Investing in the best slimming jeans will help you look and feel great. A wardrobe building block that can easily be utilised for work or play, finding a pair of great jeans is no easy task, but when you do, the outfit possibilities are endless.
Before you start looking for the best slimming jeans for your shape, it’s important to do your research and know what to look for as support and sizing will vary from brand to brand. From labels that simply deliver great cuts, to those that incorporate sculpting technology, finding the best jeans to contour your shape is within reach and these are the key things to look out for to help you on your way.
Looking for tummy control? Try styles with built-in panels across the middle of the jeans as these are specially designed to hold you in. After a little boost to your bottom? Curved hems will help to create a more peachy posterior. If you want to showcase slimmer thighs, then it's all in the design of the fabric. Dyeing, sanding and fabric treatments can give the impression of longer and leaner legs, look for pairs that focus their dye work on the upper thighs. In order to achieve a more bottom balanced shape, without the use of control panels, try a pair of bootcut or flared jeans, as the wider hemline will naturally balance out your bottom.
When it comes to finding the best slimming jeans, you will have to invest time in trying jeans on, as trying on several pairs is the best way to find the perfect denim fit. Depending on your body type, there are different cuts that will generally be more naturally flattering to your figure - from the best petite jeans to the best jeans for curvy women, once you find your dream pair, they’ll help you build the perfect denim capsule wardrobe and guide you in how to style jeans too.
How we tested the best slimming jeans
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To help find the best slimming jeans, we asked one tester to try on a slew of jeans to find the best styles out there at a variety of price points. From specifically 'slimming styles' with modern technology and panelling woven in, to those jeans that are cut so well, they simply transform your silhouette in an instant, to work out which jeans are worth splashing the cash on and deliver a svelte finish.
At 5’3 and a size 10/12 on her lower body, freelance fashion editor Antonia tested over 40 pairs of jeans, these are the 15 pairs of slimming jeans she would recommend.
The best slimming jeans to buy now
One of our favourite British clothing brands, Boden do a brilliant denim range that you may not know about. While the brand is better known for producing some of the best midi dresses, it has a solid collection of basics that includes great denim in all the classic cuts and trend-led styles you need. As with everything at Boden, expect great quality, with thoughtful and purposeful cuts that are built to last.
Our tester said:
"At just shy of 5’4”, cropped styles tend to work out as full length on my body but these fitted cropped flares sit just on my ankle. With only 2 percent elastane, they have just a dash of give which makes me feel pulled in but does mean that they’re stiffer than many of my other jeans. As someone who is slightly bottom-heavy, the flared shape helps to balance out my hips and bottom, while the dark black wash adds another slimming optical element.
A must-have from the denim pros, this pair features a tummy-slimming panel and stretch fabric, making them super comfy and easy to move around in."
We already know that Spanx delivers on some of the best shapewear, thanks to its fabric contouring technology and if you haven't tried the brand's slimming jeans, this is a pair of denim jeans you're going to want to buy. With special sculpting panels built into the jeans, these have a totally flat front, making them ideal for wearing with fitted tops that you don't want to tuck in. Of course, this means they do lack some of the traditional jean aspects, as they don't have a front fly zip, buttons or pockets, but they are that perfect in-between place between leggings and jeans that makes them a worthwhile investment.
Our tester said:
"After trying three styles - straight leg, flares and skinnies - I find the latter the most flattering for my shape and height. With a super high waistband that sucks you in, the subtle compression is barely noticeable but I feel and look as if inches have disappeared from my lower body. However, the lack of a regular waistband and front pockets means that these are best worn with longer tops that sit over the waistband. If you have fuller calves, the straight leg pair is great for skimming over curvy lower legs."
Not necessarily the place you'd expect to find the best slimming jeans, don't underestimate Abercrombie when it comes to denim. With that preppy, all-Americana feel, they have a huge selection of cuts and washes, but it's the new modern cuts we're most excited about. While these jeans aren't specifically designed to be slimming, they are made with supporting and loving curves in mind, meaning they naturally offer a little more lift, sculpt and contour than most.
Our tester said:
"Trying to find the best jeans for your body shape can be particularly difficult if you have an hourglass figure but American clothing brand Abercrombie & Fitch has come to the rescue. The company has listened to its customers and created the Curve Love range. Available in a range of cuts, colors and five different leg lengths as well as a plus range, these are game changers when it comes to jeans as they have an additional 2” allowance through the hip and thigh to eliminate the annoying baggy waist-gap that can happen when you find the perfect fit across the thighs and hips but have a smaller waist size. With only 1 per cent elastane, these jeans need breaking in but gradually took on my shape to become the perfect pair of flattering skinnies."
