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 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.