The Best Jeans for Hourglass Body Shape: A Complete Guide
If you’ve got an hourglass figure, chances are you’ve faced the classic denim dilemma: jeans that fit your hips but leave a frustrating gap at the waist. Your small waist and curvy hips are a blessing, but without the right jeans, they can feel like a challenge. The good news? Finding the perfect pair is all about knowing what works best for your natural shape—highlighting those curves and avoiding the dreaded waist-gap. In this guide, we’re breaking down everything you need to know to find jeans that love your curves as much as you do.
How Do I Know If I Have an Hourglass Figure?
Ask yourself these questions:
Do your bust and hips measure roughly the same? If your bust and hips are about equal, you likely have an hourglass shape.
Is your waist much smaller than your hips and bust? A defined waist is one of the key characteristics of an hourglass figure.
Do you struggle with waist gapping in jeans? If jeans fit your hips but leave a gap at the waist, this is a common issue for women with curvy hips and a small waist.
If you’re nodding your head, you’ve probably got those hourglass curves! For more tips on styling the hourglass figure check out this post!
Fit Challenges for Hourglass Figures
For women with an hourglass figure, finding the perfect pair of jeans can be tricky due to a few common fit challenges:
Waist Gapping: One of the biggest issues is waist gapping. Your small waist often causes jeans that fit the curvy hips to be loose around the waist. Look for jeans with a contoured waistband or adjustable waist features.
Thigh Fit: Hourglass figures tend to have fuller thighs, which can make jeans feel tight in the thigh area while fitting perfectly elsewhere. Fabrics with spandex or stretch blends are great for comfort.
Rise Issues: Low-rise jeans can cause discomfort for women with an hourglass body. High-waisted jeans are a great option as they accentuate your waist while offering a snug fit without pulling.
Pocket Placement: Jeans with small or oddly placed back pockets can make your curvy hips look unbalanced. Opt for larger, well-positioned pockets that enhance your natural curves.
Inseam Length: Petite hourglass women may struggle with jeans being too long, while taller hourglass women often find jeans that don’t have enough length. Custom hemming or brands offering petite and tall sizes are essential.
Fabric Stretch: Some fabrics with little stretch, like 100% cotton, may not accommodate curves well, causing discomfort. A spandex blend provides flexibility for a more comfortable fit.
The Best High-Waisted Skinny Jeans For Hourglass Figure
Levi's Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans
Levis
$98.00
Super high-rise, with a straight leg that elongates your legs and hugs your curves. Perfect for accentuating your small waist.
Good American Good Waist Skinny Jeans
Good American
$139
These jeans have a high rise and contoured waistband that prevents gapping at the waist.
Mother Hustler High Waist Fray Hem Jeans
Revolve
$218
These jeans have a sleek, high-rise design and stretchy material to perfectly fit your curves while staying comfortable.
Madewell Curvy Perfect Vintage Jeans
Madewell
$138
These high-rise, light-wash jeans with ripped knees are great for adding edge to your look while hugging the waist and providing room for hips.
Abercrombie Curve Love 90s Straight Jeans
Abercrombie
$100
Trendy and perfect for hourglass figures, these high-rise jeans provide stretch and sit perfectly at your waist.
Bootcut Jeans For Hourglass Body Shape
NYDJ Marilyn Bootcut Jeans
NYDJ
$119
These jeans offer a slimming panel to smooth and shape curves with a slight flare to balance curvy hips.
Good American Good Curve Bootcut Jeans
Good American
$169
With a high rise and contoured fit, these jeans help elongate your legs and balance out your proportions.
Good American Power Stretch Pull-On Flare Jeans
Good American
$89.00
Featuring a subtle flare, these mid-rise jeans flatter the hourglass shape by enhancing the curves while adding height.
The Best Wide-Leg Jeans For Hourglass Girls!
Reformation Cary High Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans
Reformation
$168
These cropped, wide-leg jeans are perfect for a casual, laid-back look that doesn't sacrifice style for comfort.
Rag & Bone Sofie Splice High-Rise Jeans
Rag & Bone
$134
Ultra-wide-leg jeans that provide effortless chic appeal and balance out curvy hips for a fashionable fit.
Levi's 501 90’s Jeans
Levis
$98
A wide-leg jean with a vintage twist, great for creating a laid-back yet flattering silhouette for hourglass figures.
