Model Iris Perez describes the staple of all staples: “Jeans to me are like a second pair of my own skin. You can create so many different looks. You can go casual or even  bring it up and create a business look! Jeans have always been my best friend.” 

But finding plus size jeans that fit is a challenge. Alice A described how she completely lost her love of shopping when she became a larger size. “Taking on the task of pant shopping meant grabbing 6-7 different sizes of one style in order to figure out what size I truly was according to that store.”

Some people prefer jeans that hide their curves, and others prefer jeans that accentuate them. I asked some of my favorite plus size bloggers and fashionistxs to get tips on their favorite brands. I asked people specifically who “love their curves,” whatever that means to them. To some people, showing curves is inherently feminine, and for others it’s not. (This of course also varies widely culture to culture.) Torrid was by far the favorite brand among everyone I spoke to. Levi’s, Old Navy, and American Eagle were also popular choices. Fat Trunk was also a popular choice for those on the larger end of the plus size spectrum.

In addition to oohing and awwing at these beautiful fat and plus size queers, I hope this list provides some much-needed help and lowers the level of heartbreak involved with trying on a million pairs of jeans, only for none of them to fit the way you like.

Old Navy

“I like Old Navy Rockstar jeans because they are affordable, especially when you get them on sale for $19! They also have a bit of stretch which is nice if you have a very curvy body. These are the only jeans I can wear and don’t have to worry about a belt, but they do wear down fast in the inner thighs especially.” — Maggie McGill (@maggiemcgills)

Lane Bryant

“When I first put on Lane Bryant’s Essential High-Rise Skinny Jean in the dressing room, I loved the way they looked. I was shocked that the regular length wasn’t too long on my 5’1″ frame. These jeans sat easily at my natural waistline – something I can rarely say about jeans. I didn’t feel like I had to keep tugging on them to stay up and remain a true high rise fit. They just felt good.” — Quote from Alysse Dalessandro’s blog Ready to Stare

Levi’s

“Levi’s are my favorite brand of jeans because the quality is amazing and I love how they fit my curves.” — Constance Smith (@lunamodela)

Plus size/Big and tall denim could be tricky to find for people of size especially ones that fit us great. My favorite have been Levi’s. I’ve always worn Levi’s. They’re a classic brand and the quality is amazing and last forever. They go up to a size 60” waist, and will be staple pieces to your wardrobe. — Ady Del Valle (@adydelvalle_)

American Eagle 

“American Eagle Flex Chinos/Jeans have saved my life. I have a pair in almost every color. It has always been a nightmare to find pants that fit my curves but I discovered them a couple years ago. Now they’re basically all I wear.” — Ileana (@BowTiesAndBigDreams)

Charlotte Russe 

“I’ve been buying my jeans from Charlotte Russe lately & I love the fit so much!” — Paris Michele (@fatmelaninshawty)

ASOS CURVE

“When I was younger, I wore a lot of really poorly fitting (too small) denim that cut into my belly and were so uncomfortable. It felt like a release to be able to take them off at the end of the day and I dreaded putting them on. When I bought these jeans, they were actually my size and I even paid for tailoring to have them fit perfectly. It completely changed how I saw denim and how I saw myself too. The embroidery also fulfills all of my boho dreams. Before this, I couldn't imagine pulling on a pair of jeans over a pair of leggings or sweats. These made me re-evaluate a lot of my comfy fashion choices and I get compliments on them all the time.”  — Jane Janeczko Langland (@sweetjaneland)

Gloria Vanderbilt

“I love my jeans because I can be dress on several style and always looking my best without leaving behind my comfort. They embrace my curves in a way I just love, with confidence and straight. That is the perfect combination to me.” — Jennifer Barreto-Leyva (@jenniferbarretoleyva) 

Universal Standard

“Universal Standard has some questionable beliefs about plus size fashion but they are serving the superfat/infinifat community in a way that no other brand is at the moment. They just released their jeans up to a size 40! Beyond that, they are comfy and sturdy and are a true crop which is hard for me to find as a very short person.” — Maggie McGill (@maggiemcgills)

Torrid

“Their dark wash premium jegging gives the comfort of leggings and the look of trendy jeans. Plus they come in short, regular, tall, cropped, and Bermuda shorts so I can wear my favorite year round.” — Dāsha (Wind City Wardrobe)

P.S: Jeggings are great in any weather!

“This year, I’ve really been rocking the straight (lol 🌈) boyfriend AKA boifriend cut jeans – leaving leggings behind.
.
As a plus person dressing for the day, I feel like I have to constantly be accentuating certain aspects and hiding others. It’s such a mindfuck, bc people can SEE you 😂😂😂. Wear the jeans that don’t “hug your curves,” a straight cut blazer, etc.” — Quote from Brianne Huntsman’s Instagram

Quacker Factory

”My favorite pair of jeans is this both sweet and ridiculous thrifted Quacker Factory pumpkin-embroidered novelty set that is definitely meant to be worn by a much older midwestern librarian at a Tupperware party BUT they fit me perfectly and remind me of my favorite season. I wear them all the time in fall with bodysuits and fishermen sweaters, and they make me feel like I’m really doubling down on my body type, which is obviously an autumnal gourd.” — Kim Selling (@croptopgoth)

Fat Trunk

“The dudes behind Fat Trunk are really dedicated to creating denim in menswear style that actually fit a variety of plus size bodies. Their stretch denim hugs my wide hips and butt in ways that jeans from the mens section never have! They're fitted without a ton of loose fabric yet comfortable to move around in. And they make me feel fine as hell.” — Jay Aprileo (Comfy Fat)

Stitch Fix

“As a kid, I absolutely loved shopping with my mom. I was the stereotypical ‘girly girl’. As I got older and my pant size got larger, I enjoyed shopping and trying on clothes less and less. Taking on the task of pant shopping meant grabbing 6-7 different sizes of one style in order to figure out what size I truly was according to that store. It was exhausting. Eventually I gave up on shopping in stores all together and began using Stitch Fix. A slightly more expensive but far less anxiety producing option for shopping. Stitch Fix provides a stylist to hand pick 5 articles of clothing that they send you at the interval of your choosing. Best part about trying on the clothes? When you return an item, they ask very specific questions about why the piece didn’t work for you. Was it too big or too small? If so, where? The waist? The length? The calf? After a few tries, they had my pant size down to a science and the act of trying on pants was fun again.” — Alice A (@aliceabalm)

Forever 21

“I love them because they’re stretchy and make my curves look super sexy!” — Iris Perez (@iamirisperez)

Denim 24/7

“I have a hard time finding jeans that fit my curves properly so I often shop for women's jeans. Men’s jeans are mostly boxy & don't really have much give to them. This pair spoke to me & I honestly wear them all of the time.They make me feel sexy & confident. They show off parts of myself that I used to hide under baggy jeans.” — Tarik Carroll (@tarikcphoto)

Did I miss anything? Add your favorites to the comments!

Thanks to Alysse Dalessandro for help gathering responses.