From on-point dressy denim to the artfully distressed rocker look, there’s no denying that jeans are an iconic anchor for every wardrobe. Slip into something more you with our Stylists’ definitive guide to fit, wash, rise and style.
Ready to find the perfect jeans for you? Let’s do it!
Find Your Rise: Low-rise, Mid-rise and High-rise Jeans
Over the years, you’ve probably worn high-rise, low-rise and everything in between. For your essential everyday pair, the most important thing is comfort—figuring out your ideal rise is the first step.
Low-rise jeans
Sitting about 2″ below the navel, low-rise jeans are a great option to highlight the hips. Look for a snug fit to ensure there’s no gap between your hips and the back of your waistband.
Mid-rise jeans
Sitting at your natural waist, mid-rise jeans are our denim MVP (most valuable pair)—comfortable, classic and endlessly versatile. They’re compatible with almost any top length, making them a closet essential.
High-rise jeans
Sitting about 2″ above the navel, high-rise jeans offer a defined waist and visually elongate the legs for every body. They look great with tucked-in shirts and shorter tops.A tip from our Stylist Molly: “Choose a style with stretch for ultimate all-day comfort—target pairs that contain around 2% stretch material, or 3% if you love extra give.”
Need help finding the right fit? Your Stitch Fix Stylist can help—just leave a them a note with questions and fit concerns, and they’ll help find your perfect pair. If you’re looking for an even deeper dive into denim, check out our denim inseam blog with tips from our expert Stylists.
Find Your Fit: The Best Jean Styles for Women
Now that you’ve got a handle on what kind of rise you’ll love in your jeans, let’s talk about fit. We know that with so many styles to choose from, it can be hard to even know where to start. So we made it easy! From straight leg to boyfriend, here’s a quick guide to our top denim styles. Check it out:
STRAIGHT-LEG JEANS
Women’s straight-leg jeans have a consistent leg width from the top to bottom, and tend to be snug through the hips. This tailored-feeling cut is a great alternative to your tried-and-true skinnies.
What should you wear them with?
“Straight-leg jeans with a simple tee and low-profile sneakers create an effortless casual look. For a dressier take, simply swap the sneakers for a polished loafer.” —Erin
WIDE-LEG JEANS
Wide-leg jeans for women are cut wide and straight from hip to hem, with a spacious circumference at the ankle.
What should you wear them with?
We love a floor-grazing inseam on wide-legs, and to wear them with a bit of a block or wedge heel. Try a tie-front top to accentuate the waist, or play with proportion by wearing wide-on-wide with a flowy oversized top (don’t forget the French tuck!).
BOOTCUT JEANS
Bootcut jeans fit snugly through the hips and thighs and slightly flare at the ankle (though not as much as flares).
What should you wear them with?
For a modern take, pair them with a fitted tee or fine-gauge knit and add a cropped jacket or relaxed blazer. Finish with sleek sneakers, a pointed-toe flat or a heeled boot to keep the look feeling fresh and effortless. – Jackie
BARREL + BOYFRIEND JEANS
Barrel and boyfriend jeans both offer a relaxed alternative to traditional denim, but their shapes are distinctly different. Barrel jeans have a more sculpted silhouette, fitting closer at the waist before curving out through the leg and tapering toward the ankle. Boyfriend jeans have a straighter, slouchier fit through the hips and legs for an easy, borrowed-from-him feel.
What should you wear them with?
“Balance the relaxed shape of barrel and boyfriend jeans with pieces that add a little structure up top. Try a fitted tee, tucked-in button-down or cropped knit, then layer on a blazer or shorter jacket. Sleek sneakers and loafers keep things casual, while ballet flats or a low heel add an unexpectedly polished finish.” —Jackie
The Best Jeans for Your Body Type
Next up: let’s find you your next great pair of jeans! To help, our Stylists created this mini-guide with tips on how to find the right denim for your body shape (it’ll come in handy when shopping or scheduling a Fix). Not sure how to define your body shape? Check out our body shape guide.
“Experiment with different silhouettes to find fun new looks and what makes you feel most confident,” says Molly. After all, the most important thing is finding a pair that feels good to you. Now, let’s get you styled!
| Body Shape | Straight Leg + Boyfriend Jeans | Wide Leg + Flare Jeans |
| Rectangle | Mid or high rise for a defined waist | High-rise for a defined waist |
| Hourglass | Mid or high rise with a bit of stretch to accentuate waist and curves | Medium wash with spandex, mid or high rise |
| Heart | Higher-cotton, low-stretch fabrication for a structured feel | Mid or high rise for a defined waist |
| Triangle | Sits just above your natural waist | Mid or high rise to hug your curves |
| Oval | Great stretch, sits at or just below the natural waist | Mid-rise that settles right on the waist |
Find Your Wash: Dark, Light and Colored Denim
Great news: When it comes to wash, it’s all about your personal preferences. Generally speaking, darker washes are best for going dressy, and lighter washes are great for casual vibes. But your blue (or black or grey or white…) is up to you.
| Wash | Vibe | How to Wear It |
| Dark wash | Dressier, a modern stand-in for trousers | Pair with a blazer for the office or a nice dinner; deep dark blue or black are must-haves |
| Light- to medium-wash | Casual, everyday “workhorse” | Great from day to night, summer to winter; try an extra-light, distressed wash for a beachy feel, styled monochromatically with a light neutral top |
| Colored denim | Playful, an easy way to mix up basic blue/black/white | Elevate a jean-and-tee look with a darker hue like burgundy or olive; punchier colors work well in warmer months |
Find Your Perfect Jeans with Stitch Fix
Your perfect jeans are waiting! Are you ready to make your denim dreams come true? Your Stylist can make it happen. Take your style quiz, order a Fix and ask your Stylist for your perfect pair of jeans. You’ll receive five personalized pieces—including jean options—to try on in the comfort of your own home. Keep what you love, and send back the rest. Shipping, returns and exchanges are always free, and there’s no subscription required. Just tell us about your denim Dos, and we’ll take care of the shopping.
