycled Water

Everlane makes sustainable jeans for both men and women. They have specific environmental initiatives for their denim with the goal of producing 100% clean denim and having zero carbon emissions by 2050.

They use certified organic cotton with Roica® V550 yarn–the only stretch yarn in the world made without harmful chemicals–for a comfy fitting jean that isn’t bad for the environment. Their jeans are also produced in clean factories that recycle water, use renewable energy, and recycled denim waste.

Range includes: women’s jeans, men’s jeans, high-rise jeans, mid-rise jeans, skinny jeans, straight jeans, boyfriend jeans

Our top picks: for men, the slim fit is a great everyday jean that you can easily dress up for a nice dinner. For women, the Way-High skinny is comfortable, flattering, and sleek enough to style any way you want.

Click below to see prices at Everlane:

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8. Filippa K – Luxury Sustainable Jeans Made To Last For Years

Budget: $$$
Features: Recycled Fibers, Resale Platform, Reduced Carbon Footprint, Low-Waste Facilities, Scrap Recycling

Filippa K has been in the sustainable denim business since 1994, so they are well-practiced in producing environmentally friendly jeans.

Their main philosophy of sustainable denim production is a model of circularity. They follow the four Rs: reduce, repair, reuse, and recycle. By creating high-quality, durable denim, they reduce customer’s consumption and over production of clothing. They also only buy what they are going to sell, reducing the amount of waste they produce.

Filippa K offers DIY repairs guides, so you can wear your favorite jeans over and over again. They also reuse past season’s materials and created an online shop for preowned Filippa K clothing.

Range includes: women’s jeans, men’s jeans, straight leg jeans, flare jeans, skinny jeans, boyfriend jeans

Our top picks: for men, the Bruno Textured jean is a tailored, straight leg jean made of artisanal hand-spun cotton for a luxurious feel. For women, the Briony jean is cropped and  slightly flared in a dark blue denim, making it a subtle stylish choice.

Click below to see prices at Filippa K:

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9. G-Star – Raw Denim Produced in Ethical Facilities

Budget: $$
Features: Raw Denim, Fair Labor Practices, Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Fabrics, Reduced Supply Chain Carbon Footprint, Greenpeace DETOX Committed, Better Cotton Initiative

G-Star makes reasonably priced raw denim jeans for men, women, kids, and in unisex fits.

They only use sustainable materials to create durable raw denim that will last use after use. By 2025, 20% of their apparel will be made with Cradle to Cradle Certified™ fabrics, the most rigorous certification for sustainable clothing production. By 2030, 100% of their apparel will be made from organic, recycled, or compostable fabrics.

They have also signed the DETOX Commitment with Greenpeace, so they are phasing out all unsustainable chemicals in production, making their denim raw and clean. Beyond production, they are committed to reducing their supply chain’s carbon footprint.

Range includes: men’s jeans, women’s jeans, kids’ jeans, unisex jeans

Our top picks: for men, the 3301 Regular Tapered Jean is a classic, slightly cropped jean available in a variety of colors. For women, the Kate Boyfriend Jean is a relaxed fitting, low waist jean with usable pockets (!).

Click below to see prices at G-Star:

Browse G-STAR

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10. Madewell – Quality, Staple Denim Pieces Made Increasingly More Sustainable

Budget: $
Features: Fair Trade Certified™, Better Cotton Initiative, Resale Shop, Cotton’s Blue Jeans Go Green™ Recycling Program, Recyclable Packaging 

Madewell has made huge strides in sustainability over the last few years, especially with the introduction of their Do Well collection. Like many denim brands, they have adopted a circularity model to elongate a product’s lifetime, increase recycling, and use sustainable materials.

In their denim, Madewell uses 44% organic or recycled cotton, with the goal of using 100% organic cotton by 2025. They also use cellulosic fibers like TENCEL™, a sustainable fiber which allows for a stretchy, comfy jean.

They are also actively decreasing and offsetting their carbon footprint by using energy-efficient light bulbs and recyclable packing. They also partner with programs like the UPS’s Carbon Neutral Shipping program, Botton’s Blue Jeans Go Green™ program, and Trees for the Future.

