What is considered plus size when it comes to jeans?

Plus sizes can vary from brand to brand but typically start at size 14 and go up from there. For the most precise information on a given brand’s fit, look at its size chart to make sure you procure the right size for your measurements.

Do “curvy fit” and “plus size” mean the same thing?

No, they don't. "Curvy fit" is terminology that's commonly used for those with an hourglass shape, or those that have a significantly smaller waist compared to their hips. Not all plus-size people have that body shape. If your shape is straighter or you have an apple shape, this fit isn't designed for you.

How often should you wash your jeans?

When it comes to washing your jeans, less often is better. If you're not sweating in them and they aren't heavily stained, then wearing them up to 10 times before washing them is reasonable, Rosen says. The best way to take care of minor stains between washes? Spot cleaning, she adds.

The 10 Best Plus-Size Jeans of 2023

We Found The 20 Best Plus Size Jeans on The Internet — Levi's / Eloquii

Some things simply never go out of style, and a good pair of jeans are at the top of that list. The wardrobe staple was invented in the late 1800s, and they haven’t left our collective closets ever since.

It’s hard not to love a good pair of jeans that hug your curves in just the right way. However, it can get a little bit tricky to find the perfect pair when you are plus size. Plus-size bodies come in many different shapes and curves. Alas, the thing that makes our bodies unique and wonderful can, unfortunately, make it frustrating when looking for a good pair of denim that fits all your wants and needs.

I’ve recently embarked on this search myself. I swore off jeans for a few years because I convinced myself they weren’t for me. (I was wrong.) And when I finally decided I wanted to welcome them back into my wardrobe, I did tons of research, looked into different fit types and styles, and most importantly, I saw how the jeans looked on bodies that looked like mine. There are more options in extended sizing to choose from than ever before, so we wanted to share the best of the best with you.

Ahead, with the help of three experts, I've rounded up 10 of the best plus-size jeans on the internet, which come in a variety of body-flattering styles and price points.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Universal Standard Seine High Rise Skinny Jeans at Universalstandard.com

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Old Navy Mid-Rise Rockstar Super-Skinny Jeans for Women at Gap.com

Jump to Review

Best Splurge:

Oak and Acorn NINETY THREE Mid Loose at Shop-oakacorn.com

Jump to Review

Best Flare-Leg:

Poetic Justice Kylie Curvy Fit Flare Leg Jeans at Nordstrom

Jump to Review

Best Straight-Leg:

Warp + Weft ICN Plus ASE PLUS - HIGH RISE STRAIGHT 28" at Warpweftworld.com

Jump to Review

Best Petite:

AVENUE Petite Stretch Girlfriend Jean Light Wash at Avenue.com

Jump to Review

Best Shaping:

Good American Good Legs at Goodamerican.com

Jump to Review

Best Baggy:

American Eagle Stretch Ripped Curvy '90s Straight Jean at Ae.com

Jump to Review

Best for Apple Shapes:

Eloquii Gena Fit Jeans at Eloquii.com

Jump to Review

Best Bell Bottom:

Eloquii Classic Fit Bell Bottom Flare Leg Jean at Eloquii.com

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie

Universal Standard

View On Universalstandard.com

Out of all the jeans I have tried, Universal Standard’s Seine High Rise style is my holy grail. They’re amazing not only because of their wide size range (00 to 40) but also for their comfortable fit and durability (they manage to keep their shape throughout the day). The high-waisted skinny silhouette offers a significant amount of stretch and is available in six different washes, not to mention additional petite and tall sizing. Though, it’s worth noting that because of the amount of stretch in these jeans, the brand recommends that you size down.

Price at time of publish: $98

Material: 73% cotton, 23% polyester, 4% elastane | Size Range: 00–40, plus petite and tall sizing | Care: Machine wash cold, inside out with like colors, then hang dry

Old Navy

View On Gap.com

Are you looking for an affordable pair of jeans? You can rely on Old Navy for this. The Mid-Rise Rockstar Super-Skinny style features a mid rise that sits just below the waist. If ultra-skinny jeans just aren't your vibe, Old Navy has practically every style—and for less than $50 per pair, you can afford to try out a new trend or two without breaking the bank! Their styles are generally available up to a size 30 online.

