Introducing a little something fun and different on Ambitious Kitchen: the best jeans for fit women! OR HECK ANY LADIES OUT THERE WHO JUST LOVE JEANS.
We decided to call this ‘the best jeans for fit women’ because Abra and I both have athletic body types, but we also have two very different body types. Abra’s has a smaller waist and curvier bottom, and I’m more straighter with longer limbs and a non-curvy butt.
Since we’re both always on the hunt for and sharing our finds for amazing pairs of jeans with each other. We realized how unique our styles are just based on what works for our different body types. For example, I purchased a pair of Madewell jeans and they were a bit too stretchy for me in the bottoms, but fit Abra perfectly. We’re about the same size but jeans just fit differently for us!
We thought this would be a great post for all of the ladies who are in need of a new pair of favorite jeans to rock your bod or venture out and try something new and different.
Take a look at our picks below and then don’t forget to tell us your favs in the comments! xoxo!
Watch our jean try-on video (and watch til the end):
Monique’s Picks:
I have a very long limbs, a short torso and a small booty. Abra calls me a ‘celery stick’ so that’s what my body type is if we’re comparing them to fruits or veggies, ha! Anyway, I’m very particular about the jeans I wear because they need to be both comfortable and stylish. The brands I tend to love are: Agolde, Grlfrnd Denim, Madewell and Mother Jeans. For reference, I’m 5’6″.
What Monique look for in jeans that are stylish:
1. Distressed, cropped & 90’s anything: this is essential for me right now. I’m a huge fan of the cropped jean look with frayed ends and basically anything that doesn’t look like it, I have a tough time wearing. I’m truly someone who follows jean trends. Although, I can say that I will never EVER wear long jean shorts ‘jorts’ no matter how ‘in’ they become.
2. High waist: nothing will work for me if it’s not high-waisted. In fact, the higher the better! I prefer a 10 inch rise which are most of my Agolde and Mother jeans.
3. Light jeans or black: I prefer light jeans because those are the jeans that are in right now and I love the classic look. I also LOVE black jeans because you can dress them up or down and they’ll go with just about anything.
Abra’s Picks:
Finding the right jeans for my body type can be tricky, but I’ve found a few brands and pairs over the past couple of years that I LOVE. I have a smaller waist with a bigger butt and thighs, so if we’re comparing fruits you could say I’m a “pear shape.” With my shape a lot of jeans that fit my butt are too big in the waist and make that annoying gap in the back. For reference, I’m 5’7″.
What Abra looks for in jeans for curvier thighs:
1. Stretch: this is key for me because stretchier jeans give my booty some room and fit nice and snug around my waist at the same time. It’s like magic. I often look for a “curvy” fit in traditionally stiff jeans like Levi’s.
2. High waist: God bless the high waist jeans & pants trend (and please never come back low-rise jeans). Personally I think high-waisted pants are the most flattering for so many body types, and I like how they show my natural shape.
3. Medium to dark wash: unless I’m wearing white jeans I almost always go for a darker wash with my jeans. I find darker wash jeans more flattering for my shape and easier to pair tops with. But that’s just me!
Monique’s Pair #1: 10″ Madewell High-Rise Skinny Jeans in Hayes Wash $128 or these ones are super cute in a lighter wash with fun buttons.
These were my first pair of Madewell jeans and I absolutely LOVE them. I can wear these jeans at least 5 times without washing them and they stay the perfect size. They’re stretchy, hug me in tall the right places and are my go-to skinny jean when I want to be comfortable yet cute. Usually I wear these with flats or mules.
Here is the top I’m wearing.
Abra’s Pair #1: Madewell 9″ Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans: Rip & Repair Edition on sale for $79, or these in more sizes!
Funny story – I actually bought these jeans off of Monique because they were a bit too big & stretchy for her. They’re labeled a mid-rise but to me they are a comfortable high waist jean, and I love the different wash patterns for a little edge. They have a released hem for a fun fringe on the bottom, and are slightly distressed in the knees without the worry of busting through them.
Here is a similar top to the one I’m wearing!
Second looks:
Monique’s Pair #2: Mother Jeans High Waisted Looker Ankle Fray$238 or these Mother jeans that are a different wash and a little cheaper. This go-to pair from H&M is also amazing and super affordable!
Mother jeans are simply incredible. I was hesitant at first but after a trip to Nordstrom to try them on, it only took me a second to make a decision to purchase. These jeans are extremely stretchy in all the right places, make my butt look good, and of course, are pretty high rise. I like to wear these with heels or boots.
