How to choose the right jeans for your body type (we’ve got 8!)

Is it not true that scoring that fabulous pair of jeans — the one that transforms your body into a better version of itself — makes you feel like you've discovered a buried treasure? Is it not also true that repeatedly trying on pair after trendy pair that only magnify your least favorite attributes makes you want to commit to sweatpants forever? We all love denim and, frankly, can't live without it. But the denim options have become overwhelming and finding a compromise between what's in fashion and what looks best on your body can be an especially maddening experience. Before you hit the dressing room, we've got some important pieces of advice to keep in mind for eight of the most common body types. Enjoy!

At any given moment, fashion magazines may be saying that low-rise or distressed denim or extra-wide bell-bottoms are the way to go, but if the cut/wash/shape doesn't flatter your particular figure, it's of no use. Proportion and balance are the focus when it comes to finding the most flattering look. To help you sort through the options, we've put together a shopping guide by body type with a little help from our friend, Shine editor (and new mommy), Jennifer Romolini. Thanks, Jen!

If you have a...

Petite frame: Skinny or straight-leg jeans are best because they're the easiest to tailor if they need to be hemmed. Stay away from cuffs, which make you look even shorter than you are.

Apple shape: The most important factor for apples is where the waist of the jean hits. You want it to be right in the middle, not below your waist, or you'll have the dreaded muffin-top effect to deal with.

Plus-size figure: Straight-legged, dark denim jeans with stretch are the most flattering and slimming. Forget patches or embellishment of any kind, as they distract from the clean lines.

Pear shape: Low-rise jeans are ideal because they visually shorten the widest part of your body. Stiff jeans with less stretch hold in your shape the most.

Athletic build: Jeans with lots of stretch are key because they fit around muscular legs and won't leave a gap in the back of a slim waist.

Long and lean: Go for a pair with flair at the bottom. They'll balance out the string-bean look and cover your shoes a bit more.

Hourglass figure: High-waist jeans are great for drawing attention to a small waist, which can get overshadowed by curves above and below.

New-mom body: Dark denim with lots of stretch is perfect for accommodating and camouflaging a post-baby belly. Also key: something affordable, as your size is most likely
temporary.

Do you need help picking out the perfect jeans? Post on our Facebook page and our Thread stylist will get you answers.