When you see the term “curvy,” you probably automatically assume that it is best for bigger bodies. Plus sizes have been deemed curvy for ages, and when brands started releasing both extended sizes and curvy fits, lines started to get a little bit blurred as to what style works best for what body shape.
A curvy style doesn’t mean it is made with plus sizes in mind. It is more indicative of shape vs size. Madewell recently relaunched their curve line, and I thought it would be a great opportunity to share a comparison and my thoughts on curvy jeans!
Madewell gifted me a few pairs of their new curvy jeans, with no obligation to post. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our Disclosure Policy for details.
WHO ARE CURVY JEANS FOR?
Let’s start by going through what bodies curvy jeans are actually designed for!
- HOURGLASS SHAPE – If you have a very nipped in waist and find your jeans always gaping at the waistband, curvy jeans may be right for you!
- APPLE BOTTOM – Big booty? No problem. Curvy jeans are designed with a bit of extra fabric in the seat of the jeans. If you consistently struggle with your pants sagging in the butt, curvy denim might not be your BFF.
- HIPS AND THIGHS – I carry most of my weight in my midsection, but if you are someone who has a larger bottom half, especially in your hips and thighs, curvy jeans were made for you! With a more generous cut through the hips, you won’t feel as restricted in the skinniest of jeans
- ALL OTHERS – There is no blanket statement of what works for who when it comes to jeans. Finding a great pair is like a needle in a haystack and if you haven’t been able to find just the right pair, you may want to branch out with different fits, like curvy!
HOW CURVY JEANS ARE DESIGNED
I used to think that curvy jeans were just smaller in the waist. But after doing some research on fit, measurements and now trying multiple pairs side by side to the regular fit of the same style, I know that I was wrong!
I tried on three pairs of curvy fit jeans – shorts, skinny crops, and traditional high rise denim. I happened to have the same style jeans in different washed to compare them to. I put each pair on, sat down, did a few squats and compared each to one another.
There is so much more than just a nipped in waist, which the curvy fit does have! There is maybe an inch difference in waist circumference, and a longer rise in the crotch/seat area, to make room for larger booties. There is also a bit of extra fabric in the hips. I noticed this right off the bat!
My body is more of an apple shape, and curvy jeans aren’t really designed to fit and flatter my kind of curves. The regular fit jeans contour to my body better, with a little more room in the waist and narrower hips and thighs.
Below, you can see me in the same pair of jeans (different washes) side by side. I am wearing the size 37 in all pairs. The regular shorts are no longer available in extended sizes, and my distressed pair is an old wash. The curvy fit is on the LEFT and the regular fit is on the right.
It got me when you said that curvy jeans would look good on those with a larger bottom half. I will look for Miss Me jeans in that style and try them for the first time. Now that I am gaining weight, the fat would go to my lower half first which is why my upper body seems thin. And I need to find ways to make my outfit work in this new appearance that I have.