No matter your shape, tracking down the perfect pair of jeans is, to put it lightly, a task. (We are all beautiful and unique snowflakes: one woman’s hero cut is another’s butt-flattening nightmare.) Of course, this process is doubly — if not quadruple-y — tricky for those in search of good plus-size jeans.
Why? Because, despite the various reports calling out the vast and largely untapped buying power of the plus-size market, most premium denim labels have yet to expand their size offerings. But hope is not entirely lost. A handful of buzzy labels have shown the masses that it is possible to shape denim, notoriously constrictive though it may be, into bottoms that flatter a variety of body types.
To wit: for a recent feature in W, up-and-comer Lorod dressed curve model Paloma Elsesser in its highly recognizable contrast hem, zip-through designs (though the set appears to have been a one-off). This past July, New York It label 3×1 teamed up with Glamour to design a (single) pair of limited-release cropped jeans. AYR, another Vogue favorite, also dabbles in extended-size denim, albeit lightly. And then there’s Khloe Kardashian and Emma Grede’s Good American, which has made size inclusivity part of its DNA.
Suffice it to say, the tides are turning. Plus-size women in search of legitimately stylish jeans have more options than ever before, thanks to the aforementioned labels, plus trusty mass retailers like ASOS, H&M, Mango, Modcloth and Levi’s. Still, pickings being relatively slim and hidden as they are, we figured we’d help out with the legwork. Below, 20 of the best plus-size jeans for women right now, all of which are actually cool, not a poor imitation.
[ Next: Finally! 34 Plus-Size Fashion Sites That Don’t Suck ]
Plus Size Jeans
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AYR
The Onelove, $195 at AYR
You can't go wrong with classic, no-frills skinnies. To preserve their wash, skip the laundromat and refresh yours in the freezer.
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H&M+
Shaping Skinny High Waist, $59.99 at H&M
Well-fitted, flattering and much cheaper than, say, J Brand. Make like Elsesser and pair smoky denim with ink black.
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ASOS Curve
Paper Bag Waist Boyfriend Jeans With Belt, $60 at ASOS
Don't be intimidated by a loud jean. The thick fabric belt on these slouchy bottoms will cinch your waist and create a surprisingly flattering line.
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Violeta by Mango
Straight Fit Jeans, $79.99 at Mango
Pair your classic blue denim with Old West cowboy boots.
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American Eagle Outfitters
Tomgirl Jean in Gleam White, $29.99 at American Eagle Outfitters
Available up to size 20, these white jeans also come in "short" and "tall" plus-sizes. Cuff yours about two inches above your shoes — their slightly baggy fit makes them perfect for that hem.
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Good American
Good Waist Exposed Zip Jean in Black 001, $107.50 at Good American
A visible zipper fly adds just a hint of cheek to this standard black skinny jean, without going over the top.
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Glamour x 3x1
W3 High Rise Channel Seam Straight Crop, $255 at 3x1
Leave it to Glamour and It denim label 3x1 to construct the perfect cropped straight-leg jean. At the moment there are limited sizes of these left, but we're hoping 3x1 will bend to the will of the market and restock.
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Eloquii
Feather Trim Hem Jeans, $99.90 at Eloquii
Easier to wear during warmer months, when you can expose your feather-lined ankles with some sky-high heels.
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Levi's
Plus Boyfriend Jeans, $59.50 at Levi's
Make it your mission to track down some old Levi's 501s in your corresponding men's size. In the meantime, these will make a more than adequate placeholder.
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Universal Standard
Seine Jeans 32 Inch in Solid Camo, $90 at Universal Standard
Rejoice: As of December 1, Universal Standard's well-loved Seine jeans will come in more washes than ever before. We're partial to the army green (which looks especially great with camel-colored tops).
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Simply Be
Chloe Coated Biker Skinny Jeans, $56 at ASOS
Leather-look bottoms call for textural (knit) tops.
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Wrangler
Wide-Leg Whim Jeans in Dark Wash — 30", $89.99 at Modcloth
Finally, a subtle (but noticeable) wide-leg flare that, while 70s-inspired, doesn't look like a caricature of its predecessors. We're also big fans of the rich navy hue.
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James Jeans
Hunter Curvy Cuff, $182 at James Jeans
For tips on mastering that extra-wide cuff, click here.
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ASOS Curve
Original Mom Jeans in Neon, $56 at ASOS
Do as the runways say and give your (denim) wardrobe a healthy dose of citrus.
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Torrid
Ex-Boyfriend Jeans — Medium Wash With Knee Rips, $21.98 at Torrid
Pair with a threadbare T-shirt and oversized blazer for optimal borrowed-from-the-boys vibes.
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Boohoo
Plus Lace up Side Skinny Jeans, $48 at ASOS
Ah, the lace-up pants trend — punky, suggestive and Sarah Snyder-approved.
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Miaou
Tommy Jean in Pinstripe, $325 at Miaou
Admittedly, Miaou's celebutante-beloved, grommet-accented designs only go up to a size 32, and thus can only be worn by "in-betweenies" who border on "plus." However, the brand gets more size-inclusive with every season, so keep a wary eye on this one.
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Good American
Good Straight Tulip Hem in Black 001, $169 at Good American
Won't stretch out easily, plus the raw tulip hem gives them a slight vintage feel.
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A New Day
Women's Plus Size Flare Denim Trouser in Dark Wash, $29.99 at Target
The benefit of structured, trouser-esque denim is that you can wear it to work and still feel polished.
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Violeta by Mango
Rhinestones Slim Jeans, $99.99 at Mango
OK, so they're more than a little trendy, but the rhinestones do pretty much all the styling work for you. Just throw on a white tee and some sneakers and you're good to go.