Price at time of publish: $40

Material: 67% cotton, 31% polyester, 2% spandex | Size Range: 00–30 with options for short or long inseams | Care: Machine wash cold, inside out with like colors, then tumble dry low

Oak and Acorn

View On Shop-oakacorn.com

These funky dark wash jeans with denim patchwork from Harlem-based brand Oak and Acorn are worth the splurge. The genderless label pledges the use of sustainable fabrics, including discarded denim from local manufacturers and industry peers, so you can feel good about your purchase from many angles.

Price at time of publish: $375

Material: 51% organic cotton, 48% cotton, 1% elastane | Size Range: 26–36 | | Care: Machine wash cold with like colors, then tumble dry low or hang dry; do not dry clean

Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom View On Jcpenney.com

This brand designs its jeans with curves in mind. So, if you have an hourglass or pear shape, these could be the jeans for you. These flare-leg jeans in the solid black wash would do so well day and night, from the office to drinks with friends on a Friday night. The body-hugging cut would look great with a bandeau top or a sheer top and a contrasting bra for a peekaboo moment.

Price at time of publish: $54

Material: 98% cotton, 2% spandex | Size Range: 14W–22W | Care: Machine wash, then tumble dry

Warp + Weft

View On Warpweftworld.com

These straight-leg jeans by Warp+Weft are so classic and versatile, as they’d go well with everything from your favorite band T-shirt to a sleek bodysuit. Choose from six washes or pick up several of them to create a rotation.

Price at time of publish: $98

Material: 98.5% cotton, 1.5% elastane | Size Range: 14–24 | Care: Machine wash with like colors

AVENUE

View On Avenue.com

These jeans from Avenue should be in every petite, plus-size person’s closet. They come in five washes and can be worn cuffed or uncuffed. And at $69, you can even snatch up a pair of each in good conscience.

Price at time of publish: $79

Material: 57% cotton, 21% viscose, 20% polyester, 2% elastane | Size Range: 14–34 | Care: Wash separately before use on a cold gentle cycle, then line dry; cool iron on the reverse side

Good American

View On Goodamerican.com

These Good American jeans promise an elongated look (hence their name, Good Legs). The high rise will make you feel held-in, and since they’re stretchy, they'll maintain their shape so you don't have to worry about sagging or gaping at the waist.

Price at time of publish: $99

Material: Cotton, polyester, rayon, elastane | Size Range: 00–30 | Care: Machine wash cold, inside out, then dry flat

AE Stretch Ripped Curvy '90s Straight Jean

American Eagle

View On Ae.com

Baggy jeans have gained the attention of comfort seekers for good reason. Beyond the relaxed, straight-leg silhouette, the style is complete with perfect rips at the knees and the thigh that will have people wondering if they were your mom’s jeans in the ’90s.

Price at time of publish: $70

Material: 92% cotton, 7% recycled cotton, 1% elastane | Size Range: 000–20, plus short and long sizing | Care: Wash once separately in cold water before wearing; thereafter, machine wash cold inside out with like colors, then tumble dry low

Eloquii

View On Eloquii.com

This brand caters to plus-size figures, so of course it nailed this pair for those with an apple shape. If you are unfamiliar, apple shape refers to a body shape with a fuller mid-section and narrower hips and thighs. Speaking from experience, this body shape can make shopping for jeans that much harder, at least if you aren’t aware of how to identify a piece like this. It allows extra room for a fuller belly and takes into account your more narrow hip and thigh proportions.

Price at time of publish: $90

Material: 99% cotton, 1% spandex | Size Range: 14–28 | Care: Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle with like colors, then tumble dry low

Eloquii

View On Eloquii.com

Oh, baby, these bell bottoms are a showstopper. Wear these for an homage to the ’60s and ’70s. These daring, statement-making jeans are perfect for dancing the night away.

