Plus Size Denim 101: Everything to Know About Finding the Perfect Pair of Jeans

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

However, equipping yourself with the right tools when shopping will only ease the angst and at times 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

Cut

Let’s talk about the different shapes of jeans. Overall, there are generally four/five styles, with variances to those, depending on what is trending at the moment.

The main types of cuts you can find plus size denim in:

• 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, moreso 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.

Rise

This refers to where the denim hits on your waist. This is the length of the fabric from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband. Knowing the rise of your denim will help 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 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

Wash

The wash of denim refers to the texture and color of the jeans, affecting the look of them. Washes can affect the wear, fabrication, and lifespan of the denim, in addition to completing an overall look.

Spandex and Lycra

The magic of denim and its ability to hug to 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 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 will lose its shape
• Regular denim lasts much longer as the elastic fibers are more prone to breakage

Plus Size Denim Designers

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:

• Democracy Denim
• Fashion to Figure
• Good American
• Kut from the Kloth
• Lane Bryant
• Levi’s
• Madewell
• Molly & Isadora
• NYDJ
• Old Navy
• Pilcro by Anthropologie
• Silver Jeans
• Standards & Practices
• Torrid
• Universal Standard
• Warp & Weft

If your favorite brand is not here, no worries, leave us a comment and we will add them 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!

1. 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.”
2. 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.”
3. 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!