Range includes: high-rise jeans, mid-rise jeans, vintage denim, skinny jeans, wide leg jeans, flare jeans, boyfriend jeans

Our top pick: the Perfect Vintage Jean is a straight leg, mid-rise pair you can wear anywhere and will last for years

Click below to see prices at Madewell:

Browse MADEWELL

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11. M.i.h Jeans – Fashionable Jeans Made With Transparency

Budget: $$$
Features: Certified Organic Cotton, Low Impact Dye, Low-Wash Jeans, Recycled Materials, GOTS Certified, Better Cotton Initiative™

M.i.h Jeans are a staple in many stylish closets and for good reason. They produce high-quality, vintage inspired jeans with a sustainability manifesto that aims to reduce the environmental impact of their jeans throughout the entire production process.

They started on their sustainability journey with the Paradise Capsule, a collection of denim that used 100% certified cotton, low impact dyes and finishes, low water washes, and recycled packaging and displays.

Since then, they have been transitioning all of their clothing to the same standards as their Paradise Capsule with a heavy focus on transparency. Beyond the production environmental concerns, they have also moved to be more transparent about the working conditions in their production facilities and the environmental impact across their supply chain from transport to packaging.

Range includes: straight leg jeans, flare jeans, slim fit jeans, skinny jeans, boyfriend jeans

Our top pick: the Daily Jean is just that, an everyday pair of black jeans ready to take you wherever you need to go.

Click below to see prices at M.i.h:

Browse M.I.H.

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12. Outland Denim – Sustainable Denim That’s Good For The Earth And Its Humans

Budget: $$$
Features: Organic Cotton, Local and Global Community Investment, Fair Labor Practices, Reduced Carbon Footprint of Production Facilities, B Corporation

Outland Denim doesn’t just talk the talk of sustainability–they walk the walk. They were created out of frustration for the garment industry’s excessive impact on the environment and history of using exploitative labor.

Their sustainable denim is produced with their state-of-the-art technology, including E-Flow, which uses 95% less water, 40% less energy, and 90% less chemicals than the traditional denim technology. They use zero harmful chemicals in their jeans and recycle 100% of their textile waste for use by recycling researchers, non-profit groups, and NGOs.

Outland Denim doesn’t just work on their environmental impact, they have strict regulations in place to minimize human impact as well. In their garment making facilities, they hire people who have come out of human trafficking situations, pay a living wage, and provide cross-training and community education to workers and their families.

Range includes: men’s jeans, women’s jeans, straight leg jeans, slim fit jeans, wide leg jeans, boyfriend jeans

Our top picks: for men, the Dusty-Black jean is a comfortable slim fit jeans with just the right amount of stretch. For women, the Athina jean is a relaxed, modern boyfriend jean perfect for a walk in the woods or a lunch with the girls.

Click below to see prices at Outland Denim:

Browse OUTLAND

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13. Levi’s – The Most Iconic Denim Brand Just Got a Lot More Sustainable

Budget: $$
Features: Sustainable Materials, Reduced Water Use, Repair Shop, Cotton’s Blue Jeans Go Green™ Recycling Program, No Harmful Chemicals, Resale Program 

Levi’s Sustainability collection brings the iconic denim brand into the 21st century with a new focus on reducing their environmental impact.

Their main method of making their classic jeans more eco-friendly is using sustainable materials. They have begun using cottonized hemp, an innovative hemp yarn woven to act and feel like cotton, but which uses way less water and chemicals to grow. They also started using their Levi’s® Water<Less® finishing process that uses less water and recycles the water they do use, saving about 4.2 billion liters of water and recycling 9 billion more.

While Levi’s have always been durable, they’re now taking product longevity to a new level with a repair shop, resale shop, and recycling program.

Range includes: women’s jeans, men’s jeans, kids’ jeans, skinny jeans, vintage jeans, work jeans

Our top picks: for men, the 505™ Regular Fit jeans are a classic–they’re perfect for jobs around the house, running errands, or heading out on a date. For women, jump head first back into the low-rise denim trend with the Low Pitch Straight Fit jeans, a light wash, distressed pair.