Find my adorable pink top here!
Abra’s Pair #2: Paige Transcend Vintage High Rise Jeans $225 Paige Jeans were the first pair of nice, quality denim that I ever owned. The brand has tons of washes & styles that are great for thicker thighs, and I liked experimenting with their lighter wash here. I mostly wear these ones in the spring/summer with sandals and casual tops, but they can easily be dressed up or down. Similarly I’d also recommend these lighter wash Frame jeans on sale for $129, or these distressed Madewell jeans for $75.
I paired them with this fun adidas tee!
Third looks:
Monique’s Pair #3: Mother The Hustler High Waist Ankle Fray Jeans $198 this pair from H&M comes in a bunch of different washes for a super affordable option!
These are probably my favorite pair of jeans. They’re so stretchy and comfy and WONDERFUL. I seriously can’t express how much I love them! These high-waisted black jeans are cropped and frayed which means they’re perfect for pulling off a trendy look during the day with a pair of platform sneakers or dressing them up at night with heels or booties. Plus, they’re the most comfortable jeans on the planet.
I wear these and they fit like a glove! Great with a crop top like the one I’m wearing.
Abra’s Pair #3: Agolde Roxanne Super High Rise Skinny Jeans $138
I discovered these jeans last year and they quickly became one of my favorite pairs of all time because they have an 11.5″ rise. AKA they go above my belly button and I LOVE IT. Most high rise jeans are between 9-10″ rise, so as you can imagine these babies go above & beyond (literally). They have a slight stretch so that they don’t gap in the waist, but are a bit more snug throughout the leg than most of my jeans.
I love pairing them with a cute crop top (you can’t see my belly button!) or this $20 bodysuit that I’m wearing.
Fourth looks:
Monique’s Pair #4: Agolde 90’s fit jeans aka the most comfortable jeans you will ever own. I ACTUALLY OWN 3 PAIRS, ha! I have them in white too (as I’m sure you’ve seen on Instagram) $188
If you’re not into this loose of a look, try the Grlfrnd Helena Jeans! They’re another favorite of mine, but a little tighter in the thighs, yet still loose, comfy and straight. I call them my badass bitch jeans. I actually wish I would have included them in this list because they’re another absolutely favorite every day jean of mine!
Anyway, am I glad that the 90’s are back in full swing or what?! These boyfriend-style baggy 90’s fit jeans are a mix of trendy and uber comfy thanks to their high-waist and loose fit. Highly recommend pairing these with booties for a boss look. Quick note: it is important that you go one size down in the 90’s fit as they run a little big.
Pair these with a crop top or a cute vintage inspired tee!
Abra’s Pair #4: Madewell Curvy High Rise Skinny Jeans in Black Sea $128
Another great Madewell find. I actually thought they would be all black when I bought them but they turned out to be this dark charcoal color which I really like. They have some distressing in the knees and a release hem on the bottom. I bought the curvy fit of these ones and they’re super comfortable without stretching out too much after a few wears.
Pair with a cute tee like this twist-front one, or this one and give it a little tie in the front!
Fifth looks:
Monique’s Pair #5: Agolde Jamie High Rise Classic Jean $168
These Agolde jeans are a nice cotton fit, which means they don’t have much stretch and can be a little stiffer but hey, that’s the trend and I LOVE these for how high-waisted they are — plus the Jamie comes in a wide variety of denim colors, from light to darker. I think I’m getting this light version for summer!
Highly recommend pairing with a crop top or a lace top tucked in + a leather jacket for a date night.
Pair #5: Levi’s Mile High Super Skinny $98
After my Agolde jeans these Levi’s are probably my second favorite. They’re SO comfortable and stretchy without feeling too much like jeggings/pjs, and are my favorite wash. These have a 10″ rise and sit pretty high up on my torso, so crop top it is! Because Levi’s are a more vintage brand, a lot of their jeans can be pretty stiff (that’s their “look”). I read about these jeans when I did some Levi’s research and they’re a great pair for ladies with curvier bootys.
Pair them with literally everything, even this crop top!
I hope you loved our jean review for women. Honestly Abra and I are both jean hoarders, so we’ll definitely be updating this list as time goes on. For now, we’d love to hear from you below what your favorite jean is and why you love them! Shop all our looks below – xoxo.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission should you decide to purchase from a link. Thank you!
