plus-size jeans

The Best Madewell Jeans for Every Body Type

After working for Madewell for nine months and selling over $100,000 in (mainly) denim, trust me when I say these are the top three styles for every gal out there. They look great on all body types — petite, tall, curvy, hippy, athletic, you name it.

Madewell denim has an amazing following, but sometimes finding the right fit is a struggle. Below I outline not only my favorites, but my best size and fit recommendations for each pair of Madewell jeans.

SIZING & FIT TIPS

Quick tip — all of these styles are offered in Petite, Plus, Standard, & Tall sizes. How incredible is that?! I truly love the size inclusivity of Madewell. Read my breakdown below for more info on size & fit, but don’t forget to select Petite if you’re under 5’4” (unless you’re super leggy!) and Tall is you’re over 5’9”.

THE SKINNY When shopping Madewell’s skinny jeans, I recommend always going true-to-size (TTS!). The skinnies will give you great lift and be the most slimming silhouette while maintaining all around stretch and comfort. The skinny seen here is my particular favorite called the Hayes Wash, but Madewell really has something for everyone in the skinny department from light washes to button flies to black denim — you can’t go wrong.. Click here to shop this pair and more on www.madewell.com!

And PS: No matter what Gen Z says, Madewell’s head of denim design, Mary Pierson, told me herself that skinny jeans will never go out of style.

THE PERFECT VINTAGE Ohhh the Perfect Vintage. Call me dramatic, but this jean was life-changing for me. Admittedly, I did not wear a lot of Madewell jeans, or even straight-leg jeans for that matter, before working at Madewell. And then…I discovered the Perfect Vintage Jean. It is, in fact, perfect. Size down one for a “hug you in all the right places while still being straight in the ankle” look. Go true to size for a slouchier, cool girl fit. I have been in love with my pair in Coffey Wash all summer and can’t recommend them enough. That said, I truly do love all of them — shop the full Perfect Vintage selection (over 100 styles!) here!

THE CALI DEMI The Cali Demi, or “The Cali,” as Madewell staff calls it in short, is the sneaky jean you never knew you needed. The Cali is the perfect cropped flare without being too cropped or too flared. Therefore, it’s not too trendy and everyone from a Plain Jane to a Fearless Fashionista can pull these off. I love The Cali paired back to sneakers, flats, heels, and boots. With boots, if the shaft meets your ankle bone, the boot will tuck up into the flare, which is so effortlessly chic! This wash is newer called The Bodney wash (what’s a Bodney?!) and I think they’re a great staple. Shop other Cali Demis here — the colorway options are endless and sometimes Madewell launches seasonal styles in these too.

All images c/o Madewell

All images c/o Madewell

MORE STYLES & FITS

Do you ever get that pesky gap in the back of your jeans? Try Madewell’s Curvy jeans!

Expectant momma? Madewell has awesome Maternity options too! Generally, I’d say size down (yes, down!) one size in all maternity styles. I think the Maternity Perfect Vintage jean is such a cool option for moms-to-be. Pro tip based on feedback from all the soon-to-be-moms who entered our store in Fulton Market: the side panel stretch options are great for earlier in your pregnancy. After your second trimester, the full coverage option is probably best! Shop all Maternity denim here.

Did you know Madewell carries Menswear too? I love the Athletic Slim jean on guys of all ages & body types too. Shop all Madewell Men’s jeans here.

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