Click below to see prices at Levi’s:

Browse LEVI’S

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14. People Tree – Pioneering Sustainable Fashion Brand Combined With Traditional Artisan Skills

Budget: $$
Features: PETA Certified Vegan Materials, Fair Labor Practices, GOTS Certified, World Fair Trade Organization Certified, No Harmful Chemicals, Organic Cotton

People Tree has been making sustainability a main pillar of their business since they started in 1991. They combine sustainable materials, traditional artisan skills, and fair labor practices to make high-quality, stylish denim pieces.

They use 100% organic cotton, TENCEL™ Lyocell, and other natural materials in their denim, making it soft and stretchy without the need for polyesters. It’s also dyed using low impact dyes and no harmful chemicals, lessening local water pollution.

They are GOTS certified by the Soil Association and were awarded the World Fair Trade Organization product label, the first fashion company to receive one.

Range includes: slim leg jeans, straight leg jeans, overalls, skinny jeans

Our top pick: the Cecile Straight Leg Jeans are a modern and cropped play on the 90s’s straight leg jean silhouette.

Click below to see prices at People Tree:

Browse PEOPLE TREE

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15. prAna – An Outdoor Brand With Sustainable Denim Ready For Any Adventure

Budget: $$
Features: 100% Organic Cotton and Hemp, Fair Trade Certified™, Recyclable Packaging, Recycled Materials, Reduced Supply Chain Carbon Footprint, Bluesign® Systems Partner

prAna is an outdoor, active lifestyle clothing brand that has roots in sustainable fashion. Between using sustainable materials like organic cotton and hemp to packaging and shipping their products as carbon neutral as possible, they strive to make denim and other apparel as environmentally friendly as they can.

They only use GOTS and Organic Content Standard (OCS) certified organic cotton, organic hemp, and low-impact dyes for their denim. By 2030, 80% of their materials will be bluesign® approved, a designation given only to the cleanest and harmful chemical-free fabrics and materials.

They’ve also partnered with The Renewal Workshop as part of their circularity model to repair torn clothing, recycle manufacturing scraps, and upcycle textiles.

Range includes: men’s jeans, women’s jeans, workwear, bootcut jeans

Our top picks: for men, the Bridger Jean can be just as easily worn to the office or on a walk with the dog. For women, the Buxton jean is a boyfriend fit jean perfect for sitting around a campfire or heading out on a hike.

Click below to see prices at prAna:

Browse PRANA

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16. Reformation – Anti-Fast-Fashion Brand Making Fashionable Pieces Sustainable

Budget: $$
Features: Recycled Materials, Green Building Certified, 100% Carbon Neutral, Manufactured in the USA, Low-Impact Dyes, Bluesign® and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Certified

Reformation is reforming the fashion industry one pair of jeans at a time. They have a long list of sustainable practices focused on eco-friendly materials, green manufacturing, and a positive social impact on their workers and local communities.

They are a 100% carbon neutral company, using electricity offsets from wind power, energy efficient appliances, and sustainable shipping and packaging processes. Their fabrics and fibers are all bluesign® and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified using low-impact, non-toxic dyes, and are made with recycled or organic cotton.

Unique to Reformation is the RefScale, which tracks the co-footprint of every product and is displayed on each product’s page, so their customers are always aware of the environmental impact their new purchase has made.

Range includes: skinny jeans, straight leg jeans, relaxed fit jeans, wide leg jeans, bootcut jeans

Our top pick: the Cynthia Chamomile High Rise Straight Jean is an adorable pair, embroidered with tiny chamomile flowers that fit like your vintage 90s jeans should.

Click below to see prices at Reformation:

Browse REFORMATION

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17. Theo + George – Women-Owned Brand Specializing in Sourcing Sustainable Fabrics From Small Farmers Around the World

Budget: $$$
Features: Sustainable Packing, Recycling Program, Sustainable Materials, Transparent Supply Chain, Organic Cotton

Theo + George is a small business with a global perspective, sourcing eco-friendly materials from around the world. While their speciality is luxe cashmere, their jeans are similarly high-quality and sustainable.

