The Best Plus Size Jeans You Need This Fall
Learn all about the best plus size jeans that you should know about this Fall.
Buying jeans can be really hard. If you are plus size, you know the struggle of trying to find jeans that look and feel good.
Jeans are such a staple item, so it’s essential to find an option that works for you. In this post, I’ll cover plus size straight-leg jeans, skinny jeans, flare jeans, and black jeans in various price points from retailers like Old Navy, Abercrombie, Madewell, Universal Standard, Lane Bryant, J.Crew, Good American, and Target.
My Plus Size Stats
For reference, I’m usually a size 22 in jeans, and I’m pretty tall at 5’10”. I consider myself to be pear-shaped or hourglass-shaped. For each pair of jeans, I’ll share how they fit me so you can make the best guess on your size.
This post is about the best plus-size jeans you need to know for this Fall.
What makes the best pair of plus size jeans?
Personally, I like to consider several factors before I purchase any brand of denim. Some brands do jeans very well and others not so much. Ultimately, it really comes down to trying them on. But here are my first impression considerations:
- The brand should go beyond my size. I usually wear a size 20, but sometimes I wear a 22, so I want the brand to go to at least 24, so I have options regarding how they feel. I genuinely do not care about the size when trying on clothes; numbers don’t mean anything to me. But, if the biggest size they carry is 20 and they run small, I’m out of luck. This post has included the size range for the best plus size jeans.
- I consider the fabric make-up! Sometimes I like more rigid 100% cotton jeans, but I would recommend looking for jeans that have 1-2% spandex or elastane, so they have a bit of stretch but not too much. Cotton does not generally have a good “bounce back” – meaning it will stretch out and not come back until washed. Adding a bit of spandex can help that problem. Also, some stretch can be more comfortable if you are sitting and moving around a lot. Jeans with a bit of stretch are generally more comfortable. Too much spandex can make jeans fit more like leggings and not have the classic denim look so stick with 1-2% spandex, and you’ll be golden.
- They should make you feel like a million bucks! I don’t care if they’re a pair of jeans everyone else raves about; if you don’t like how they make you feel, then they’re not for you. When it comes to the best plus size jeans, they should feel good and be a style you like. I always try to give new styles a try because you might be surprised how much you enjoy them! Don’t let trends dictate your jeans, but also be open to new things!
Want to see them in video?
Check out my YouTube video from last year featuring most of these jeans or see videos on TikTok.
Best Plus Size Jeans: Straight Leg Jeans
MY FAVORITES: Old Navy Extra High Rise Sky High Straight (Available in sizes 00-30)
These jeans are so good! I had them last year and wore them all the time, so I grabbed another pair this year. These are probably my overall favorite because I love the way they fit my waist and hips! These fit true to size, and I’m in size 22. See a video review here.
Shop Jeans in this color | Also available in dark wash | Also available in black
MY FAVORITES: Abercrombie 90s Straight Leg (Available in sizes 23W-37W – Size Chart Converter)
The Abercrombie 90s Straight Leg jeans have a cult following, and now I know why. These jeans fit like an absolute glove. This pair has large rips in the knee that hit exactly at my knees. These fit true to size, and I’m in a 36 Regular. See a video review here.
Shop Abercrombie 90s Straight Leg Jeans
HONORABLE MENTION: Old Navy O.G. Straight Ankle Jeans (Available in sizes 00-30)
These are such a classic pair of jeans. They fit comfortably and have a nice structured denim feeling. These are ankle-length, so they are a bit short on me, but I still really like them (and may exchange them for a long!) These jeans feel like a dupe for the Abercrombie Curve Love Mom Jeans. These jeans fit true to size, and I’m wearing a 22.
HONORABLE MENTION: Target High-Rise Slim Straight Crops (Available in sizes 00-26W)
Talk about a comfy pair of jeans! These jeans are stretchy, making them run a bit large. I recommend sizing down one (or two) sizes for the best fit. I tried a 22 but will exchange it for a 20.
