The best jeans are the ones you feel most comfortable wearing.
While there are silhouettes that are deemed to be more flattering for different body types, at the end of the day, if you love the shape, colour or style, you will wear them with confidence and that is always the most important thing.
However, if you find denim shopping challenging, sticking to a loose set of guidelines can help in the process.
The word ‘staple’ is bandied about the fashion industry, but jeans are the definition of a staple wardrobe essential. Many of us wear them every day and have a pair in every shade. They are easy to style, have a throw-on-and-go quality and are versatile to suit dress codes from casual to smart-casual with the right accessories. Yet finding that perfect well-fitting and timeless pair of jeans is surprisingly elusive, especially for those with an hourglass figure – rivalled only in its difficulty by underwear and bikinis.
Understanding your body type should ease the process. There are five main body shapes (inverted triangle, pear, apple, rectangle and hourglass) as dubbed by the fashion community and each has its own unique set of dressing woes. An hourglass figure is defined by a proportionate bust and hips and a narrow waist, much like the timepiece.
For trousers, this is complex. You need a waistband that won’t gape and a silhouette that showcases your curves in the best way.
High rise will always be your friend. Not only does it feel the most comfortable around the waist, but it has an elongating effect on the legs. Bootcuts come with a divisive history, but a flared end is flattering for the symmetrical body shape. Straight-leg, tapered and mom jeans are silhouettes to look out for but also pay attention to brands designed specifically for curvy body shapes. Stylists suggest avoiding styles that are too baggy.
Find the workhorse of your wardrobe with the best jeans to celebrate hourglass figures.
Rouje Montorgueil Jeans
Founded by Jeanne Damas, Rouje is the epitome of Parisian chic excellence, and these jeans are a case in point. They are named after one of the best streets in the French capital’s Marais area and are calling out to be styled with ballerina pumps, a striped top and a basket bag filled with goodies from the fromagerie and boulangeries that you’ll find there. The trousers have a four-button fastening, an indigo hue and a high waist design. Spot the subtle R embroidery on the back patch pockets.
Buy now £160.00, Rouje
Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans
Levi’s may be most famous for its original 501 jeans that were the style that kickstarted the denim fashion revolution but it’s the Ribcage that have got us purchasing the brand over and over again. We’re on our third pair of these jeans, which is not a testament to their durability but to their wearability.
Get ready to cue the compliments with this everyday pair of jeans that comes in all colours across the blue spectrum as well as three shades of black. The style is categorised by a straight leg, stretch and no restrictiveness. These too can be dressed up with heels but are best with trainers or chunky boots.
Buy now £100.00, Levi’s
Reformation Cary High Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Cropped Jeans
Reformation’s jean offering is a testament to the fact that you can sustainably make quality denim. The laid-back LA label will help ace your casual uniform and the Cary is one of the best of the best. Go for the cropped silhouette to avoid it looking overly baggy as the fit is already slouchy in nature. The jeans have a wide leg and come in three classic hues.
Buy now £168.00, Reformation
Good American Always Fit Good Classic
Khloe Kardashian founded her Good American label to bring better inclusivity to the denim market and the Always Fit Good Classic is a bestseller for that exact reason. It comes in a huge range of sizes with a specialised construction that ensures no matter who is wearing them, they’ll be flattering to all body shapes – especially hourglass figures. The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants come to life, the jeans have a high rise and slim fit and are constructed with a four-way stretch for comfort.
Buy now £170.00, Good American
Levi’s 501 90’s jeans
Dating back to 1873, Levi’s 501 silhouette is clearly a fit that can stand the test of time. Known for their hardwearing credentials, jeans by the denim expert will live in your wardrobe for years to come.
Buy now £110.00, Levi's
Mother Hustler Ankle Fray flared high-rise stretch-denim jeans
This style from Mother has a best-of-both-worlds feel. For those who love the sculpting elements of the retired skinny silhouette, you’ll be content with this clean, leg-hugging style but as you head towards the ankle, you’ll notice a cropped flared cut for a fresh take on the 70’s style that’s an easy sartorial win. These are jeans for every occasion on your social calendar.
Buy now £275.00, Selfridges
rag & bone Sofie Splice High-Rise Jean - Clean Highland
The ultra-wide leg is a style that has been spotted across the catwalk from Valentino to Balenciaga and the easy, breezy appeal is not lost. The casual look feels effortless but still sophisticated and chic - just look to rag & bone and the Sofie Splice that is giving a high-fashion contemporary twist on balloon trousers.
Buy now £340.00, rag & bone
Citizens of Humanity Devi Low-slung Jeans
When it comes to denim, Citizens of Humanity is a brand to watch. The label has partnered with Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA), a company empowering growers to implement scalable regenerative agriculture solutions. Not only are they constructed from planet-friendly fabrics but the brand’s designs are timeless, so it's a win for sustainability and a win for style.
Buy now £320.00, Matches
Cos Arched Tapered Jeans
Tapered jeans are in the midst of a fashion moment. Opt for a playful cut that offers a loose fit with streamlined cuffs and toy with stylish silhouettes. Cos’ jeans will help you do just that. Pair yours with a plain white tee to emulate the classic fashion editor uniform.
Buy now £60.00, Cos
Nudie Jeans Co Breezy Britt Jeans
Made entirely from organic denim, Nudie Jeans constructs its styles in the world-renowned ‘denim town’ Kojima, in Okayama, Japan. The signatures of the label are relaxed, loose-fitting styles. The Breezy Britt is no different but has a tapered leg to make them highly wearable, a feat that is enhanced by the 90-inspired marble textured wash.
Buy now £145.00, END