Theo + George’s main philosophy of sustainability is the Japanese term, monozukuri, the art and science of making things that last. They create durable, timeless pieces that won’t be thrown out with the change of seasons, but rather investment pieces you can wear forever.

They create these long lasting pieces with globally-sourced sustainable materials like organic cotton and small batch cashmere. They also have a recycling partnership with a company in Dublin that provides convenient locations for Irish customers to recycle their denim.

Range includes: slim fit jeans, skinny jeans, straight leg jeans

Our top pick: the Indy Slim Fit Jean is made with 100% organic cotton for a relaxed fit tailor made in Italy.

Click below to see prices at Theo + George:

Browse THEO + GEORGE

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18. Volcom – Surf and Skate Brand Making Waves In Sustainable Fashion

Budget: $
Features: Bluesign® Approved Fabrics, Reduced Water Use, Made with Recycled Cotton, Size Inclusive, Energy Efficient Facilities

Volcom, a surfing and skating brand, has begun transitioning to making more and more clothing sustainably with their Eco-True collections for men and women.

The company as a whole has a very eco-friendly model with an energy efficient HQ, renewable energy run manufacturing facilities around the world, and by running sustainable surfing and skating events. Their products are shipped with eco-friendly packaging.

For their Eco-True denim, they use recycled cotton blends and low-water washing processes. As of right now, there’s not many choices for denim in the collection, but they have plans to expand the sustainability standards to all of their clothing in the next few years.

Range includes: women’s jeans, men’s jeans, skinny jeans

Our top pick: for men, the Slim Fit jeans in black are a relaxed fit you can wear anywhere your wheels take you. For women, the Liberator High Rise Jeans are a classic black skinny jean ready to hit the skate park with you.

Click below to see prices at Volcom:

Browse VOLCOM

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19. Warp + Weft – Reasonably Price, Size-Inclusive Sustainable Denim

Budget: $
Features: Family-Owned, Recycled Water, Fair Labor Practices, Eco-Friendly Fabrics, Low-Impact Washing, Size-Inclusive

Warp + Weft set out on a mission to create high-quality, eco-friendly denim pieces for everyone three decades ago and they’re still going strong.

Their denim uses less than 45 liters of water per pair of jeans, which is staggering compared to the 3,000 liters an average pair takes. They also avoid toxic water pollution by using Dry Ozone technology to dye and wash their jeans. In their HQ and manufacturing facilities, they put people first with fair wages, reasonable hours, and healthy and safe working conditions.

Warp + Weft is one of the most accessible sustainable denim brands because of their size-inclusive offerings and reasonable pricing.

Range includes: women’s jeans, men’s jeans, kids’ jeans, plus size jeans, flare jeans, skinny jeans, straight leg jeans

Our top pick: for men, the AMS Sleepwalker is a sharp slim fit jean comfortable enough to fall asleep in. For women, the Ase High Rise Straight is a true straight leg jean, flowing from the thigh down to a dropped hem in beautiful blue denim colors.

Click below to see prices at Warp + Weft:

Browse WARP + WEFT

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20. Boyish – Modern Fitted, Vintage-Inspired Denim Made With Plant-Based Dyes

Budget: $$$
Features: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Approved, Plant Based Dyes, Recycled Water, PETA Certified Vegan Materials, TENCEL™ Lyocell Fabrics

Boyish makes timeless denim pieces that are in style today, tomorrow, and next decade. It’s a good thing too because their jeans are made from premium organic or recycled cotton and TENCEL™ Lyocell fabric, so they’re made to last decades.

Their jeans are dyed with natural plant based dyes and reduced indigo that has about 80% less sulphates than regular indigo dye. Their denim production is low waste and uses mainly recycled water and renewable energy.

Their production facilities are environmentally and ethically sound with fair wages and many different accreditations from and partnerships with organizations like The Jeans Redesign project, Cradle to Cradle™, Organic Content Standard, PETA, and OEKO-TEX.

Range includes: vintage jeans, wide leg jeans, straight leg jeans, flare jeans

Our top pick: the Ricky Jeans are a throwback to the 70s with a flared bottom and button fly, upgraded with TENCEL™ Lyocell for a 2022-era level of comfort.

