If you have thick thighs or a curvy shape, you know the struggle of finding a good pair of jeans. As a woman who was blessed with athletic thighs, I’m particularly excited about the move from skinny to loose denim. At the same time, I refuse to give up my high-rise skinnies because it took me years to find pairs that make me feel confident.
In honor of my fellow thick-thighed friends, I rounded up jeans designed to flatter our curves. Not only will they fit both your legs and waist like a glove, but they can withstand the dreaded chub rub. Nearly all the brands I included are size-inclusive, so everyone can find their perfect fit.
Editor picks for thick-thigh friendly jeans | Stylist-recommended jeans | Bestselling jeans for women with thick thighs | What to look for | How we chose | Meet our experts
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Best jeans for women with thick, curvy thighs, according to editors
American Eagle Next Level Super High-Waisted Flare Jean
Sizes: 000 - 18 | Colorways: 3 | Inseam: Not provided
These high-stretch American Eagle jeans have a vintage feel that pairs well with most basic tees. The super high rise and slim leg frame your curves as you strut through the day.
Senior SEO editor Jess Bender has been wearing these jeans nonstop since she received them.
“They give my inner thighs space to room and stretch and don’t hug them in an awkward, unflattering manner,” she says.
Levi's Women's Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans
Sizes: 16 - 32 | Colorways: 15 | Inseam: 27 inches
Amanda Fama, a commerce editor at Shop TODAY, says she "loves a pair of high-waisted jeans" and that "these Levi’s don’t disappoint." Fama continues, "They have some stretch (which is nice around the thigh area), and I like the cropped legs for either showcasing shoes or staying cool in warmer weather."
Madewell Curvy Stovepipe Jeans
Sizes: 23 - 33 | Colorways: 2 | Inseam: 28.5 inches
These Madewell Stovepipe jeans have a little extra room at the hips and thighs for anyone with thicker thighs. The contoured band and straight leg cut highlight your waist.
Bender admits these jeans are in regular rotation in her wardrobe. “They designed these specifically to have some extra room in the thigh area,” she says. “The only negative I can think of is that they sell out of sizes pretty quickly.”
Also, they come in petite, plus, standard and tall sizing, which makes them ultra inclusive.
Abercrombie Curve Love High Rise Loose Jean
Sizes: 23 - 37 | Colorways: 9 | Inseam: Not provided
Madison San Miguel, an editorial assistant at Shop TODAY, recommends these high-rise loose jeans from Abercrombie and Fitch. Miguel says, "Jeans have never been a favorite of mine. From the length to the fabric, I’ve never found them comfortable. Until I came across A&F’s Curve Love line, I’m wearing jeans more often."
She continues, "I often come across the pesty waist gap, but these eliminate that since they’re designed to be fitted at the waist but roomy elsewhere. Plus, the fabric is so easy to move around in AND they come in short, regular and tall lengths. No more alterations for me!"
Everlane Utility Barrel Pant
Sizes: 000 - 16 | Colorways: 8 | Inseam: 26.5 inches
Bender recommends these jeans from Everlane. She says, "The unconventional barrel jean is having a moment and people either love it or strongly hate it. I fall in the camp of adoring my pair for many reasons — its ability to make my waist look snatched while the rest of my legs feel relaxed, the interesting tailoring, the airiness of the wide leg."
Bender continues, "While the silhouette isn’t the most flattering, I’ve received compliments about them from some trendsetters in my social circle, which gives me enough confidence to continue rocking them."
NYDJ Ellison Straight Jeans
Sizes: 00 - 18 | Colorways: 4 | Inseam: 31 inches
These straight-leg jeans have a high-rise silhouette and a shorter inseam than NYDJ’s bestseller Marilyn jeans.
SEO writer Jannely Espinal says she has big calves and these jeans fit her perfectly.
“What I love about these jeans is the Lift Tuck technology which hugs your curves without suffocating your belly,” she says. “The fabric is soft and stretchy enough to pull with ease, which means you don’t have to lay down to pull them up.”
Best jeans for women with thick, curvy thighs, according to stylists
Everlane The Curvy Way-High Jean
Sizes: 26 - 35 | Colorways: 4 | Inseam: 27.5 and 29.5 inches
Cadmus says she loves these Everlane jeans. “These jeans have zero stretch in the waistband, thus sucking you in, and a bit of stretch throughout the legs for comfort — best of both worlds,” she says.
These jeans do not stretch so the brand recommends sizing up for more ease.
Good American Good Legs Crop Extreme V
Sizes: 00 - 30 | Colorways: 2 | Inseam: 27 inches
While Samantha Brown, a celebrity fashion stylist, didn't recommend these jeans specifically, she is a fan of Good American. She tells us, "Good American is one of the best brands for women with thicker hips and thighs because they tend to taper their waistbands and include stretch in their fabrics."
