Best Jeans for Curvy Plus-Size Women, Compared

The best jeans for a curvy figure are cut for a fuller hip, so the waist doesn’t gap when the hips fit. Decide first whether you want structured zip-fly denim or a soft pull-on knit, then pick the cut that matches where you’re curviest.

Here is how the five most-loved styles in our Catherines plus size jeans collection line up by need:

1. Most-loved all-rounder: The Knit Jean, our #1 jean, a pull-on French terry knit that looks like denim.
2. Fullest at the hips, want real denim: Right Fit® Curvy Jean.
3. Fullest at the hips, want pull-on comfort: The Curvy Knit Jean.
4. Only slightly curvy from waist to hip: Right Fit® Moderately Curvy Jean.
5. Light, easy everyday wear: Everyday Jean.

The real differences are the waistband, the fabric, the leg shape and the size span. Use this table to narrow down to one or two styles, then read the details below.

Sizes shown are each jean’s regular span; petite and other length spans differ by style. Across the full line, Catherines carries sizes 14W–40W and 0X–6X, but not every style covers every size, so check our size chart on each product page.

Go one step straighter. The Right Fit Moderately Curvy Jean, our heritage jean, is a slimming style for women who are slightly curvy at the hips, with a relaxed fit that smooths from waist to hip.

It shares the Curvy jeans' zip fly, button closure, elastic stretch at the sides of the waist, five pockets and straight leg. Inseams are Regular 30" and Petite 27", in sizes 16W–34W and Petite 16WP–34WP. If the Curvy cut feels roomy through the hip, this is your next try.

A pull-on knit with a covered elastic waistband is usually the most comfortable choice when you carry fullness through the middle and hips, because nothing digs in and there’s no button to sit on.

The Knit Jean gently skims from hip to hem with a covered all-around elastic waistband, front pockets and back patch pockets. It comes in the widest choice of lengths: Regular 29", Petite 26.5", Petite Short 24.5" and Tall 32". Pick the Curvy Knit Jean instead if your hips are noticeably fuller than your waist.

For a lighter feel, our Everyday Jean pairs lightweight stretch fabric with an all-around elastic waist and a tapered leg that skims the ankle. It suits warmer days and easy errands.

Waist gap and thigh tightness are the two most common complaints. A well-fitting pair passes a few quick checks:

• Waist: sitting down, the back waistband stays close to your body without gaping. If it gaps, move to a Curvy cut.
• Hips and seat: the fabric skims without pulling across the front or side seams.
• Thighs: you can sit and climb stairs without the fabric straining. If it squeezes, try a straight leg like Right Fit, or the stretchier knit.
• Length: the hem lands where you want it with your usual shoes. Choose Petite, Petite Short or Tall where offered rather than hemming.

Measure your natural waist and the fullest part of your hips, then compare both numbers to the size chart. The gap between them tells you whether a Curvy or Moderately Curvy cut will suit you best.

Keep it simple and let the fit do the work. A tunic or longer blouse over a slim knit jean creates an easy, polished line, while a tucked-in or half-tucked top shows off the straight leg of a Right Fit pair.

Finish with a flat or ankle boot for fall, and add a cardigan for layering. Explore the wider plus size bottoms collection at Catherines for pants and skirts that work with the same tops, too.