Click below to see prices at Boyish:

Browse BOYISH

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Conclusion

With 450 million pairs of jeans sold in the United States every year alone, making the denim industry more sustainable is a worthwhile goal for environmentally minded people. By shopping at these brands, you’re signaling to the industry as a whole that making their jeans more eco-friendly is good for their business and the planet. Of course, being sustainable is also about not purchasing too many: we believe most men and women need no more than 3-4 pairs of jeans. 

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.

2 Ways to Repair Jeans After a Crotch Area Rip

If you are in ripped jeans crisis management, it’s time for a little denim therapy! Here are two tried and true methods for repairing your jeans after a crotch blowout.

1. Use Denim Patches

Denim fabric patches, like these patches by ZEFFKA (Amazon), are a great way to repair your jeans and make them last long beyond the first rip.

Glue-on and iron on denim patches are the easiest to use, but not as long-lasting as sewn-in ones. For all of them, you’ll want to first cut the loose threads around the rip. Then, you’ll cut your patch to slightly bigger than the size of the hole. Finally, attach it with glue, an iron, or a needle and thread.

2. Sew Repair Small Holes and Rips

For small tears at the crotch, there’s no reason to attach a patch. Instead, start by cutting away the loose threads around the tear. Then, take a needle and thread, or use a sewing machine if you know how, and begin to sew the hole shut. It’s best to sew over the spot several times to make it strong.

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.

What’s The Difference Between Lightweight, Mid Weight, and Heavyweight Denim?

You’ll commonly hear terms like lightweight denim and midweight denim thrown around, and although there’s no standard designation to set them apart, most brands do follow similar rules when using these terms for the material used in their products. The weight of the fabric affects its properties and how you might want to wear it, and your choice of lightweight, mid weight, or heavyweight should depend on how you want to wear it:

Lightweight jeans are typically between 5-12 oz. per square yard. It’s most commonly used in non-jean denim products like chambray shirts. It’s less rigid, thinner, and softer than heavier jeans. However, it will not crease or fade naturally like a heavier-weight jean.

Mid weight denim is the most commonly used weight of jeans for everything from pants, shirts, jackets, and skirts. Between 12 and 16 oz. per square yard, it’s more structured and durable than lightweight jeans, but softer and more flexible than heavyweight jeans.

Heavyweight jeans weigh more than 16 oz. per square yard. They are more rigid and less flexible, but stronger than lighter-weight jeans. They’ll fade naturally with wear for a beautiful, unique result.

What Influences Denim Weights?

The weight of jeans depends on a variety of factors:

Denim Fabrics Used

Although denim fabric is made mostly of cotton, a lot of jeans are now made with some combination of denim, TENCEL™, and other materials that make the jeans stretchier and more comfortable. These add-in fabrics tend to be heavier per square yard, so one pair of mid-blue denim bootcut jeans made of 100% cotton may weight more than a similar pair of jeans made of a cotton-TENCEL™ blend.

Tightness of Weaving

Even denim made of the exact blend of fabrics could have a weight difference if one is woven tighter than the other. Jeans with tighter, more densely woven threads weigh more than jeans with looser, more spread -out threads.

The Amount of Fading On Your Jeans

Even after the jeans are sewn, the weight can change depending on the fading technique. Stone washing and sandblasting, two common jean fading techniques can wear away part of the fabric leaving a lighter-weight pair of jeans. The more faded and worn the pair of jeans are, the less they’re going to weigh.

How Does Jeans Weight Affect Your Purchasing Decision?

For people that run hot or live in hot places, lightweight jeans are the best jeans. If you tend to have a lot of wear and tear on your jeans, just be aware that lightweight jeans are typically less durable, so you may need to replace them more often.

Midweight jeans are great for people that wear jeans year-round in places where it gets cold. They’ll keep you warm in the winter without suffocating your legs in the summer. These are all-rounders that should have a place in most wardrobes.

If you work a trade in jeans, you’re going to want a heavier-weight pair of jeans because they’re more durable and will protect your legs more on the job. Thicker jeans will also keep you warmer than thinner ones.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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!