I Found The Perfect Straight-Leg Jeans For Hourglass Figure
Madewell Stovepipe Straight Jeans
Madewell
$148
Slimming through the waist and hip, with a straight leg that creates a balanced silhouette, these are perfect for everyday wear.
Citizens of Humanity Emerson Slim Boyfriend Jeans
Citizens Of Humanity
$218
These mid-rise jeans offer a straight-leg cut with a relaxed, slim fit that enhances the curves without feeling too tight.
Levi’s Wedgie Straight Jeans
Free People
$98
A modern classic, these jeans give you the high rise and snug fit you need to showcase your waist and curves.
Mom Jeans For Hourglass Figures That Don’t Gap In The Back
ASOS DESIGN Curve 'Farleigh' Slim Mom Jeans
Asos
$34.99
High-waisted and roomy through the hips, these jeans offer the perfect combination of comfort and style for hourglass figures.
Topshop Original Mom jeans in mid blue
Asos
$79.99
These high-rise jeans fit snug at the waist and offer a relaxed fit around the thighs and hips, making them ideal for everyday wear.
Petite-Friendly Jeans For Hourglass Figures
Good American Always Fit Good Petite Jeans
Good American
$139
These jeans are specifically designed for petite hourglass figures, with a high-rise waist and stretch fabric that moves with your body.
Levi’s 711 Skinny Jeans (Petite)
Levis
$69.50
These petite skinny jeans have a mid-rise fit and a stretch blend, ideal for smaller frames without sacrificing comfort or style.
Expert Styling Tips for Hourglass Figures
1. Choosing the Right Rise
For hourglass figures, high-rise jeans are a game-changer. By sitting at or slightly above the natural waist, they hug your curves and prevent the dreaded waist gapping. This style not only accentuates your small waist but also creates the illusion of longer legs, balancing your overall proportions. Whether you're wearing skinny jeans or wide-leg jeans, a high-rise ensures that your curves are showcased without discomfort. Plus, it smooths out the lower body, providing a more flattering fit from waist to hips.
2. Leg Cuts
Selecting the right leg cut can make all the difference for an hourglass body shape.
Straight-leg jeans are ideal for balancing curvy hips, as the consistent width from hip to hem helps create a streamlined look. They offer a clean silhouette without hugging too tightly.
Bootcut jeans are another great option, as their slight flare balances out your hips, giving you a proportional, elongated look. The flare at the bottom draws attention away from wider hips, creating a balanced silhouette.
Skinny jeans enhance the figure by hugging every curve. For women who want to show off their shape, skinny jeans work well, especially when paired with a top that defines the waist.
3. Fabrics
When it comes to comfort and fit, fabric choice is crucial for hourglass women.
Spandex blends (typically around 2-5% spandex) are a great option because they provide flexibility and stretch, allowing the jeans to contour around your hips and thighs while still keeping their shape. These blends prevent the discomfort of jeans feeling too tight in the thigh area.
For more structured jeans, a cotton blend provides durability and structure. While these might not have as much stretch as spandex, they offer a classic, form-fitting silhouette without losing shape after wear.
FAQs
1. What pants should an hourglass woman wear?
The best jeans for hourglass body types are typically high-waisted jeans and bootcut jeans. High-waisted jeans sit at the natural waist, emphasizing the smallest part of your body and elongating your legs. Bootcut jeans, with their subtle flare, balance out curvy hips and create a harmonious silhouette that flatters the lower body. Both styles offer a snug fit at the waist and hips, providing both comfort and style.
2. Do baggy jeans look good on an hourglass body?
Baggy jeans can work for an hourglass figure, but the key is balancing the loose fit with more fitted pieces. Opt for a fitted top, like a wrap blouse or a V-neck tee, to maintain shape and emphasize your small waist. By adding a belt or choosing a style that sits higher on the waist, you can still highlight your curves while enjoying the relaxed look of baggy jeans.
3. What jeans are best for each body type?
The best jeans for each body type can vary, but certain styles work well for different figures. For a more detailed breakdown, check out our post on finding the best jeans for your body type. This guide will help you discover the perfect fit, whether you have an hourglass, pear, or apple shape.
4. Are bootcut jeans good for an hourglass figure?
Absolutely! Bootcut jeans are one of the best options for an hourglass figure. The slight flare at the hem balances out curvy hips, and the snug fit through the waist and thighs highlights your natural curves. Bootcut styles also create a longer leg line, making them a flattering choice for both petite and tall hourglass women.
Disclaimer: This blogpost originally published August 28, 2023 but was updated September 27, 2024