These jeans come with a gap-proof contoured waist and a bum-lifting V-shaped back for a more fitted silhouette. The material is a mix of denim and stretch and they slide on like a glove. All Good American jeans are crafted with a fabric designed to hold their shape, no matter how often you wear them.
Best jeans for women with thick, curvy thighs, according to shoppers
Venus Bootcut Jeans
Sizes: 2 - 24 | Colorways: 6 | Inseam: 31 - 34 inches
Slimmer at the top with a flare at the bottom, these jeans easily complete a look at any time of year. They even come in six different colors so you can have a pair for every day of the week (and an extra pair for two days a week).
One reviewer with self-proclaimed “chunky” thighs said that even the white pair fits perfectly.
Democracy Women’s Ab Solution Jegging
Sizes: 4 - 18 | Colorways: 36 | Inseam: 28 - 32 inches
With nearly 10,000 verified five-star ratings on Amazon, these jeggings are hard to pass up on. Several shoppers who have thick, muscular thighs even noted how nicely these felt around the area without leaving a waist gap in the back.
One verified reviewer says, “They feel like lightweight jeans, not jeggings or fake jean leggings. As I pulled them up the first time, I thought to myself that there was no way that they would be comfortable around my waist. When I got there, there was an incredible stretch and they buttoned with ease. I wore them all day and didn’t have an urge to unbutton them or rip them off and toss them away like I had been feeling when wearing my other jeans.”
Gap High-Rise True Skinny Jeans with Secret Smoothing Pockets
Sizes: 24 - 35 | Colorways: 1 | Inseam: 25.5 - 32 inches
I recommend these skinnies to absolutely everyone. They fit my hips and waist without gapping or being too tight and make me feel instantly put together.
One shopper said, “These jeans are softer and stretchier than previous iterations of HR True Skinny Jeans but just as flattering. Very comfortable waist. They stretch out a tiny bit while wearing but don’t lose their shape.”
Torrid Luxe Slim Boot Jean
Sizes: 10 - 30 | Colorways: 1 | Inseam: 28.5 - 36.5 inches
Instead of settling for flared jeans that are either too tight or too wide everywhere, opt for this pair from Torrid that offers a snug fit on the top half.
Reviewers are obsessed with it and say they keep going back for more. It comes in sizes 10-30 and inseam lengths ranging from extra short to extra tall.
Loft Curvy High-Rise Skinny Jeans
Sizes: 24 - 31 | Colorways: 1 | Inseam: 25.5 inches and 27.5 inches
One verified purchaser called these jeans “fabulous for curvy women.” They come in regular, petite and tall sizing with the inseams starting at 25.5 inches. According to the description, these jeans have a classic fit that is slimming, butt-lifting and waist-flattering.
Universal Standard ComfortDenim Dont Call Them Jeggings
Sizes: 6 - 32 | Colorways: 3 | Inseam: 28 inches
Swap your traditional jeans for these super soft ComfortDenim jeggings from Universal Standard. These jeggings are made of lightweight denim and a four-way stretch material. They also feature an elastic waist, deep pockets and breathable fabric.
The jeggings have more of a generous cut, so the brand recommends sizing down if you’re in between sizes.
Old Navy High-Waisted O.G. Straight Ankle Jeans
Sizes: 00 - 30 | Colorways: 1 | Inseam: 28 - 32 inches
“I haven’t felt this comfortable in a pair of jeans in probably a decade,” a verified shopper said after slipping on these Old Navy jeans described as “part ‘90s nostalgia, part new-normal comfort.”
Its classic style isn’t the only thing to rave about — this pair includes the brand’s Never-Quit Shape Retention that ensures you’re being hugged in all the right places.
Everlane The Curvy ‘90s Cheeky Jean
Sizes: 23 - 33 | Colorways: 4 | Inseam: 26.5 and 28.5 inches
Everlane’s Curvy ‘90s Cheeky Jeans were designed for an hourglass body shape. This straight-leg pair has a form-hugging fit through the hip and thigh and hugs close at the waist to remove the dreaded waist gap. However, reviewers say this light wash runs slightly small.
One reviewer mentioned, “I have bought so many ‘curvy’ jeans that aren’t curvy at all. These jeans are a true curvy fit! If you have a narrow waist and wider hips/bum these will be a great fit.”
DU/ER Four Way Flex High-Rise Skinny
Sizes: 24 - 34 | Colorways: 2 | Inseam: 28 and 31 inches
Reviewers say these DU/ER high-rise skinny jeans are as comfortable as yoga pants. DU/ER is a Canadian performance clothing company that specializes in denim and this waist-hugging, high-rise pair perfectly hugs the thighs.
Reviewers say the stretch is reliable no matter how much they move around.
