When it comes to fashion, denim and I share a love hate relationship. It’s my favourite wardrobe staple that can be worn anywhere, any time, and it’s always my go-to whether I want to look chic and stylish or edgy and trendy. However, as someone with a curvier midsize figure, finding denim fits that work on my body shape can be a major challenge.
Before we get into it, I’m typically a size 14 on the bottom and a 12 on top and five foot four, which makes me both curvy and petite, and everything I purchased was in a regular size 14 (or the lettering equivalent). My hip-to-waist ratio is way off, which means most styles either gape at the waistband or won’t go over my hips, and I’m smaller on top than the bottom, which can make dresses a struggle.
However, denim (not to mention double denim and even triple denim) is having a major trending moment right now, so I set out to find the best denim pieces that would work on curvier figures.
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I wanted things that were comfortable, easy to wear, fit my figure just right and didn’t leave me wanting to cry in a dressing room. Budget is also important to me, which is why everything I tried was under £150, and I wanted to make sure anything I tried was not only trending right now (hello barrel jeans and quilted jackets) but also could be worn for years to come.
The best barrel leg jeans for curves
A style I initially shied away from as I was convinced they’d add extra bulk to my lower half or make me look out of proportion. However, there’s no denying that this silhouette is everywhere at the moment, so I decided to take the plunge and try the shape for myself.
I picked three pairs of barrel leg jeans from Simply Be, which cater to sizes 10 to 32. The three pairs I chose are:
Mid Wash Barrel Leg Jean, £46
Leopard Denim Barrel Leg Jeans, £52
Washed Black Barrel Leg Jeans, £40.50 (was £46)
I was so pleasantly surprised by how flattering and comfortable these jeans are. Each pair has a subtle elasticated waistband at the back which meant there was no gaping at the waist, and gave some added stretch for bloated days.
The shape was also incredibly flattering, and I found the regular length perfect on me. They’re also just the right amount of high waisted, which can be worn with tops tucked in or with cropped length tops whilst still giving plenty of coverage on my stomach, which is an area I don’t like showing.
I could have almost sized down in both the blue and black pair, but I prefer the looser, more relaxed fit that they gave in my usual size. The leopard print pair were a snugger fit, so I would size up if you usually find yourself between sizes.
The best wide leg jeans for curves
Another denim silhouette that I wasn’t sure would work on someone with my body shape, but I think they may now be my favourite style of jeans. I tried the:
White Stuff Ayla Wide Leg Jeans, £65
White Stuff Sasha Wide Leg Jeans, £75
White Stuff Tia Crop Wide Leg Jean, £59
The Ayla jeans may well be one of my favourite pairs of jeans of all time. They’re stretchy, roomy, and an amazingly flattering fit. They managed to elongate my legs and hit just the right point that they can be worn with both flats and heels, and the dark denim makes them look sophisticated enough to be worn for any occasion.
The Sasha jeans were also very comfy to wear, although they had slightly less stretch. The tie detail around the waist gave them a modern upgrade, and the wide legs had just the right amount of shape. I wasn’t 100% sold on the pleating detail around the waist at first, however it grew on me, and gave them a more tailored, high end look.
The Tia jeans were more of a playful design, and – full disclosure – are meant to be a cropped three quarter length. I got the regular length, rather than petite, and they ended up being a normal full length pair on me which I actually preferred.
The best denim co-ords for curves
I absolutely love a double denim look, and there’s something extra chic about a proper matching set. Not only does it give you an instant outfit, but you can mix and match the pieces with other things in your wardrobe which makes them very versatile. I tried the:
Nasty Gal Denim V Neck Cropped Top, £25 (was £48)
Nasty Gal Denim Straight Leg Jean, £26 (was £52)
Asos Design Barrel Jean In Cow Print, £40
Asos Design Denim Clean Collared Jacket In Cow Print, £18.50 (was £46)
The Nasty Gal set is currently on sale at Debenhams and it was perfect for my double denim vision. The top was extra roomy, which makes it great for those with bigger busts, and stops at just the right point to accentuate your waist. The jeans’ silhouette was great and created a snatched in waist, but they were on the small side – I would definitely size up if I was to buy them again.
Cow print is going to be one of the top animal prints of this season, so I couldn’t resist snapping up this set from ASOS. The jeans were a little on the long side for me – I’ll probably have to get them taken up, but may be fine with the right pair of heeled boots, rather than some flats. I also found the waist a little small, so again size up if you’re between sizes. However the overall look screams cool and edgy, and there are plenty of different ways to style this, whether you want to go full western or keep it more laidback with colourful trainers.
The best denim outerwear for curves
When you think of denim outerwear, you typically think of a classic denim jacket. However this season there are so many amazing silhouettes and styles that totally transform how you look at denim. I tried the:
Simply Be Indigo Tie Front Quilted Denim Gilet, £28 (was £40)
Dori White Stuff Denim Trench Coat, £150
Nasty Gal Long Sleeve Reversible Tie Front Denim Jacket, £20.65 (was £59)
I’d been eyeing up a denim gilet for some time now, so as soon as I saw this one from Simply Be I had to pounce on it. The quilting is super soft and cosy, and the fit is really roomy – I could easily fit a chunky jumper underneath. If anything, I could have gone down a size as it felt a little boxy on me, but it hits just the right length to look relaxed and trendy without trying too hard.
This denim trench coat from White Stuff was a step outside of the box for me, but I couldn’t love it more. It’s a statement piece without being too over the top, and the belt means you can cinch in your waist or leave it more relaxed and oversized. My usual size 14 was perfect, and this is something I’ll be reaching for again and again this spring.
Finally this quilted denim jacket from Nasty Gal is another of my absolute favourite pieces. The length sits just right to cover my hips and the top of my thighs, whilst the boxy shape gives it a laidback, effortless look. I love the oversized style of the tie fastenings, which makes it look far more expensive than it is (even before the sale price), and it’s got just enough room for jumpers and layers underneath.
