The Best Boyfriend Jeans for Your Body Type

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Boyfriend Jeans That Flatter Your Figure

Street style woman in jeans and white blouse — Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Boyfriend jeans—a jean style that's typically fitted at the hips and in the seat with a more generous, relaxed cut through the legs—are a fashion essential in many women's denim wardrobes. With so many fits, styles, and varieties on the market, it's not always easy to know which boyfriend jeans will play up your good points and help to camouflage your less-favorite areas.

To help you save time and frustration when you're shopping for that perfect-fitting pair of boyfriend jeans, we've created this must-have shopping guide to the boyfriend jean styles that will look best on every body type.

Be sure to also scroll to the bottom of this list, for tips that work for all women when you go shopping for boyfriend jeans.

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Big Thighs: Straight Leg Boyfriend Jeans

NYDJ

Baggy cuts of boyfriend jeans emphasize larger legs in an undesirable way. If you've got heavier thighs and would prefer to camouflage them, shop for boyfriend jeans that fit snugly at the hips and fall in a nice, straight line from hips right down to the hem. For the most slimming effect, look for a pair of straight leg boyfriend jeans with slim cuffs that end just above the ankle, which will highlight the thinnest part of your legs. Dark wash jeans with a decent amount of stretch in the fabric are also a great choice for you.

If you've got bigger thighs, skip boyfriend jeans with horizontal distressing on the legs because this can widen your body. Stick to cleaner styles, which (bonus) will also read as more sophisticated.

Jeans to Try:

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Plus Sizes: Relaxed Boyfriend Jeans

Lucky Brand

Don't shy away from boyfriend jeans because you're plus size—this style can look fabulous on you. Shop for a more relaxed fit of boyfriend jeans that's made from soft, sturdy denim and cut to flow easily over your curves. Another tip is to look for a boyfriend style that features a higher rise in the back to provide coverage and help lift the look of your rear end in jeans.

As for the hems, you can either choose a clean (uncuffed) hem style for a more polished look that works well for the office or buy pre-cuffed jeans and iron the hems to get a similar effect but with a more casual vibe.

Jeans to Try:

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Petites: Skinny Boyfriend Jeans

DL1961 Nolita Destructed Jean. DL1961

If you're on the shorter side, you might find it challenging to pull off a cropped and cuffed jean. Petite women can still rock boyfriend jeans, though, by choosing the appropriate fit and style. To keep your silhouette long and lean, choose a slim, darker wash boyfriend jean that's tapered toward the bottom of the legs. You'll sometimes see these called skinny boyfriend jeans or girlfriend jeans.

To elongate shorter legs to the max, skip cuffed styles of boyfriend jeans. Even if you wear slim cuffs on your boyfriend jeans, avoid fatter, casually rolled cuffs, which can rudely interrupt your legs and can make you look shorter. Instead, try a slim fold-up or go for boyfriend jeans with a finished hem and no cuff.

Distressing above the knees is also a good thing to shop for; this trendy detail helps to draw attention upward on your legs, making your bottom half appear longer.

Jeans to Try:

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Boyish Body Type: Slouchy Boyfriend Jeans

AG Adriano Goldschmied The Beau Boyfriend Jean. AG Jeans

Boyfriend jeans look great on a slender frame. You can pull off this style in all its relaxed and slouchy glory. For you, we like a slouchy boyfriend jean with baggier thighs. If you want to create curves on a boyish body, you can shop for a pair with whiskering or strategic rips around the hips and upper thighs to draw attention to that area. You can also wear boyfriend jeans with lots of distressing and rips that other body types might find it a challenge to pull off if that suits your style.

Roll your hems for an effortless look in boyfriend denim. You can emphasize long legs by keeping cuffs just above the ankle or choose boyfriends with higher, wider cuffs for a classic look in this style that also shows off your slim calves.

Jeans to Try:

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Curvy Body Types: Slim-Fitting Boyfriend Jeans

J. Crew

Those who rock an apple, pear, or hourglass shape have naturally got all the curves they need. If this describes you, you will look best in a pair of slim-fitting boyfriends. A tapered or skinny leg and jeans with just a tiny bit of slouch keep you looking trim. Too much fabric adds pounds where you don't need them and camouflages your striking shape.

Jeans to Try:

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Tips for All Body Types: Shopping for Boyfriend Jeans

Rag and Bone Boyfriend Jeans. Rag and Bone

While a boyfriend jean style is meant to be relaxed, it’s key to shop for jeans that fit your figure correctly. Boyfriend jeans should always fit perfectly at your waist and hips.

Whether or not you plan to belt your jeans, make sure that boyfriend jeans fit you properly in the waist area without having to hoist or cinch them. Check to make sure there's no gapping or excess fabric around your middle, especially, that visually could add pounds to your figure.

Straight leg boyfriend jeans offer the most universally flattering fit. This cut of jean is roomy through the legs and relaxed enough to glide over figure flaws, falling in a straight line from hips to hem. Even if you like a slouchier style, make sure jeans aren’t too baggy, or your outfit can look dated and sloppy. Today’s boyfriends are slimmer and should fit well around the hips and seat.

Belts are a go-to accessory for boyfriend jeans that can be styled in different ways to create a fashionable effect. Use a belt to cinch in your waist and show off show curves in this relaxed denim style. A wider belt in classic black or brown leather looks best with these jeans. Tuck in your top to show off your belt and keep your other layers fitted fairly close to the body so you don’t lose your shape.