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Denim, not just for the slim, is one of the most challenging and scariest things to shop for. Constantly topping the polls, charts, and reports, plus size denim is the hardest thing to shop for! Many times, you will find yourself shopping 10-20 pairs of jeans that never fit quite right, and it is pure insanity!
“I have often said that I wish I had invented blue jeans: the most spectacular, the most practical, the most relaxed and nonchalant. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity – all I hope for in my clothes.”
Yves Saint-Laurent
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Sometimes it feels like the fashion industry is more focused on crafting clever marketing campaigns than on creating quality clothes for a diverse range of bodies. It’s a frustrating reality when brand messaging implies that “good jeans,” aka good genes, are made for and linked to a specific, narrow beauty standard (we’re looking at you, Sydney Sweeney and American Eagle). This type of messaging not only alienates the majority of consumers but also perpetuates the harmful idea that bodies outside of that idealized image are somehow “bad.” The focus should always be on designing for all body types, celebrating true diversity, and offering a fit that makes every single person feel confident and seen, not just a select few. When a brand prioritizes genuine inclusivity over a catchy tagline, that’s when it truly earns the trust of its consumers.
However, equipping yourself with the right tools when shopping will only ease the angst and instill confidence, allowing you to feel more confident in shopping your shape!
Below are a few tips for shopping for plus size denim…
Everything to Know About Finding Plus Size Denim
1. Cut
Let’s start by talking about the different shapes of jeans. Overall, there are generally four or five styles, with some variances, depending on what is trending at the moment.
The main types of cuts in which you can find plus size denim:
- Boot Cut– this universal cut skims the thigh, with a slight opening, breaking at the knee
- Skinny– this fashion-forward denim skims the thigh, and remains fitted through the calf and ankle
- Wide leg– oftentimes referred to as a trouser jean, this denim is fitted at the waist and through the seat, and starts to flare at the top of your thigh, and continues to flare throughout
- Flare leg– this denim usually is extremely fitted through the thigh and significantly flared out, more so than a boot cut.
- Straight Leg– these jeans have a straight up-and-down cut through the leg, from waist to hem. As trends have emerged, this style is seen in boyfriend jeans or relaxed-fit jeans.
2. Rise
This refers to where the denim hits your waist. It is the length of the fabric from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband. Knowing the rise of your denim will help determine how the denim hits on your waist, the level of comfort, elongate the legs, and enhance the rear.
- Natural Rise– Regular rise jeans sit between nine to eleven inches. The waistband sits right at or below the belly button.
- Low Rise– Can vary around eight inches, but can vary an inch up or down. Expect this jean to sit around three inches below the belly button.
- Super Low Rise– No more than a seven-inch rise and varies from there, can go as low as three inches above the crotch
- High Rise– At over eleven inches, these jeans traditionally cover the belly button
3. Wash
The wash of denim refers to the texture and color of the jeans, affecting their appearance. Washes can affect the wear, fabrication, and lifespan of the denim, in addition to completing an overall look.
4. Spandex and Lycra
The magic of denim and its ability to hug your curves is the blending of both Spandex and Lycra. The use of either one of these is what gives the denim its stretch.
Know that:
- The optimal level of spandex should range from 1 to 4 percent
- 100% cotton denim takes less time to wear in than stretch denim
- The higher the percentage of spandex or Lycra, the more likely the denim is to lose its shape
- Regular denim lasts much longer as the elastic fibers are more prone to breakage
Plus Size Denim Designers to Shop
If you are on the hunt to score plus size denim for your curves, no worries, we are here to help you out. We have amassed a list of plus size denim brands and designers that we know and love.
Here are the plus size denim designers, brands, and retailers to know:
If your favorite brand is not here, no worries, leave us a comment and we will add it to our list!
Want to keep your plus size jeans for as long as possible?
Well, here are a few care tips for your plus size jeans:
Madewell denim pro Mary Pierson shares a few tips over on the site, and we had to share those tips here!
- Wear often, wash less. “Don’t wash your jeans too often. The less frequently they touch water, the longer the color will last. I know people who are die-hards and have worn jeans for two years without washing. This might scare clean freaks, but natural elements like ozone in the air, a little dirt, and body oil all add beauty and character to jeans. Like how bed-head and dirty hair are a little sexy—it’s the same with jeans.”
- Wash them inside out. Mary continues to share on the HOW of washing them: “Wash them inside out, in cold water and with a mild detergent to preserve the color. Don’t use bleach—any time bleach touches indigo, it gets lighter.”
- Hang dry or air dry them. “It’s best to let them air dry, and if they get a little stiff, you can put them in the dryer on low heat for a few minutes to soften them up.”
Did this help you out? Do you feel that you can score your next pair of jeans with these tips? Let us know what you think and where you score your favorite pair of jeans from!
Happy shopping!
