As a size 10, I’ve spent a lot of time considering what makes for the best jeans for midsize women. As someone who carries volume through my midsection, shopping for jeans always proves challenging—especially since my size falls into a gray area between what the fashion industry deems small and plus. Recently, though, I’ve noticed influencers like Bonnie Wyrick and Chloe Xandria speaking more to the term “midsize,” which was relatively new to me, but roughly describes the range between clothing sizes 8 and 14. I spoke with professional style experts to see if they’ve come across the word too.
“There’s definitely been a rise in interest around the midsize category,” says Kathleen Post, a fashion influencer who has launched collections with Abercrombie & Fitch. “The term has gained traction as more people realize how underrepresented this group has been in fashion for many years.” Denim, in particular, has helped fuel that momentum. “The idea of ‘midsize jeans’ has emerged and grown not because women’s bodies have dramatically changed, but because denim has evolved,” says fashion stylist Lisa Sher-Chambers. The versatility of jeans has made them wardrobe staples, which is why finding a pair you love can feel especially important.
No categorization is perfect, of course—clothing sizing is inherently reductive. Still, in a fashion and media landscape that often centers on extremes, it’s comforting to have language that carves out space for me too. Below, find the best jeans for midsize women, broken down by the cuts and rises stylists and style influencers most recommend.
The best midsize jeans, at a glance
- Best Wide-Leg Jeans: Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans, $90
- Best Barrel-Leg Jeans: Gap High-Rise Barrel Jeans,
$90$45 - Best High-Rise Jeans: Levi’s 501 ’90s Jeans, $93
Best Wide-Leg Jeans for Midsizes
Across the board, wide-leg jeans were one of experts’ top recommendations for midsize women. “They add volume through the leg, which draws the eye downward and creates a more elongated silhouette,” says Post. She points to Abercrombie & Fitch’s Curve Love denim, which adds up to two inches of room along the hips and thighs while keeping the waist the same. Other picks include these structured, polished Paige jeans; leg-lengthening Good American jeans; and Gap’s low-rise baggy jeans (a good choice for anyone with a short torso). “I’m a fan of the brand’s affordability and how its denim comes in an array of inseam lengths and waists,” says editor and stylist Diana Tsui. As someone with short legs, I’ve found that wide-leg and flared denim tends to make them look longer and is usually comfier than tighter styles like straight-leg and skinny jeans.
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Best Barrel-Leg Jeans for Midsizes
Barrel-leg jeans are one of the biggest denim trends right now, defined by a fit that widens through the thighs before subtly tapering to the ankle. The relaxed cut feels comfortable, especially through the midsection, while adding shape along the leg—a plus for anyone built more straight up and down, says Tsui. I’m a big fan of barrel women’s jeans myself, particularly softer, baggier styles like my pair from Free People, as well as Agolde’s version, which have a touch of elastane for stretch and a dark wash that feels dressy enough for work. “To style barrel-leg jeans, wear a more fitted top to highlight the waist, or do a slight front tuck to avoid a boxy shape if wearing a looser top,” says Post. “Add a bit of height with heeled boots or pumps to further lengthen your frame.”
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Best Mid- to High-Rise Jeans for Midsizes
“A high- or mid-rise can help define your waist and create a smooth line through the midsection,” says Post. Mid-rise jeans typically hit just below the belly button, while high-rise styles sit above it, and they are often among the most comfortable for a wide range of body types, says Sher-Chambers. You can find these rises in all manner of cuts, including wide-leg, baggy, and barrel-leg. Aritzia’s curvy jean line helpfully adds two inches in the low hip, and 1.5 in the thigh. Anyone with a longer torso may want to try an extra high-rise pair of jeans, like this option from Old Navy, which can help even out proportions through the body.
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Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Super Wide-Leg Jeans
Frequently asked questions
How do I shop for midsize jeans?
Experts I spoke to pointed to wide-leg, baggy, and barrel-leg jeans as strong silhouette choices for midsize women. “They give you more room through the hips and thighs while balancing your shape," says Post. “A high-waist or mid-rise can help define your waist and create a smooth line through the midsection.”
That said, your body shape and proportions matter more than your actual clothing size. If you have a shorter torso, for example, a super-high-waisted pair might only make your torso appear even shorter, while a lower-rise denim can create a more natural-looking line.
Meet our experts
- Kathleen Post, fashion influencer who has launched collections with Abercrombie & Fitch
- Diana Tsui, editor and stylist who writes the newsletter A Concept Store
- Lisa Sher-Chambers, fashion stylist
