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Too long, too short or just not enough room for your thighs; jeans, and the way they don’t ever seem to fit properly, are an evergreen topic in fashion circles and among my peers.
My personal irk with denim is that if it fits my bottom, it doesn’t tend to sit snugly on my waist. On the flipside, the ones that I hope will actually flatter my midriff won’t pull up past my thighs.
But I’ve been on a personal mission to solve this dressing dilemma. Having tried 48 pairs of jeans across the high street in the last couple of months I can confidently say there are plenty of styles out there that are almost right, but would need a trip to the local tailor to make them fit perfectly.
I did, however, find six unicorn styles which skimmed over my backside nicely, giving it a peachy side profile, and also cinched in neatly at my waist – all without any alterations that require a sewing kit.
Read on for the shortlist of hero jeans that actually fit big bottoms and smaller waists.
Until now I have steered clear of the Boyfriend fit, because I thought it did nothing for my figure. I want to enhance what I’ve got, not hide it. But M&S has proved me wrong. Its mid-rise Boyfriend style comes in four timeless shades, in an impressive size range from 6-22, and in five different lengths, from extra short to extra long. It hits the ideal ankle length and of course sits on the waist nicely without squashing your backside. The slightly lower crotch also looks effortlessly cool. The ecru shade works nicely now with similar neutrals (grey, brown and beige) but will look clean and fresh with colour pop pieces come spring.
This London-based label has become one of my go-to stores for jeans. Bell St keeps things simple and only makes four styles or cuts of denim: The Karina, The Seberg, The Lafont and The Audran. The latter is the winner for me.
The Audran comes in three shades, two blue and one black and admittedly, I have invested in all three because the hues are spot on and the fit is second to none. There are no waist adjuster tabs here, but there’s no need. The cut scoops over your backside, without flattening or pinching, and nestles in perfectly at the waist. No gaps. No unwanted ruching. And no need to wear a belt, unless you want to accessorise.
Hannah wears the Bell St jeans. This London-based label has become one of my go-to stores for jeans, she says
I couldn’t reveal the exact engineering behind this life-changing fit – I’m convinced there must be some quantum physics involved – but they work. If you don’t believe me, you’ll just have to try a pair for yourself.
A button tab miracle style which eliminates the common “waist gap” issue! The adjusters towards the back of the waistband allow you to tighten it for a bespoke tailored, customised fit that doesn’t require a belt. I think this design feature is my new top styling hack for looking snatched.
There’s also something a little bit Seventies about this fabulous retro cut high-rise jean, which is made from 100% cotton so it drapes beautifully around your legs. If you’re after a style which will age wonderfully with wear, wash after wash, you can’t go wrong with a pair of Levi’s.
If you think Abercrombie & Fitch is the reserve of tweens and Gen Z, think again. The denim department is one of the best on the high street.
I love this crossover waistband design which ensures a snug fit around your middle. But thanks to the Vintage Comfort fabric with structure yet slight stretch, there’s still enough room for your bottom. Happily this style also comes in three lengths (short, regular and long) so you can enjoy it whatever your height.
The most innovative bit about these jeans? They’re specially designed with adjustable button tabs at the side of the hips, meaning you can loosen the waist band to get them over your bottom and thighs, before tightening it up again. Genius. The back pockets are also angled to flatter your buns, and the mid-rise cut with a wide, straight leg finish just so happens to be the trending fit of the season.
Being tall (5ft 9in), I also rate the slightly dropped crotch which is great if you have a longer body and adds to the relaxed feel of these slouchy jeans. Plus, the length is also a big highlight, as they brush the tops of my feet nicely with a slight puddle effect.
Mother is the fashion insider hot spot for investment denim. I know some editors who still wear styles they bought 16 years ago when this LA It-label first launched in 2010 – and the denim looks almost brand new.
Hannah in Mother, the fashion insider hot spot for investment denim
The Lasso Sneak is a wide-leg zip fly design, with a mid-rise waist and a 32-inch inseam – fantastic if you’re tall – finished with a clean, rather than frayed, hem. Made from semi-rigid denim, they provide a generous lift to your cheeks, whilst this ultimate mid-blue, playfully named Get Two Birds Stoned, with slight fading at the knees gives the illusion of slimmer legs. Expensive, but very clever jeans indeed.
