The 10 Best Jeans For Small Waists & Big Thighs
Find your perfect fit.
Pants shopping can be a frustrating experience; sizes differ across brands, and when you can’t try them on, it’s hard to find the right fit for your body. Luckily, past shoppers have felt your pain and stepped in to minimize it. The best jeans for small waists and big thighs typically have a few key features (like a good amount of stretch to accommodate your curves), but the buyer feedback is what really highlights the winners.
Jeans come in all different styles, and there’s no one “right” cut for any body type. Instead, it’s the specific features and materials that dictate the best fit — and whatever style makes you feel great. Those with curvier shapes may want to opt for stretchy jeans, especially when the skinny jean is your style of choice. Some styles, like boyfriend or straight-leg jeans, naturally have a little extra room in the thighs. Finally, highly elastic or drawstring waists allow for a personalized fit — and they have the added bonus of feeling super comfy.
When in doubt, though, the reviews section is your best friend, and Amazon has the most comprehensive reviews section of any online retailer. Buyers are quick to note which jeans are ideal for big thighs and hips, but still fit smaller waists well. According to real reviewers, these are 10 of the best jeans for small waists and big thighs.
1. The Best Straight-Leg Jeans
Straight-leg jeans never go out of style, and according to loads of buyers, Levi’s Ribcage jeans are a particularly great pick for folks with smaller waists and larger thighs. The ultra-high-rise waist has some stretch, according to reviewers, so it’ll fit a variety of waist sizes; meanwhile, the thighs and hips have more than enough room, thanks to the relaxed, straight-leg silhouette. This pair comes in 13 colors.
One reviewer wrote: “My waist is relatively small, but I have some meaty thighs. It’s hard for me to find pants that fit my thighs and do not leave a gap at the waist. These fit great! No belt needed to pull in a gap.”
Sizes: 24 — 39 | Colors: 13 | Material: 85.5% Cotton, 13.5% Polyester, 1% Elastane
2. The Best Bootcut Jeans
These bootcut jeans flare at the knee for a retro look that works with just about any type of shoe. These are stretchier than most (thanks to the addition of 2% spandex), and have a curvy silhouette and sit at the hips, so they’re a favorite among those with self-described thicker thighs and smaller waists. They also come in tons of colors and sizes (including short and long inseams), and they have a 4.4-star overall rating after more than 42,000 reviewers have weighed in.
One reviewer wrote: “These jeans fit me perfect! I have a large butt and small waist so back gap is Always and issue… but not in these pants!”
Sizes: 0 — 24 Plus (available in regular, short, and long) | Colors: 24 | Material: 74% Cotton, 24% Polyester, 2% Spandex
3. The Best Boyfriend Jeans
Boyfriend jeans are typically loose in the thighs (actually, they’re pretty loose all over), so they’re a great pick for those with larger legs. These boyfriend jeans, however, are “quite a small waist” and are “very baggy on the legs,” according to reviewers — so even though they have no stretch, they still fit well. They also come in over 20 different colors and distressed designs, and you can easily cuff them to suit your height.
One reviewer wrote: “I absolutely LOVE these jeans. They are the perfect amount of loose without losing my shape. I have a small waist and bigger hips/thighs and they don’t look disproportionate when I’m wearing them.”
Sizes: X-Small — X-Large | Colors: 28 | Material: Polyester Blend
4. The Best Pull-On Jeans
Pull-on jeans (also known as jeggings) are a comfortable option for just about any body type; since they’re made from soft denim and have way more stretch than the average pair, they adapt to your curves like leggings — all while looking like jeans. These popular No Nonsense jeggings have a thick, closure-free band that pulls over the hips and hugs waists. They also have a faux fly, faux front pockets, and functional back pockets, all of which mimic real jeans. Plus, they come in eight color options.
One reviewer wrote: “like everything about these. I’m a curvy size 8 or 10 so a lot of slim jeans are too tight around the thigh and too loose at the waist. These look like slim jeans but they are perfectly fitted at thigh and waist. They’re also a nice quality. The fabric is sturdy like regular jeans but stretchy.”