Price at time of publish: $110

Material: 56% cotton, 22% rayon, 21% polyester, 1% spandex | Size Range: 14–28 | Care: Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle with like colors, then tumble dry low

Final Verdict

We love Universal Standard's Seine High Rise Skinny Jeans not only because of their wide size range (00 to 40) but also for their comfortable skinny fit. (They make you feel held-in but not suffocated.) A great under-$50 option is Old Navy's Mid-Rise Rockstar Super-Skinny Jeans, which feature a mid rise that sits just below the waist. If ultra-skinny jeans just aren't your vibe, Old Navy has practically every style. (These Mid-Rise Power Slim Straight Jeans have thousands of positive reviews.) And for less than $50 per pair, you can afford to try out a new trend or two without breaking the bank.

Meet the Expert

Mary Alice Duff is the founder of Alice Alexander, a size-inclusive, ethically and sustainably made women's apparel brand. She was inspired to create her brand after becoming increasingly frustrated with the lack of high-quality, fashionable options in plus sizes.
Maggie Greene is a denim-loving personal stylist. She founded her business Maggie Greene Style in April 2020, which is dedicated to helping people in all bodies find empowerment via personal style.
Marlee Rosen is a plus-size fashion stylist.

What to Look for in Plus Size Jeans

Rise

The rise is a critical measurement to know when looking for perfect-fitting jeans. “The rise refers to the linear length between the center crotch seam and the top of the waistband.” says fashion stylist Maggie Greene. “A longer rise can accommodate a larger midsection, a longer torso, and a [bigger buttocks].” If the rise is too short, she points out, you risk discomfort that could be caused by your pants digging into the belly, riding down constantly, or pinching in the pubic area. On the flip side, if the rise is too high and the size is too small, gaping or bagginess around the waist is probable. The jeans can also ride up and cause pressure on the ribcage.

Wash

Don’t be afraid to try different denim washes, prints, and colors, says fashion stylist Marlee Rosen: "Regardless of your style, or the vibe or aesthetic that you're going for, you can find a pair of jeans that works within those pieces." For a grungy vibe, go for acid-washed or distressed jeans, and for a night out, grab those sleek dark wash jeans and pair them with a slinky, silk top sultry vibe.

Measurements

All three experts agree: You should know your body's measurements. “I am fanatical about folks taking their measurements and comparing them to the size chart because no two brands are the same when it comes to sizes. Even within the same brand, their denim sizing can be different depending on the style of jeans," says Duff.

Here's a step-by-step guide to finding your perfect fit.

FAQ

What is considered plus size when it comes to jeans?

Plus sizes can vary from brand to brand but typically start at size 14 and go up from there. For the most precise information on a given brand’s fit, look at its size chart to make sure you procure the right size for your measurements.
Do “curvy fit” and “plus size” mean the same thing?

No, they don't. "Curvy fit" is terminology that's commonly used for those with an hourglass shape, or those that have a significantly smaller waist compared to their hips. Not all plus-size people have that body shape. If your shape is straighter or you have an apple shape, this fit isn't designed for you.
How often should you wash your jeans?

When it comes to washing your jeans, less often is better. If you're not sweating in them and they aren't heavily stained, then wearing them up to 10 times before washing them is reasonable, Rosen says. The best way to take care of minor stains between washes? Spot cleaning, she adds.

Why Trust Byrdie

Contributing writer Mayra Mejia has been plus-size her entire adolescent and adult life. Her love of fashion and frustration at the lack of options led her to her career in fashion journalism with a focus on plus size and inclusive fashion. Formerly the Managing Editor of The Curvy Fashionista, a multimedia platform dedicated to all things plus, she is intimately aware of the latest trends and emerging plus-size brands.

The Best Plus-Size Stores for Stress-Free Shopping