3 best plus-size jeans, tried and test by a curve model
.jpg)
“Let’s go shopping for plus-size jeans” is something that is feared by most women, even more so if you are in the extended, plus size category. You almost want to give up before you've even started the task of a finding your new piece of denim.
Remember the days when it was only bootcut jeans for us plus-size ladies? Nowadays we have mom jeans, boyfriend jeans, straight leg jeans, wide leg, flared, horseshoe/barrel, skinny and more, the options are endless when it comes to various new season cuts and fits of denim, but us curvy girls are literally fighting for the one that will cater to our curves, style often comes after that.
I have to be honest with you, even as an OG plus model (who has tried on more denim than most throughout my career), I had a moment of panic when my editor commissioned me to write this article and asked for self-shot imagery. Will I even be able to find the right styles and will the size guide for each brand be consistent?
Being a plus-size girlie with a small waist and much larger hip, finding the best jeans for women that actually fit and don't leave that huge gap above my bum (that even a belt can’t hold together) isn’t the easiest task at hand, but luckily the fashion game for us babes over a size eighteen has gotten slightly better over the past few years.
.jpg)
.jpg)
High rise skinny jeans with a lot of stretch used to be my go-to, because they moulded to my curves, but to be totally transparent, that was also the only real jean style that I could fit into my shape during most of my teens (and the only ones that were actually given to curvier bodies) and it's most probably because they were the only ones that had elasticated materials that could move and sculpt to your size, well them and those dreaded pull on leggings/jeggings hybrids.
Sometimes I wanted that tighter skinny fit with a bodysuit underneath, but sometimes I just wanted a casual baggy jean with an oversized white shirt or a vintage band t-shirt. I used to think that feeling confident in jeans meant that it had to be a style that was sculpted to my silhouette, but now I know it's whatever you feel comfortable in.
.jpg)
Stiff, structured denim, '90s wide fits, restrictive waistbands, and generic silhouettes have meant that options have fallen short on what's available for curvy women in the past – but it doesn’t have to be this way anymore. We have so many more options, as we deserve.
We are seeing designers such as Karoline Vitto use denim in their size-inclusive collections throughout and London Fashion Weeks. Sinead O'Dwyer currently has a collection with Zalando, including a lot of structured denim fits, so the high street has zero excuses not to include us.
So here at Glamour, we have curated the ultimate edit of the best plus-size jeans with great size ranges to help plus-size women find high-quality denim that makes them feel their very best. Shopping for plus-size jeans (or any size jeans, for that matter) is no one’s favourite pastime.
PSA: If you're looking for the best petite jeans or the best tall jeans, we've got you covered there, too.
How to shop for plus-size jeans, my top tips
As mentioned before, most of us don't have the luxury of trying on items in store, which ultimately leads to a lot of online returns. I would strongly recommend checking the reviews from each site to see if they run big or small, always check the materials to understand if there is any stretch in the fabric and make sure you also have your personal measurements handy, the size chart will be your best friend here (as sadly we all know different stores don't always offer the same sizing).
How I tested the best plus-size jeans
I would have loved to tell you that I found all five pairs of these jeans while walking down Oxford Street, but as you will be well aware, if you are above the UK average size of an 18, the high street experience does not cater to curves. I called in my favourite online retailers and tried and tested these jeans at home. Each pair I styled up the same, with a white kitten heel mule and a Good American bodysuit, so you can really see the fit. I am 5'8, I have a small waist that moulds into a wide hip, big belly and curvy bum. I wear a UK 22/24 on the bottom, but sometimes size up or down depending on the cut (don't worry, I'll let you know if I've done this below). Let's get into it…
ARRANGE is up there with being one of my favourite brands for us plus-size babes at the moment, and these turn-up denim jeans are another one of my obsessions. I say this with my chest, but it feels SO good when brands do the same products in petite, core and plus for us all to be included. Not only are these jeans very chic, but they're super versatile in their dress-up/dress-down abilities too. They are giving a luxury vibe but with a very affordable price tag (currently on sale, if you catch them quick enough).
- Sizing: UK 18 - 30.
- My advice: For my shape (larger hip, stomach and bum) I sized up in these jeans for comfort as they are on the more sturdier side of denim. I would suggest this too if you have a similar figure to mine, otherwise fine to wear your size.
I think these jeans are the most worn jeans in my wardrobe, not only because I'm leopard print obsessed, but the wide leg '90's fit is so comfortable to wear with a vintage band tee and/or some of the best knitwear for a weekend adventure. I originally sized up in these jeans as they are more of a thicker denim (and thought they wouldn't have much stretch), but it was quite the opposite, they are firm but still have room for your shape.
- Sizing: UK 10 - 32.
- My advice: Take your regular size.
Back in 2010, you wouldn't see me in anything but a black skinny jean, but a decade later, with all the options we have for us curve girls, the skinny flare jean is now my staple. Dare I say it, but I do think it's more flattering on our figures. This pair by Good American are very comfortable to wear, the materials are super soft and breathable, even though they hug all your curves. They'd style well with a cowboy boot, mule or kitten heel in my opinion.
- Sizing: UK 2 - 34.
- My advice: Take your regular size, but be aware that as these jeans are from a USA brand, the number in the label will be two sizes smaller than your UK size – don't be alarmed.
See below for even more of the best plus-size jeans 2026.
Sizes: UK 6 - 24.
Colour range: 9 Colourways including White, Black, Pink and Blue.
Levi's Women's Plus Size Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans
Sizes: Up to a UK 24.
Colour range: Black, Dark Blue, Mid Blue, Light Blue.
Save when you shop for plus size jeans with these Amazon discount codes at checkout.
COLLUSION X001 Washed Black Jeans
Sizes: UK 18 - 28.
Colour range: Black.
Save when you shop for plus size jeans with these ASOS discount codes at checkout.
Curves Blue High Waist Tori Mom Jeans
Sizes: Up to a 28.
Colour range: Mid Blue, Light Blue, Black.
Save when you shop for plus size jeans with these New Look discount codes at checkout.
Simply Be Dark Blue Jacquard Stripe Barrel Leg
Sizes: UK 10 - 32.
Colour range: Blue Stripe.
Save when you shop for plus size jeans with these Simply Be discount codes at checkout.
.jpg)
.jpg)
If you're looking for something specific, we've done a deep dive on denim. Check out more of our jeans edits below.
For more plus size fashion content, check out our guide to plus size clothing brands, plus size wedding guest dresses and plus size swimwear. For more from Curve model and writer Felicity Hayward, follow her on Instagram at @felicityhayward.
