The Real Chic Life

Jeans are one of the hardest-working staples in any wardrobe, but finding the perfect pair can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. The truth is, the “perfect” jeans look different for everyone—because the best denim for you depends on your body shape. The right cut can highlight your best features and create a flattering, effortless look. If you need help figuring out what body shape you have or want additional styling tips for your shape, be sure to read The Real Chic Guide to Dressing Your Body Shape.

Here’s our guide to the best jean styles for every body shape and when to choose petite or tall styles (click the photos to shop):

Hourglass

If your shoulders and hips are balanced with a defined waist, you’ve got the classic hourglass shape. The key is to emphasize your waist while keeping proportions streamlined.

Best Jean Styles:

High-rise skinny jeans – Show off your waist and hug your curves.

Straight-leg jeans – Balance curves without adding bulk.

Flared or bootcut jeans – Great for elongating the legs and evening out proportions.

Real Chic tip: Look for jeans with a touch of stretch so they contour and flatter your curves.

Triangle

With fuller hips and thighs and a narrower upper body, triangle shapes shine when denim balances proportions.

Best Jean Styles:

High-rise wide-leg jeans – Accentuate the waist and skim the hips.

Bootcut jeans – Balance hips by adding subtle volume at the hem.

Dark-wash straight-leg jeans – Create a long, lean line from hip to ankle.

Real Chic tip: If your waist is significantly smaller than your hips, stick to high waist or super high waist styles to prevent sagging or gaping at the waist.

Oval

If you carry more fullness through the midsection, choose denim that elongates the legs and defines the waist.

Best Jean Styles:

Mid- to high-rise straight-leg jeans – Create structure and length.

Slim bootcut jeans – Balance curves and add a long line to the legs.

Jeans with tummy-control panels – Offer smooth support without being restrictive.

Real Chic tip: Pair with flowy tops that skim the midsection and tuck in just slightly to highlight the waistline.

Rectangle

Rectangles tend to have a straighter figure, with shoulders, waist, and hips close in proportion. The key is to create dimension with your denim.

Best Jean Styles:

High-rise mom jeans – Add definition to the waist and shape through the hips.

Flared jeans – Create curves by adding volume at the hem.

Boyfriend jeans – Add relaxed volume that contrasts with a fitted top for balance.

Real Chic tip: Belting your jeans can add instant definition to your waistline.

Inverted Triangle

If your shoulders are broader than your hips, you can balance your frame by adding proportion to the lower half.

Best Jean Styles:

Wide-leg jeans – Add volume to the bottom half for balance.

Bootcut or flared jeans – Even out shoulders by creating a wider leg line.

Cargo or utility jeans – Details like pockets and seams add interest and balance to the lower body.

Real Chic tip: Go for mid- to high-rises to define the waist and soften your proportions.

Choosing Short, Petite, or Tall Styles

Beyond body type, your height plays a huge role in finding jeans that fit and flatter. Many brands now offer inseam options labeled petite/short, regular, or tall to help you get the right length without constant hemming.

Petite/Short (under 5’4”) – Petite jeans are designed with shorter inseams (usually 26–28 inches) and a proportionally shorter rise. This helps avoid bunching at the ankle and ensures the waistband hits where it should. Even if you’re not tiny all over, petites are worth trying if you’re under 5’4”.

Regular (5’4”–5’8”) – Most standard denim styles are cut for this height range with inseams around 29–31 inches. If you fall here, you’ll have the widest selection without needing special sizing.

Tall (5’9” and up) – Tall jeans feature longer inseams (32–36 inches) and a slightly higher rise to keep proportions balanced. These are key if you’re tall and tired of ankle-skimming jeans that aren’t meant to be cropped.

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The perfect jeans are about fit, comfort, and balance. Once you know which styles flatter your body type, shopping for denim becomes a whole lot easier. Invest in a few versatile pairs and you’ll always have a foundation piece for your wardrobe.

Xo, Courtney