43 comments
Oh my goodness. I’m much older than both of you (could be your mother), but the high waisted jeans are so tragic, I can’t even express it fully here. I’m so sad that trend has come back in. I guess the trends from the 70’s came back too at one point. What comes around goes around, but I will NEVER wear another pair of high waisted jeans again. I’ll keep making your fabulously delicious recipes and enjoying your posts, but we’re going to have to agree to disagree on the high waisted jeans. They don’t call them “mom” jeans for nothing. Are you going to get a minivan next too? ; )
Amen. 🙂
YES AND THEN I’M GOING TO DRIVE IT WHILE I POP WHEELIES MS. UMZ.
Wish you featured some affordable pairs!
AMEN AMEN AMEN AMEN These are all ridiculous prices.
Cori, as suggested above, you are more than welcome to share your favorites in the comments! 🙂 We appreciate your feedback. We really do value jeans as investment pieces that should last years. Just as a nice pair of boots should last a long time, so should the jeans you wear. We also have several links above that are under the $100 price range and if you’re looking for more affordable jeans, try H&M. It’s really hard to please everyone, and frankly that’s not my intention to do so, my intention is to share the jeans that work well for us. Perhaps it encourage you to try a new style, or find a jean that’s similar.
Totally understand. I’ve linked some of my favorite under $100 jeans from H&M quite a few times above actually! We appreciate your feedback though. We really do value jeans as investment pieces that should last years. Just as a nice pair of boots should last a long time, so should the jeans you wear! 🙂
Loved this post! I wish the Mother jeans weren’t so expensive but I keep hearing they are worth it. They look fab on you, Monique! And get it Abra, your booty looks amazing in those jeans.. coming from a fellow celery stick 😉
Yes, they are a bit expensive, however so worth it because they’ll last for years! Highly recommend if you’re looking to invest in a new pair.
Literally always on the hunt for a good pair of jeans, thank you! I think my favorite part of the video was how much fun you and Abra looked like you were having and how you both exuded confidence cause let’s be real, trying on jeans can be frustrating haha. I vote more fun videos like this.
Thank you Michelle! We had a freaking blast 🙂
You both look so cute in your jeans. I have no hips, no butt, big waist. I’m older. It’s a challenge. But I just keep trying them on until I find a pair that looks good and pair them with tops that do not emphasize what I don’t have!
Thank you Catalina! Jeans can be so tricky – if you have any go-to brands or styles we’d love to include them for readers!
So appreciating you featuring Abra! We have a similar body type and it is super tricky for me to find jeans that I don’t have to take in to the tailor to get the waist cinched in. Madewell curvy fit are my new religion 😉 Thanks, ladies xo
She has had that same issue before! Madewell = her life. Glad we could share some of her favs here, too 🙂
Thank you so much for this post! Beautiful women come in all shapes! I’m jumping on those Agolde Roxanne Super High Rises !
Absolutely, Pat! You’ll definitely have to grab a pair 🙂
Bless you two for this post. I’m pretty pear myself and can totally identify with Abra’s challenges when it comes to finding jeans that fit. Stretch with good resiliency is definitely the key! I look forward to trying some of these recommendations! I, myself, have hit the jackpot with the TOPSHOP jeans in Leigh and Jamie, which are at a pretty decent pricepoint and easily available here in Canada (~$90 CAD). Monique, every time I see you in relaxed fit mom jeans I get major FOMO but unfortunately have yet to find a pair that fit well and are flattering for me. I’ll report back if I do!
So glad you enjoyed!! Hope you find some new brands to try 🙂 and we’ll definitely have to try out some TOPSHOP pairs (super convenient that they’re at Nordstrom). Abra has these higher-rise, more relaxed fit boyfriend jeans from Madewell that she really likes. Let us know if you find more good ones!
This post was perfect and you both are adorable! Love the video so we can see some movement. I agree with you, M, about the value of a great pair of jeans. Insider tip to save on Madewell too: bring in an old pair of jeans and get $20 off a new pair, or 15% off with student or teacher ID! Madwell customer service is also fabulous.
Thanks so much, Julie! And omg amazing tip. Heading back to Madewell ASAP!
For those who are asking for a slightly cheaper curvy pant – the LOFT modern skinny jean is good for curvy bodies like Abra. And they ALWAYS have discounts going on!
Amazing!! Thanks for sharing, Lindsey 🙂 we’ll have to check them out!
