15 Best Jeans for Thick Thighs That Will Fit Your Curves Like a Glove
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Say goodbye to that nuisance of a waist gap.
InStyle / Kevin Liang
Shopping for jeans should feel effortless and fun because, after all this time, most of us lean into the same cuts and washes that work best for our body types. But now and then, you may want to invest in a new pair or try a denim trend making the rounds (hello, barrel-leg jeans). And if you have thicker or more athletic thighs, finding the perfect fit can be frustrating. A pair might fit perfectly in the waist, but the legs are too snug and practically feel like compression sleeves—if you can even pull them up. And when you do size up, you’re probably left with major gapping at the waistband. While that’s merely the simplest of struggles, consider the variety of preferences regarding stretch, silhouette, wash, and length, and the process feels daunting.
Thankfully, we’ve tapped stylist Risa Kostis, blogger Chasity Jernigan, and digital creator Léna Farouil for their recommendations, as well as tips and tricks for sourcing the best possible jeans for thick thighs. “Start with a brand or store that specializes in size inclusivity and covers a lot of ground with both trend and classic silhouette offerings,” Kostis says. And for her, that’s Everlane, Good American, and Free People. But there’s more where that came from—scroll for our 15 favorite jeans for thick thighs that you’ll never want to take off.
Best Overall: Good American Always Fits Good Curve Straight Jeans
Why We Love It: Recommended by Kostis, Good American is a brand that prioritizes inclusivity and a wide range of fits, offering sizes from 00 to 32. These jeans have a four-way stretch fabric that adapts to your body with changes, and many reviewers praise them for not gapping at the waist. Moreover, they’re billed to maintain their shape while emphasizing the waistline.
Who It’s For: Dark wash lovers looking for a super high-rise cut that retains shape, even through washes.
Material: Cotton, polyester, elastane | Size: 00–32 | Cut: Super high-rise, straight-leg
Best Budget: American Eagle AE Stretch Barrel Jean
Why We Love It: American Eagle is known both for its affordable prices and ability to cater to curvy body types, so Kostis was right on the money when she recommended the brand for this category. The Stretch Barrel Jean has extra room through the hip and thigh area and it’s made of a stretchy denim that provides maximum comfort and movability. Reviewers love that the silhouette is on-trend and comfortable, with the mid-rise flattering the waistline sans a gap.
Who It’s For: If you're curious to try to barrel leg look but don't want to invest heavily right off the bat, then this under-$50 pair is for you.
Material: Cotton, lyocell, recycled cotton, elastane | Size: 000–20 regular with some short and long sizes | Cut: Mid-high-rise, barrel leg
Best Splurge: Veronica Beard Beverly Skinny-Flare Jean
Why We Love It: Recommended by Kostis for the brand’s quality tailoring and modern approach to design, Veronica Beard’s iconic lineup is generally known to be flattering and a favorite among fashion savants. This silhouette hugs the hips and thighs but flares out at the knee to provide a balanced shape. The denim is also stretchy but doesn’t lose its shape, and the high waist adds an element of sophistication. What’s more, you can purchase this pair in either 30- or 34-inch length, which is a major customizable bonus.
Who It’s For: Someone who covets a classic flare jean and doesn't mind spending a premium.
Material: Cotton, elastomultiester, elastane | Size: 23–32 with a 30- or 34-inch inseam | Cut: High-rise, flare
Most Size-Inclusive: Universal Standard Seine High Rise Skinny Jeans
Why We Love It: Universal Standard is one of the change-makers in promoting size inclusivity as a brand. These skinny jeans are praised for their stretch that easily adapts to curves but doesn’t end up feeling baggy later in the day. Reviewers also claim that the waistband is gap-free. The customizable fit is a win-win, with shoppers being able to choose between two rises—mid and high—four lengths, and a total of eight shades.
Who It’s For: Skinny jean enthusiasts who want to be able to customize length without stopping by the tailor.
Material: Cotton, polyester, elastane | Size: 00–40 with a petite, 27-, 30-, or 32-inch inseam | Cut: Mid- or high-rise, skinny
Best Straight-Leg: SPANX SPANXshape EveryWear Straight Leg Jeans
Why We Love It: While these jeans may only be offered in one wash, the vintage indigo shade is the perfect blue, in our opinion. As you probably know, Spanx specializes in shaping technology, and this design features an innovative waistband that provides tummy control with a four-way stretch fabric that will accommodate curvy legs and a butt. Reviewers say they don’t sag or gap at the waist, either.
Who It’s For: Someone who loves the shape of straight-leg jeans and the pull-on benefit of jeggings.
Material: Cotton, polyester, Lycra elastane, cotton | Size: XS–3X in petite, regular, or tall lengths | Cut: High-rise, straight-leg
Best Wide-Leg: Madewell The Curvy Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean
Why We Love It: These wide-leg jeans are best sellers on Madewell’s site, and they’re reviewed particularly well in the black shade. Also available in Enmore wash, which has more of a lived-in, vintage appeal, the denim is described as rigid enough to hold you in but with a bit of stretch. The contoured band and longer rise gives way to a bit more room at the hips and thighs.