HONORABLE MENTION: Abercrombie Curve Love The Mom Jean (similar) (Available in 23W-37W – Size Chart Converter)
The Abercrombie Curve Love Mom Jeans are such a classic. I love that these don’t have any distressing, and they fit really well over my hips and thighs. I wish the rise were a bit higher, and the length was a bit longer because I’m 5’10”, but the fit of these is so good and fits true to size.
Shop Abercrombie Curve Love Mom Jeans
HONORABLE MENTION: J.Crew Curvy Fit Slim Straight Jeans (Available in sizes 23W-37W – Size Chart Converter)
I tried these J.Crew Jeans at the end of last winter and was quite impressed! The fabric feels nice and stretchy, and they had some unique color options (I liked the now sold-out grey-d out wash of Gemma!) I find that the Curvy Fit of these helps keep them up and not saggy. I’m in the size 36.
Shop J.Crew Slim Straight Jeans
HONORABLE MENTION: Madewell Perfect Vintage (Available in sizes 14W-28W)
Before this year, I hadn’t tried Madewell jeans, and I’m not sure what I was waiting for! I love the denim feeling of these jeans. They don’t have a ton of stretch, either, so they stay very structured feeling. After learning more, I think the curvy fit would be even better on me because they are a bit more tailored in the waist with more room in the hips and thighs. Shop those here. These jeans fit true to size, and I’m wearing a size 36.
Best Plus Size Jeans: Cropped Jeans
MY FAVORITES: Good American Split Pocket Cropped Jeans (Available in size 00-30)
Good American is a favorite jeans brand for me – Khloe Kardashian can do no wrong to me! These jeans are super soft and feel like your favorite pair of lived in jeans. They have a raw hemline and a bit of distressing. The pockets also have this cool split hem on them which is a fun detail. These fit true to size and I’m wearing a 22.
Shop Good American Cropped Jeans
Best Plus Size Jeans: Flare Jeans
MY FAVORITES: Old Navy Flare Jeans (Available in sizes 2-30)
Flare jeans are in! I grabbed this pair from Old Navy to try and was SHOCKED by how much I enjoyed them! The best part is that they come in long and short inseams so that you can get the perfect fit. I got the 22 long and love how they fit. I may have to get them hemmed an inch (shockingly, because I’m 5’10!) They are the perfect length if you want to wear heeled boots with them. Watch the video review here (ADD!)
Shop Old Navy Flare Jeans | Shop Dark Wash | Shop in Black
Best Plus Size Jeans: Cuffed Jeans
MY FAVORITES: Lane Bryant Boyfriend Jeans (Available in sizes 14-38/40)
If you want a pair of comfy and casual jeans, these boyfriend jeans are for you! They are looser fitting, and the cuff gives them the perfectly oversized look. Pair them with a tailored top for an easy outfit for this fall. See a video review here.
Shop Lane Bryant Boyfriend Jeans
HONORABLE MENTION: Universal Standard Stevie Jeans (Available in sizes 00-40)
Universal Standard is one of my favorite plus size brands – all their pieces are so high quality and come in sizes 00-40! These jeans are comfortable and have a unique style. I am wearing a size 22, and they fit true to size.
Shop Universal Standard Stevie
Best Plus Size Jeans: Skinny Jeans
MY FAVORITE: Universal Standard Siene Jeans (Available in sizes 00-40)
Universal Standard strikes again with these Siene jeans. These are so comfortable and so stretchy. These also have a great length, so they would be excellent for taller girls. I have these in the distressed blue color, and I am wearing a size 22. These fit true to size.
HONORABLE MENTION: Old Navy Super Skinny (Available in sizes 00-30)
If you need one pair of jeans this year but have a minimal budget, these are the jeans for you! My sister got a pair of these for less than $20! These jeans are pretty fitted, so I would size up if you want a looser appearance. I am in size 22 but could wear a 24.