I’m a minivan driving mom, and I love the high rise jeans trend. I resisted at first, but I love the nice shape they give. Low rise jeans always hit me at the least flattering spot and give me muffin top. I just tuck that muffin right into my high rise jeans! 😉 My budget and style tend towards sales at The Gap. I might splurge on Madewell or Mother once I’m past these days of pregnancy and breastfeeding with the accompanying weight fluctuations.
We love the trend, too! Would love to try some pairs from Gap – let us know which ones are your favorite 🙂
Thank you for this!! Amazing. Abra – did you have to size up in the Levi’s?
Absolutely! Abra said she is between sizes and went a size up in the Levi’s 🙂
As a petite lady with an athletic build and a bad case of squat booty (I’m a weight lifter), I love Lucky brand’s Lolita skinny and their Sienna straight boyfriend style jean. I also love Madewell’s 9” high rise skinny, in the petite fit. Anything higher and they’re practically around my neck. Dark wash, medium wash, or grey wash are my favs. Sometimes like a light distressing. I recently Tried a pair of Paige denim and they were also awesome, but pricey.
We’ll have to give Lucky’s a try next! Love these suggestions – thanks for sharing!
What a fun post! Nice work ladies, I’m always on the hunt for great jeans! I love Madewell and Joe’s! For those looking for more affordable jeans I’ve recently rediscovered Abercrombie (yes, THAT Abercrombie, but they’ve toned down the body spray) jeans. I literally cannot believe I’m saying this, since it’s ABERCROMBIE, but i.am.obsessed. They fit super well and hold up really nicely. Highly recommended!
Thanks Caitlyn! Can’t believe Abercrombie is coming back, but they have some cute stuff now! We’ll have to try their jeans next.
I have Abra’s body type. For discount jeans that work well – Old Navy Curvy Skinny Jeans. Love these! I have tons of pairs. Then I have a splurge brand (well, splurge to me, around $60) are INC Curvy Skinny Jeans at Macy’s. Both of these pairs fit me very similarly. INC are a little higher waisted and have a bit more stretch but the ON ones have enough stretch too.
Thanks for sharing these! Abra will have to try some of these ones out, too 🙂 (we’ve had a few Old Navy recommendations!) Love a little stretch.
Wow, it looks like a lot of work (and fun, haha) went into this post! Thanks! I hope to someday be able to save up for a good “investment” pair of jeans. In the meantime, I do find myself looking for a lot of more affordable pairs, especially as my body shape can fluctuate between sizes from time to time.
https://www.autostraddle.com/the-jeans-issue105393/ This article lists a lot of different jeans brands and has been super helpful for making jeans a shopping a more fun experience for me. It covers a lot of body types and has good cheap options too! I recommend!
Definitely a mix of work and fun 😉 Thanks so much for sharing! Looks awesome. The H&M jeans we linked throughout the post are one of our fav, affordable options!
Miss Me jeans are great if have pair a small waist, booty and big quads. The pockets are always ridiculous on them, but they do make some plain style pockets.
They are all I can wear.
Perfect! We’ll have to add those to our list (and check out the ones with some plain pockets 🙂 ).
I have a similar body shape as you Monique, narrow hips and no bum so I can’t wear anything other than high rise because they all just fall down. Thanks for these! Do you like to workout in leggings or do you find they fall down? I can’t find any leggings that stay up!
It’s so tricky! High rise is the way to go. I do workout in leggings and always go for high rise pairs that fit nice and snug 🙂
Hi Monique,
Thanks for this post, I am always looking for a good pair of jeans. I tried on a pair of Mother jeans recently and the sales associate told me to size down because they stretch out (about 1/2-1 pant size). Have you found that your Mother jeans stretch out quite a bit or maybe different styles within the branch stretch more?
Thanks!
Hannah
Hi Hannah! The Mother jeans I have are stretchy, but I usually am between a 26 and 27 and went with a 26 in these ones! Hope you find a great new pair 🙂
I loved the video and the review was enlightening! I am 5’4 and have the lankiness of Monique but also a slight waist-hip ratio like Abra. I guess you can say I’m a combination of you both! I’ve never owned a high waisted skinny but it might do me some justice. I love midrise though as well as light wash. Do you think the mom jeans would work for me too?
Hoping to see your next jean review! (Hopefully with other styles, prints/ embellishments 😉 )
Glad you liked our little review! We both love mom jeans, too 🙂 Stay tuned for more in the new year!