Who It’s For: Comfort-first shoppers who still want to look polished. These jeans are roomy yet rigid.
Material: Cotton, elastane | Size: 23–33 in petite, standard, or tall lengths | Cut: High-rise, wide-leg
Best Flare: Warp + Weft Mia Plus High Rise Flare Jeans
Why We Love It: Warp and Weft’s Mia comes in plenty of shades and finishes, and the plus-size version is a best seller on the inclusive site. The high-rise waistband is sculpting, whereas the flare leg is meant to be lengthening without exaggeration. There’s also a vertical seam on the indigo wash that offers an elevated style element to be appreciated on a night out—perfect for teaming with heeled boots.
Who It’s For: Someone looking for a flared style in a mid-weight denim that’s soft to the touch.
Material: Cotton, elastane | Size: 00–24 | Cut: High-rise, flare
Best Bootcut: Mavi Molly Bootcut Jeans
Why We Love It: Mavi jeans are known to be super-stretchy, so even if they look structured and feel rigid to the touch, they usually have some give. This pair is described as mid-weight, and as part of the SuperSoft collection, they’re meant to be comfortable but retain structure. Reviewers say they’re flattering for many different body types, making them a fan favorite at under $100.
Who It’s For: True fans of the bootcut know that length is everything when it comes to the style, so they'll appreciate the selection of inseams that will allow them to show off their favorite kicks without a trip to the tailor that would likely compromise the cut.
Material: Cotton, Tencel lyocell, polyester, elastane | Size: 24–34 with a 30-, 32-, 34-, 36-inch inseam | Cut: Mid-rise, bootcut
Best Curvy: Everlane The Curvy Way-High Jean
Why We Love It: Kostis recommends Everlane for curves, and this particular silhouette has nearly 200 positive reviews to back her choice. Available in a total of five washes, they’re equipped with a two-piece contour waistband and a sculpting leg to create a “bouncy” or “lifted” look. If you want extra room, size up in this style.
Who It’s For: Cut from organic cotton with just a touch of stretch, these jeans are perfect for sustainability-focused shoppers who want a sculpted “lift” for their butt, but doesn’t mind a more structured waistband.
Material: Organic cotton, elastane | Size: 23–35 with a 27.5- or 29.5-inch inseam | Cut: High-rise, straight-leg cropped
Best Skinny: Topshop Hourglass Joni Jeans
Why We Love It: With a pair of Topshop jeans that literally have the word ‘hourglass’ in their name, how can you go wrong? Available in two shades of blue and two shades of black, these jeans were cut with more room around the hips and were designed to flatter an hourglass shape. They hit right at the ankle—so they’re perfect for sporting with a pair of statement heels—and they’re equipped with plenty of stretch.
Who It’s For: Anyone with an hourglass figure who loves stretch denim and a skinny silhouette.
Material: Cotton, polyester, Lycra elastane | Size: 24–36 with a 30-, 32-, or 34-inch inseam | Cut: High-rise, skinny
Best for Big Butts: We The Free CRVY Infinite Stretch Pull-On Flare Jeans
Why We Love It: Kostis recommends this We The Free style from Free People, which is a pair of stretch pull-on flares available in regular or short length. The CRVY line is “self-sized,” which means it’s designed to fit a wide range of body types in just one size, with figure-flattering tech built in. Available in two different blue washes and one charcoal shade, these top-rated jeans are soft on the inside and out.
Who It’s For: If you're struggling to find a style that doesn't create a pesky waist gap, consider that stretchy denim, combined with a pull-on waist, is just what you need.
Material: Cotton, polyester, elastane | Size: XS–XXL in regular or short lengths | Cut: High-rise, flare
Best Cropped: Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love High Rise Vintage Straight Jean
Why We Love It: This style has the appeal of lived-in, vintage denim in a straight-leg style; plus, the hips and legs have a little extra room for hugging curves. It's available in nine washes and hits right at the ankle for teaming with a kitten heel or mule. The worn-in look of the fabric has major ‘90s appeal (think: a silhouette Rachel Green would wear on Friends).
Who It’s For: The brand's curve line is super considerate of, well, the body's natural curves. This, combined with the range of inseam lengths, makes a cropped style achievable to practically everyone, including petite women with thick thighs and a small waist.
Material: Polyester, cotton, elastane | Size: 23–37 in short, regular, or long lengths | Cut: High-rise, straight-leg
Best Plus-Size: Lane Bryant Signature Fit Straight Jean
Why We Love It: For plus-size jeans, this signature pair from Lane Bryant is a great place to start. Jernigan sings its praises since it’s equipped with the brand’s signature Fit & Flex Magic Waistband, which prevents gapping and moves with you all day long for maximum comfort. The medium wash is best for casual daytime outfits, and looks great with loafers, mules, or sneakers.