Sizes: Small — 3X | Colors: 8 | Material: 61% Cotton, 32% Polyester, 7% Spandex
5. A Pair Of High-Waisted Skinny Jeans In Distressed Finishes
These skinny jeans are high-waisted, form-fitting, and super stretchy, and past buyers report that they’re “not too tight, just right” and “hug my curves” — perfect for small waists and big thighs. They also come in ten different washes, most of them ripped, but you can find a few with minimal distressing if you prefer.
One reviewer wrote: “These jeans are high-waisted in the best possible way, I have larger hips and skinny-ish waist and they fit like a glove.”
Sizes: 2 — 20 | Colors: 10 | Material: Cotton, Spandex
6. A Pair Of Tapered Jeans In 3 Inseam Lengths
Because they also come in short and long inseams (not to mention plus and tall sizes), these tapered jeans are a fan-favorite for reviewers of all heights. They also sit at the hips and have roomier legs, while the stretchy material accommodates all your curves. Choose from five classic shades, including the crisp black pictured above.
One reviewer wrote: “The GV Amanda style fits me perfectly. Most pants are too big at waist and too tight at hips. These are perfect and the right length too.”
Sizes: 4 — 24 Plus (available in regular, short, tall, long) | Colors: 5 | Material: Cotton Blend
7. A Pair Of Plus-Size Skinny Jeans With 2 Buttons
For smaller waists, the extra button on this pair of plus-size skinny jeans can add a little more structure. Buyers with self-described bigger butts or thicker thighs appreciate the smaller top, ample stretch (this pair is made with a generous 3% spandex), and thicker waistband, and they report that the pair washes well in addition to being super comfy. You have dozens of colors to choose from.
One reviewer wrote: I have a small waist and very liberal hips, butt, and thought. These fit ALL four areas like they were made for me ... The stretch makes them super comfortable!!”
Sizes: 14 Plus — 26 Plus | Colors: 34 | Material: 97% Cotton, 3% Spandex
8. These Classic Straight-Leg Jeans With A Relaxed Fit
These Lee jeans have a classic relaxed fit with a straight leg that accommodates larger thighs. While reviewers report that the waistband is pretty snug, it still sits at the hip and has a little bit of stretch, so it works for various waist sizes. Without any holes or distressing, it’s one of the most elevated pairs on this list — especially in black, which is sleek enough to double as work slacks. This pair also comes in several sizes and inseams, including plus, petite, and long.
One reviewer wrote: “These pants fit wonderfully!! ... they fit perfect. I have bigger legs & hips and a smaller waist and it's really hard to find pants that are made to fit my shape without having to pull-in 2 inches with a belt.”
Sizes: 16 — 30 (available in plus, petite, and long) | Colors: 4 | Material: 81% Cotton, 18% Polyester, 1% Spandex
9. The Best Drawstring Jeans
When in doubt, opt for something adjustable. Plus, joggers are very on-trend right now — so these jogger-style jeans might just become the most stylish item in your wardrobe. (Their adjustable drawstring waist and loose thighs also happen to make them a great option for people with smaller waists and larger thighs.) While they look like denim and have functioning pockets, the softer, lived-in fabric makes you feel like you’re wearing your favorite loungewear — the perfect mix of style and comfort.
One reviewer wrote: “They fit perfectly over my hips and are snug around my waist. (but not uncomfortably so). They ARE denim and do feel like jeans, but really comfy ones.”
Sizes: Small — X-Large | Colors: 6 | Material: Not Listed
10. The Best Designer Jeans
Good American is widely considered one of the best brands for larger thighs and butts. (After all, the brand’s tagline is “your curves are our cause.”) These Good Waist cropped jeans have a mid rise, a skinny leg, and are crafted of mid-weight denim blended with a whopping 7.1% elastane — on par with the jeggings above — so they’ll mold to your body, but won’t lose their shape. Choose from three shades, including a classic dark wash and a trendy snake print.
One reviewer wrote: “Super cute! Not super stretchy, but held their shape without gaping in the back.”
Sizes: 00 — 20 | Colors: 3 | Material: 48.1% Lyocell, 44.8% Cotton, 7.1% Elastane
This article was originally published on