Levi’s Wedgie Straight Women’s Jeans
Sizes: 23 - 32 | Colorways: 5 | Inseam: 26 inches
These cult-favorite jeans from Levi’s have just the right amount of stretch and do exactly what they were designed to do: accentuate your waist, hips and backside. Don’t worry — they won’t actually give you a wedgie.
Reviewers said these will be your “go-to” jeans. “Perfect weight and color to go with everything in your closet. Gives a little bit of tummy control and slimming profile,” added one shopper.
Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle Women’s Jeans
Sizes: 23 - 32 | Colorways: 16 | Inseam: 27 and 29 inches
This ribcage-grazing, button-fly pair will draw attention to your waistline. They boast an ultra-high (12-inch) rise, a classic straight leg and the perfect amount of structure. The design comes in 16 washes, however, reviews say each wash fits a bit differently.
“I love these jeans and size up if I want more room since I have fuller hips. I have these in 4 different washes and each fits slightly differently though,” said one reviewer.
Universal Standard Bae Boyfriend Crop Jeans
Sizes: 00 - 40 | Colorways: 4 | Inseam: 26 inches
Keep things relaxed in these boyfriend jeans from Universal Standard. Available in 20 sizes, this inclusive pair is made with a secretly stretchy, engineered fabric and is supposed to fit perfectly around your waist and hips.
One reviewer suggested these jeans are so comfortable you could sleep in them. “The Bae boyfriend jeans are my go-to jeans. This is my fourth pair,” they said. “They have all fit perfectly, and more importantly, they have fit perfectly ALL DAY!”
What to look for when shopping for thick-thigh friendly jeans
When it comes to jeans, there are so many styles and shades to choose from. From mid-rise to straight leg, the options are endless. Our experts say the first step to finding your perfect pair is knowing how you want them to fit.
Wardrobe stylist Jessica Cadmus says the fabrication of your denim will determine how your jeans fit.
“If your priority is to be sucked in as much as possible, then a raw denim with no stretch is a good choice,” Cadmus says. “When trying on, select the pair that fits you the snuggest because they will ‘grow’ over the course of the day given there is no inherent stretch.”
If comfort is your goal, Cadmus suggests finding jeans that have at least 2% elastane in the construction.
Brown also recommends shopping for jeans that have some stretch. She tells us, "Jeans that have some stretch to them are best for accommodating curvy thighs because stiffer fabrics may cause fit issues like gaping waistbands."
When looking for jeans, she also emphasizes the importance of pocket placement.
“The higher the back pockets, typically the better as they draw the eye up for a slightly more elongated look,” Cadmus says.
FAQs
What types of jeans look best on thick thighs?
Cadmus says a straight- or wide-leg cropped jean is the most flattering for women with thick thighs. "It allows your curves to breathe and provides comfort while looking polished," she adds.
When shopping, Cadmus suggests choosing a pair of jeans that mitigates "gapping" in your waist.
"Denim that fits cleanly at the waistline provides a look of overall polish," she says.
Which measurements should you prioritize if you have thick thighs?
One thing you should prioritize is your waist size when shopping for jeans. Cadmus says it is easier to alter denim's length compared to adjusting your waist's measurements.
"If you do have to alter the length of your jeans, most tailors can remove the bottom of your jeans, remove the excess denim, and re-affix the original hemline," she says. "This makes a big difference in the overall appearance of the jeans."
Additionally, she recommends asking for specific alterations as this is not the traditional way to adjust jeans.
Speaking of alterations, Brown emphasizes just how important tailors are: "Don't forget that you can tailor jeans! With denim being one of the most worn and loved staples in our closets, it's wild that people don't consider a quick trip to the tailor to make them fit perfectly."
Brown continues, "Many department stores even have tailors on site to help with this. Remember that denim brands can have inconsistent sizing and that fabric content (stretch vs. no stretch) can make all the difference. I recommend bringing your typical size into the fitting room, plus one size larger and smaller for comparison."
What type of rise looks better if you have thicker thighs?
Cadmus says mid to high-rise jeans are her favorite silhouette for women with thicker thighs because they create an elongated look. These styles also remove the need to "hike up" the jeans through the day.
Brown goes on to say that she finds "the comfortable rise for jeans varies greatly between my clients."
Brown continues, "One thing that can be tricky is getting the waistband fitted enough if you need to size up in jeans for your thigh or hip area. Enlisting a tailor for an alteration like this is key. It's such a minimal tweak that will make all the difference."
How we chose the best thick-thigh friendly jeans
We connected with two experienced fashion stylists to get the insider scoop on what jeans work best for thick thighs. Using their expert insight, we considered dozens of highly-rated and affordable jeans. Our staff's shopping experts shared their all-time favorite recs, too.
Meet our experts
- Jessica Cadmus is a New York-based wardrobe stylist at Wardrobe Whisperer and the founder of Rogue Paq accessories.
- Samantha Brown is a celebrity fashion stylist (with over 1,000 fashion shows on her resume!) based in New York, New York.