Our oldest and most familiar pair of jeans are often our best allies but the road to acquiring said pair is often more than not an anxiety-ridden fitting room experience. As the seasons change and our bodies evolve so too does our desire to find a new pair of denim but with so many denim styles – skinny, straight, bootleg, wide-leg, boyfriend, girlfriend (you get the gist), it can be a hard (and sweaty) task to uncover one that fits and allows us to feel our absolute best.

Understanding what works for your body shape and style will ultimately make shopping a breeze and to help us uncover our most flattering and comfortable pair, we spoke to Jill Guenza, Global VP of Women’s Design at Levi Strauss & Co who tells us, “Anything goes stylistically, as long as it makes you feel good.”

“The good news is that we are currently experiencing a vibe shift in which experimentation and individuality trump traditional mores around getting dressed.  It’s no longer about which fits flatter which body types — it’s about finding jeans that suit your personality and fit your body well.”

APPLE

“Apple shapes are most comfortable in jeans that have a straighter fit from the hips through the waist and a slimmer fit through the thighs.  For a more casual look, the Boyfriend is a great option. For a polished look, we recommend any of the (Levi’s) 300 series – 311 Skinny, 312 Slim Straight, or the 314 Straight – super comfortable with just the right amount of stretch.  For a youthful look with a little attitude, you can’t go wrong with the Low Pitch Boot.”

Pear

“Pear shapes look amazing in jeans that show off their tiny waists and curvy hips.  The (Levi’s) 501 ‘90s and Baggy Dad have tons of nostalgic ‘90s attitude and accommodate fuller thighs.  The 80s Mom and Ribcage fits are also great options for showing off small waists and curvy hips because of their super high rises and easy fit through the thighs.”

Inverted Triangle

“For those with an inverted triangle shape, consider jeans that show off a small waist yet have volume through the legs such as wider straight legs or boot cuts.  The (Levi’s) 501 90s, High Loose, Ribcage, Baggy Dad and Low Pitch Boot are all great options.”

Hourglass

“Denim fans with hourglass shapes fit comfortably in all of our styles, from super high rise skinnies to slouchy, baggy fits.  It’s a matter of choosing which attitude you want to show the world that day… classic and composed? Go for the (Levi’s) 501 Original or Ribcage.  Cool and effortless?  Select the 501 90s.  Nostalgic with an edge?  Baggy Dad or 80s Mom.  Ready for the ‘00s again?  Low Pitch Boot is the answer.”

Rectangle

For the most comfortable fit, look for jeans with a straighter fit from the waist through the hips.  Choose the Boyfriend for a laidback look or any of the Lot 300 fits for more polish.  For a nostalgic ‘00s attitude, go with the Low Pitch Boot.

Petite

“Fits with mid to low rises work particularly well on Petite bodies, such as the (Levi’s) 501 ‘90s, Wedgie, Boyfriend, and Low Pitch Boot.  For a classic super skinny, try the 710.”