Finding the perfect pair of jeans can feel like a never-ending search—especially if you have an apple-shaped body. While this body type is beautiful and versatile, some denim styles can feel less flattering, often drawing more attention to the midsection rather than creating balance. The good news? With a few smart shopping tips and the right silhouettes, you can discover jeans that not only fit like a dream but also highlight your best features.
First Things First: What to Skip
Celebrity stylist Samantha Brown suggests starting your denim journey by knowing what not to buy. Skinny jeans and tapered cuts are usually less forgiving on apple shapes because they slim down the legs while emphasizing the midsection, throwing proportions out of balance.
Instead, she recommends opting for silhouettes that add volume to the lower half—think straight-leg, flare, or wide-leg styles. These cuts create harmony between your top and bottom halves, making your overall look more polished and effortless.
Can Apple Shapes Wear High-Waisted Jeans?
The short answer: absolutely. High-waisted jeans can work beautifully on apple-shaped figures—it just depends on the cut. Brown explains that styles with a straight fall from the hip, such as palazzo or wide-leg jeans, or those with a gentle flare, help define the waist without clinging too tightly. The key is choosing a rise that feels comfortable around your middle and legs that flow instead of taper.
What to Look For When Shopping
Beyond silhouettes, the fabric and finish of your jeans can make all the difference:
- Stretch is your friend. A bit of spandex or elastane helps jeans mold to your shape without feeling restrictive.
- Avoid overly stiff denim. Rigid, heavy fabric can create bulk around the waist and midsection.
- Go for darker washes. A deep, uniform color with minimal whiskering streamlines your look and elongates the legs.
- Check the waistband. A slightly higher rise with a supportive band helps create definition while keeping things comfortable.
Our Top Picks for Apple-Shaped Bodies
If you’re ready to refresh your denim collection, here are some tried-and-true options that combine comfort, fit, and style:
- Best Everyday Jeans: Levi’s 501® ’90s Women’s Jeans, $98
A timeless cut with a straight leg and just enough structure to wear on repeat. - Best Baggy Fit: Levi’s x Target High-Rise Cinch Baggy Jeans, $70
Relaxed but chic, these jeans balance the midsection with a roomy, on-trend silhouette. - Best Wide-Leg: Free People Libre Front Yoke Wide Leg Jeans, $98
Ultra-flattering and easy to style, these flow from the hip for a naturally elongating effect. - Best Flare: Sofia by Sofia Vergara Melisa Flare High Rise Jeans, $25
Affordable and flattering, flares add that perfect touch of balance to apple shapes. - Best Straight-Leg: Just Black Denim The Mid Rise Straight Jean, $98
Clean lines and a comfortable rise make this a versatile, everyday staple. - Best Cropped Option: Old Navy High-Waisted Wow Crop Wide-Leg Jeans, $17 (was $35)
Perfect for warm weather, the cropped wide-leg silhouette balances proportions beautifully. - Best Low-Rise: Madewell Low-Slung Baggy Crop, $148
Proof that low-rise jeans can work when styled with a relaxed, slouchy leg. - Best Embroidered: We The Free Deep Trance Embroidered Dropped Boyfriend Jeans, $168
A playful, statement-making option that adds interest without clinging.
Final Thoughts
Finding jeans that flatter an apple-shaped body doesn’t have to feel impossible. The key is to focus on balance—choosing silhouettes that add volume where you want it, fabrics that move with you, and washes that create a sleek, streamlined look.
At the end of the day, jeans should make you feel confident and comfortable. So whether you’re drawn to classic straight legs, dramatic flares, or wide-leg cuts with plenty of room, there’s a pair out there ready to become your new favorite.
And remember: rules are just guidelines. The best jeans are the ones you put on and think, Yes, this feels like me.