We can't talk about denim without referencing the kings of jeans, Levi's and this jeans brand is one that has really stood the test of time. With a relaxed straight leg fit and a distressed style, these slimming jeans are ideal for casual and weekend wear and are guaranteed to never go out of style
Our tester said:
"The stuff of fashion legend, Levi’s Wedgie jeans caused a stir when they launched in 2016. With a high-rise waist and bum-hugging lift effect, they have been specifically constructed to flatter and highlight curves. A snug fit through the waist and hips as well as specially angled rear pockets, I immediately head to a mirror to be greeted with the best version of my bottom I’ve seen in some time. The stiff fabric takes some getting used to and I might have had to undo the top of the button fly when I sat down but I’ll take it on the chin for a peachy posterior. The length of these is however slightly misleading - I usually wear a 28L and find these a little long for my liking, so if you’re of a petite stature you may find a 26 better."
If you want to know more about Levi's denim jeans, check out our Levi's jeans review of the latest denim pieces.
If you're looking for designer denim, Frame is the fashionistas choice. This cool LA-born brand is known for its impeccable denim style and chic handbags, with a host of celebrity clients loyal to its aesthetic and if you're looking for Quiet Luxury jeans to add to your closet, they're hard to beat. Although they do have consistent classics, they're a great place to head to for the latest jeans and denim trends.
These wide-leg jeans give a nod to the '90s fashion trends, which have a distinctly relaxed feel, making them great for a casual look. If you're wondering how to style wide-leg trousers, remember to keep your top half fitted to balance your shape, this will also help to create a slender middle.
Our tester said:
"As I’m fairly petite, I’m not usually one for wide-leg jeans as I feel they might swamp me but Frame Denim’s Lomina high and tight wide-leg jeans are a surprising hit. Just like their moniker, the super high waist means I feel very sucked in and they hug my bum creating a curvy shape, while the loose wide leg shape skims my lower body directly from the hips, creating the illusion that my legs are longer than they are."
We rely on M&S for some of our best bras and underwear, but this British staple is also ideal for other capsule wardrobe pieces and have developed a much-loved collection of slimming jeans that are easily some of the best M&S jeans and will easily become your go-to.
What our tester said:
"With a clever bi-stretch fabric and a contoured waistband as well as patented Sculpt and Lift technology, these jeans certainly are magic - the super stretchy fabric requires some serious wiggling but once I’m in, my body feels drawn in from the waist down without being restricted while the slim flare adds a body balancing illusion to boot. Available in three colours and three lengths as well skinny and straight leg cuts, these score highly for me."
A celebrity favourite, LA-based Mother Denim’s new Snacks! denim range takes inspiration from the oversized silhouettes of the '80s and '90s, one of the key denim trends 2023. Some of the best jeans made in the USA, the brand is known for its style and loved by influential fashion folk the world over, but it isn't just the aesthetics, these jeans sculpt your shape too.
Our tester said:
"The high waisted funnel ankle style in rigid denim holds in my stomach but with a relaxed fit through the leg, the denim skims outwards from my hips, creating a smooth leg-lengthening look. These are a great weekend option - wear a fitted top half to your outfit to balance your silhouette."
River Island is always our go-to for trending styles and when it comes to jeans, it does some of the best in the biz, and for a great price too, offering some of the most affordable jeans. From highly fashion-focused styles to the classic silhouettes that will underpin your everyday,
Our tester said:
"Promising to lift and shape your rear, River Island’s Bum Sculpt jeans are available in an array of cuts and washes. The secret lies in subtle additional panels on the hips which means the denim hugs your curves tightly with the seams contouring to your body. With a zip fly, they aren’t as restrictive as some styles on the tummy but I still feel held in. The stretch denim feels fitted without being cloying but depending on the style, you may want to size down by one size for a firmer fit."
Topshop was the denim mecca for affordable denim and for trend-leading style, so when the brand was sold to ASOS amidst the early days of the pandemic, there was understandable panic about what would happen to its stellar denim range, as many of the silhouettes had been around for years and were staples in wardrobes across the globe. Lucky for jean fans, ASOS took up the mantle, continuing Topshop and its jeans legacy, with the brand's classic silhouettes remaining at the heart of the jean offering. The Editor jeans have long reigned supreme, and part of that is down to their slimming credentials.