HONORABLE MENTION: Abercrombie Super Skinny Jeans (Available in sizes 23w-37w – Size Chart Converter)
Abercrombie Super Skinny Jeans are another great option. These have a soft feeling and fit curves well. I tried these on in sizes 36 and 37 and didn’t notice a big difference, so I would stick with your normal size or potentially size up.
Shop Abercrombie Super Skinny Jeans
HONORABLE MENTION: Madewell Roadtrippers (currently sold out!)
Once again, I was really impressed with Madewell! These jeans are really flattering and have an excellent front panel with a bit of compression (meaning your stomach looks more smoothed out in these jeans!) If you are a bit self-conscious about your tummy area, these might be an excellent option! I will say that these jeans are pretty short on me. I like them so much that I’m keeping them and calling them a crop! I’m wearing these in a 36, and they are perfect – I would say these fit true to size.
Best Plus Size Jeans: Black Jeans
MY FAVORITES: Good American Always Fits (Available sizes in 00-32)
These might be the most versatile jeans in this post! These Good American Always Fits jeans always fit! They are super stretchy and fit 4 sizes into 1 pair of jeans. I got size 20-26, and they fit me great. I will say that I wore these with a belt because they are just that stretchy! You can also use code TAKEOFF50 to save $50 off your first order. See the video review here.
Shop Good American Always Fits
HONORABLE MENTION: Target High-Rise Slim Straight Crops (Available in sizes 00-26W)
I’ve already mentioned these jeans, but their color makes me mention them again. These jeans have the cutest faded black color that looks expensive… but these jeans are less than $30! These jeans have a raw hemline and are very stretchy. I would suggest sizing down one or two sizes in these – I’m wearing a size 24 and need a size 20.
Tips for shopping for jeans
Whenever I decide it’s time to buy new jeans, these are the things I do:
Try on your typical size and one size up.
If I’m shopping in stores, I’ll typically grab two pairs of the same jeans, a size 20 and 22. By grabbing both sizes, I have a frame of reference for what feels best. Sometimes a 20 fits nice, but then I try on a 22, and it’s even better. Plus, it ensures I don’t go to the fitting room with a bunch of jeans that won’t fit and destroy my confidence. If you’re shopping online, order more than one size. If you’re shopping on Amazon, many clothing options have Prime Try Before You Buy, so you don’t even have to pay for them before you try them on. I love that feature!
Try LOTS of options.
A good pair of jeans fits well so don’t settle! Try on many pairs from many retailers to find your best fit. I’ll often order 6-10 pairs and try them all on at home and only keep 1 pair (sometimes I don’t keep any!) I’ve found the best chance of finding a good pair is trying a bunch of pairs and comparing them! Don’t be afraid to get some styles outside of your normal favorites – you might find a new favorite!
Once you get the jeans home, walk around your house in your plus size jeans for 30 minutes before taking the tags off and committing to them.
Sit down on your couch and at your kitchen table, put on a few different pairs of shoes with them, and even walk up a staircase if you can. This ensures that you find the best plus size jeans for every moment in your day, not just in a dressing room.
Focus on Comfort, NOT size.
Your size doesn’t matter. If you haven’t worn jeans in a while and are unsure what size you are, start with the last size you wore and two sizes bigger. If you last wore a size 18, grab an 18, 20, and 22. You want to look and feel your best; the number doesn’t mean a thing.
Let your eyes adjust!
You know how when you get a new haircut sometimes it takes you a couple days to really love it? Thats because you need to let your eyes adjust to seeing your face with new hair! The same goes for jeans! If you try a style (especially after wearing the same style for many years) you might need to give yourself some time to adjust to the look. Consider wearing them around your house for a couple hours (tags still on!) and see how you feel after you see yourself in them a couple times. Sometimes your eyes can be deceiving and you might like them more than you think!
This post is about the best plus size jeans you need to know about this Fall.
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