Who It’s For: A plus-size woman looking for a classic shape and shade of denim that’s flexible at the waistband—with no gapping—and customizable by length.
Material: Cotton, polyester, elastane | Size: 12–38/40 in petite, short, regular, or long fits | Cut: Mid-rise, straight-leg
Best for Wide Hips: Topshop Hourglass Mid Rise Column Jeans
Why We Love It: Asos is the best spot for shopping Topshop selects, and this vintage-leaning pair of jeans feels like a steal for under $100. While the wash is light, the denim appears structured, however it’s equipped with extra room around the hips for a movable fit. Wear it with a baby tee and sneakers or with an oversized flannel shirt come fall, and you’ll achieve optimal ‘90s flair.
Who It’s For: Someone who seeks a bit more room in the hip area when it comes to their jeans, and loves a ‘90s straight-leg look.
Material: Cotton | Size: 24–36 with a 30-, 32-, or 34-inch inseam | Cut: High-rise, straight-leg
Best Novelty: Le Jean Sophia Wide Leg Jeans
Why We Love It: If you haven’t tried Le Jean, Kostis recommends the brand in a wide-leg style for thick thighs. This pair is unique with its double faded hem and raw finish, which is always a bonus when you’re investing in designer jeans that will likely invite compliments everywhere you go. To really play up the design elements, we suggest sporting a pair of minimalist strappy sandals and a basic top. These jeans do veer on the stretchier side and are described as mid-weight. Avoid them only if you prefer a tighter waistband, since these have a bit of give in that area.
Who It’s For: A fashion girl who loves a faded cut, cropped leg, and design details to make them do a double-take.
Material: Cotton, elastane | Size: 23–32 | Cut: Mid-to-high-rise, wide-leg crop
What to Keep in Mind
Stretch: Farouil advises that stretch is usually essential when shopping for jeans for thick thighs. While many folks prefer more rigid denim with a wide- or straight-leg cut, slim and high-rise styles are better equipped with some stretch. Jernigan suggests looking for key descriptors like “mid-range” stretch or two to four percent spandex or elastane in the material makeup so as not to settle for an overly roomy pair but will still flatter your curves.
Care: “Often the biggest complaint with a high-stretch denim is the short lifespan of the fabrication and wear and tear from machine washing and drying,” Kostis notes, offering a solution, “I like to air-dry my stretch denim then lightly fluff in the dryer to remove any stiffness and give it that ready-to-wear shape.” She also notes that you can find jeans with minimal stretch even when labeled “curvy,” “contoured,” or “designed for athletic builds,” to ensure extra room in the thighs.
Gapping: Many women who size up to accommodate thick thighs experience major issues with gapping at the waist as a result due to a curvier figure. While Farouil’s tip is to shop for mid-rise or high-rise jeans to avoid a waist gap (a.k.a more coverage and support), Jernigan is devoted to brands that have problem solved in that area already with their signature technology (i.e. Lane Bryan’s Flex Magic Waistband). Kostis explains that “curvy fit” or “hourglass fit” jeans are specifically designed for body types with a smaller waist and larger hips/thighs, so they’re your best bet if you’re going to gamble on buying a pair online. To cover all your bases, Kostis says, “Always compare your measurements to the brand’s size chart, especially the waist and hip measurements. Customer reviews can also give insights into whether a pair of jeans is prone to waist gaps or fits well in the thighs.” If there’s a good return policy, you can also invest in multiple pairs so you can try different sizes or styles to find the perfect fit.
Styling: When it comes to styling, comfort should always come into play. Farouil suggests wide-leg, baggy, and straight cuts to keep your thighs comfortable. Jernigan advises accessorizing with a statement belt to draw attention to your curves and elevate your look. Kostis is adamant that looking polished all starts with tailoring, offering up a tip: “Find a jeans store like 7 Jeans or AG at your local shopping center and ask for a recommended tailor. This hack has given me the best resource when it comes to finding someone who specializes in tailoring denim. After that, it’s all about little tips and tricks to flatter your figure. Tucking in your blouse or shirt emphasizes your waist; peplum or A-line tops flare out over the hips, balancing out thicker thighs; interesting necklines draw the eye upwards, elongating the neck and achieving ideal proportions; and blazers that cinch at the waist add structure and create an hourglass shape at the same time.”
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Sarah Wasilak is a published writer, fashion podcast host, and the Associate Director of Shopping at Popsugar. She writes across the fashion, fitness, and lifestyle categories with a strong focus on amplifying minority voices in her work, showcasing and uplifting a diverse group of people with every story she writes.
Wasilak has been NYC-based, attending fashion market appointments, Fashion Week, and other industry-wide events for over 10 years, so she’s particularly in-the-know when it comes to discovering brands and collections that deserve to be on your radar. For this roundup, she spoke with fashion, wedding, and media stylist Risa Kostis, style and beauty blogger Chasity Jernigan, and digital creator Léna Farouil.
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