What our tester said:
"Launched in 2019, Topshop’s Editor jeans sold out three times in the year of launch and revisiting these straight-to-market favourites, it’s easy to see why they’ve become a denim staple in many fashion insiders’ wardrobes. Made from a rigid denim and with a button fly, they take some serious wiggling and breathing in to do up but once the final button is looped through, the shape is pleasantly form fitting and supportive. With a tight waist and slightly looser legs, the classic fit is flattering and I find that gradually the fabric moulds itself to my curves as I wear them. Available in over 40 variations from bleached to black vinyl, if this is the shape that works for you, the styling possibilities are endless."
Ariat is already on our radar for making some of the best cowboy boots, but it complements its hardwearing shoes with some of the best slimming jeans too. Using optical illusions and clever sanding as opposed to sculpting panel technology, these thigh sculpting jeans are one to have on your hit list.
Our tester tried:
"In a darker blue denim wash, Ariat’s slim leg jeans are a combination of a great cut and clever optical illusion to add extra slimming elements. The hand sanding panels on the thighs mean my legs instantly looked slimmer, while the white stitching draws the eyes to the seams, shaving inches off my legs. With only a mid-rise waist, they aren’t as supportive across the tummy as other pairs but still look and feel great, holding their shape well over several wears."
Straight to market prices but with a high-end feel, these secret sculpt jeans offer lifting technology to enhance your natural curves to the max and are many denim lovers' secret weapon in the slimming and sculpting jeans department. With the kind of design detail we would expect from a specialist denim brand, the Next slimming jeans deliver at a great price point.
Our tester said:
"Next’s Lift, Slim and Shape jeans promise to instantly transform your look and sliding them on, I’m immediately impressed. Not only is there hidden support to suck everything in, but the denim is also designed with a clever cut to create a curved waistband that eliminates gaping. At the waist, a double button detail that feels like an extra bit of support where I want it most. The addition of 5% Lycra EcoMade elastane to the cotton-rich fabric means they are super stretchy, instantly moulding to my body to create a very flattering skinny fit jean. It’s worth noting that the extra stretch in the fabric has more give than other styles and I sized down, even in the petite range."
Very has a multi-brand product offering, but just because it carries a stack of designer goodies, don't overlook the label's own range, which provides great fabric tech at an even better price. Making some of the best skinny jeans. Very's price-friendly offering really packs a punch in the denim department.
Our tester said:
"In an over-dyed super flattering black wash, these stretchy jeans don’t so much as mould to my body as become one with my legs once I’ve shimmied into them. The waistband stays in place all day without sliding down or flipping over and the double button design means they feel secure and supportive. I tried my regular size 12 first and while the fit was good, I opted to also try a size 10 pair too, which ultimately felt to be a better fit, being snug without being cloyingly tight."
You can't talk about great jeans without including Gap. A straight-to-market staple, the brand's vintage and timeless aesthetic ensures that Gap jeans create a solid foundation in your closet.
Our tester said:
"With only 1% elastane, Gap’s Vintage Slim jeans have a pleasingly rigid feel and a high waist that sits at a good point, making me feel held in. While they don’t have any secret panels or slimming technology, the cut of the lower leg is a flattering straight rather than skinny, meaning these skim over my curvy calves, creating a leg lengthening look. While they rub a little when I first wear them, after a few outings I notice that the material is slowly taking on the shape of my legs, creating a great and comfortable fit but without compromising on the shape of the jeans."
One of the most inclusive denim brands on the market, Good American has taken the jean world by storm. With great cuts, designs and hardwearing denim, the brand also shoot product on different-sized models to allow shoppers to see a closer representation to themselves, an initiative we can certainly get behind.
What our tester said:
"When Khloe Kardashian’s jeans arrive, I take one look at the tiny waist and wonder how I’m going to squeeze into them but after taking a deep breath, I start wiggling in to the minimally stretchy denim… and find myself staring at my lower body in the mirror in wonder. The petite 25.5” seam falls at precisely the most flattering point on my ankle, the lower leg skims my calves and the tiny waistband’s additional elastic insert means that the fit is like a second skin without cutting off the circulation to my extremities. With a mid-rise rather than high waist, these finish at my natural waist, making them a great fit for my petite stature. Good American’s denim offers two different levels of compression and this pair is only level 1, meaning that I am not squeezed in but the cut is pleasingly supportive."
How to get the best slimming jeans
Unfortunately, sizes can vary from store to store, making shopping for jeans even more stressful. It may sound obvious, but the best thing to do is to order multiple sizes and be prepared to do the returns. Experiment with different sizes, styles, and washes, not just your usual go-to. You never know what new cuts you might discover, so it’s a good idea to keep an open mind.
When trying on, make sure you put on a whole outfit to see how the jeans work with your favourite tops and shoes. You want your jeans to be versatile, so see how they look with trainers and heels as well as blouses and knitwear.
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