The Jean Pool

Love 'em or hate 'em, jeans are as much a part of our American culture as homemade apple pie! We wear them when we do our grocery shopping, run our kids to school, or dress for a date. They are versatile and durable; but not always comfortable. Women of any size are challenged by finding perfect fit in jeans. It is even more frustrating when you are a plus size. So, I've done a little "leg work" for you (pun intended) to help you narrow your choices down to the best styles for your figure type.

First, do you know what type of figure you have? You may find that you are either a Pear, Apple or Athletic shaped figure.

If you are significantly wider through the hips and thighs than you are at your middle, (a difference of 9 inches or more between these two measurements) you a true a pear shape. The difficulty with fitting this shape is, to find pants that fit your hip curves, you are often left with huge gaps in the waistline.

This is my figure type, and I have been on a hunt my entire life for jeans that will fit me in both my hips and waist, without spending a fortune. This past weekend, I found jeans that my frugal wallet can be excited about! They are Lee Perfect Fit No-Gap jeans. I bought them at Wal-Mart for twenty bucks and I am so excited to be wearing them today. To start, the jeans are deep dyed dark blue, which is an added slimming strategy. The side seams have been moved forward to allow more room through the hips and also create a leaner silhouette from the sides. The fabric is stretchy so it hugs close to the body, and the waist has been contoured and has stretch so that it also fits snugly. (shown here in a capri style) Best of all, there is no muffin top!!!!

Now, if you have muscular legs, broad shoulders and you carry your weight evenly throughout your body, you are considered an Athletic shape. There's not likely to be a big gap in inches between your waist and hips, so a straight cut jean will work well. What you will need to look for is a boot cut, flare or straight leg jean. These will allow your more muscular calves to feel less constricted. Avoid any type of skinny leg jean as this will cling to your calves, making them appear larger. A great jean to consider is the wide leg trouser jean from Old Navy. They come out stright from the hip and give a nice slim silhouette to your figure. Best news is that they are under $40!

If neither of these body types describe you, it may be that you are an Apple shape. Apples tend to be widest at the middle with smaller measurement s through the hips and upper body. This body shape struggles to find jeans that fit comfortably through the waist (no muffin tops!) yet, hug their bottom to give them a curvier rear. Often Apple shapes can be heard lamenting over their "flat butt". ( Oh to have your problems, LOL!)

The ideal jean for the Apple is one that has a high rise waist. This type of jean will help to tame your middle, and prevent bulges, but will also allow you to get the fit you are seeking through the hips and thighs. Old Navy offers a great pair called the Goddess jean for around $20

Also try Lee Natural Fit Straight Leg Jeans. They fit just below the waist and have a tummy control panel concealed inside the jean. Approx. $29.99

Finally, if you want a truly customized fit, and you have the money to spend, try having a custom pair of jeans made just for you! Here are a few links to try out:

http://www.indidenim.com/

http://www.makeyourownjeans.com/

http://www.mejeans.com/