Hey y'all! The question I hear most in the shop, by far, is "What size am I in these?" Every denim brand fits a little differently, and the same size can feel totally different from one style to the next. So I put everything I tell you in the dressing room into one guide you can use when you're shopping online, too.
The short answer: to find jeans that fit, choose the rise first, then the leg shape, then let the stretch decide your size. Most women over 30 and 40 are happiest in a high rise (10 to 12 inches), which sits at or just below your belly button and smooths your middle. Pick a wide, straight, barrel or flare leg based on the shoes you wear most. Then size by the fabric: size down in super-stretchy jeans, stay true to size in jeans with a little stretch, and check the fit notes on rigid jeans, which can run small or oversized.
For reference on every fit note below, I'm 5'6" and usually wear a 6 (28) in jeans. You'll find my size in each pair on our product pages, too.
Step 1: Start With the Rise
The rise is the distance from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband, and it changes how a pair of jeans feels more than anything else. We list the rise in the Fit & Sizing section of our product pages whenever we have it.
High rise (10" to 12"): This is where I send most of you. It holds you in without squeezing, covers you when you sit or bend, and looks great with a front tuck. Most of the jeans we carry are high rise.
Mid rise (about 9" to 10"): Sits a little lower, for women who find a high rise hits too close to the ribs, especially if you have a shorter torso.
Low rise and low-slung: Low rise is back on trend, usually in relaxed, slouchy fits. They're fun and easy with a longer top, but if you want coverage, stick with a high rise.
My tip: grab the pair of jeans you love most and measure the rise. Shop for that number and you'll know how a new pair will feel before it arrives.
Step 2: Pick Your Leg Shape
Wide-Leg Jeans
My number one pick if you only buy one pair. A wide leg balances your hips, makes your legs look longer, and works with almost every top you own. Look for a high rise so the volume starts at your waist, and a longer inseam if you love wearing them with boots.
Formula: high-rise wide-leg jeans + fitted or front-tucked top + boots or a platform sneaker
Straight-Leg Jeans
The jean that goes with everything. A straight leg skims your hips and thighs and falls straight down, so it works with sneakers, loafers and ankle boots. A dark wash with front seams makes your legs look extra long.
Formula: dark straight-leg jeans + sweater or blouse + ankle boots
Shop: Jeans
Barrel-Leg Jeans
Barrel jeans curve out at the knee and taper in at the ankle. They look like a big trend, but they're one of the comfiest fits we carry because there's room through the thigh. Keep the top fitted or cropped so the shape reads as intentional. If you're nervous to try them, start with a dark wash in a stretchy fabric.
Formula: barrel jeans + fitted tee or cropped sweater + sneakers or a pointed flat
Shop: Jeans · Tanks & Tees
Flare Jeans
A flare is slim through the hip and thigh and opens up at the hem, which balances wider hips and makes your legs look a mile long with a heel or boot. An ankle flare is the easiest version to wear every day.
Formula: ankle flare jeans + tucked blouse + heeled boot or wedge
Want more outfit ideas? See How to Style Wide-Leg Jeans and The Best Jeans for Women Over 40.
Step 3: Let the Stretch Decide Your Size
This is the part most people skip, and it's why jeans that fit perfectly in the dressing room are falling down by lunchtime. Check the fabric on the tag (or in the Fabric & Care section on our product pages) before you pick a size.
Super stretchy (lots of spandex, lyocell or rayon): stay true to size or size down. These jeans relax as you wear them, so they should feel snug when you buy them. If you're between sizes, go down. Many KUT from the Kloth styles fall in this group.
A little stretch (1% to 2% spandex or elastane): true to size. This is most Daze and Paige denim and many KUT styles. They hold their shape and mold to you a little over time.
Rigid (100% cotton, no stretch): read the fit notes. Rigid denim has that authentic vintage feel, but it fits differently from style to style. Some rigid jeans run small, so you may want to size up. Others, like many Free People boyfriend and barrel styles, are cut oversized on purpose, so size down one if you want a more fitted look. We always note which way a rigid style runs on the product page.
How Our Brands Size
KUT from the Kloth uses numbered sizes, while Daze, Paige, Free People and Z Supply use waist sizes. Here's how they roughly line up:
| KUT size | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waist size | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
Every brand is a little different. I wear a 6 in KUT, usually a 27 in Daze, and a 28 in Paige and most Free People. If you're between sizes, go by the stretch notes above.
Step 4: Check the Inseam
At 5'6", I wear ankle-length jeans (about 25" to 27") just above the ankle and full-length styles (29" and up) to the top of my foot with a boot.
- Petite? Ankle and cropped styles often hit full length on you, no hemming needed.
- Tall? Look for a 31" inseam or longer.
- Wide leg too long? Wear it with a platform shoe or boot so the hem doesn't drag, or take it to a tailor. A raw hem can be trimmed at home.
Fixing Common Fit Problems
The waist gaps in the back. Fit your hips first, then look for a high rise with stretch, which curves in at the waist. A belt or a quick tailor tuck fixes the rest.
You want a little tummy smoothing. Look for KUT's Fab Ab pockets. The front pocket linings are built to smooth and hold you in.
Your jeans stretch out by afternoon. Your jeans have a lot of stretch. Next time, go down a size in that style.
The thighs feel tight but the waist fits. Try a barrel or relaxed wide leg. They're cut with more room through the hip and thigh.
Wide-leg jeans feel overwhelming. Give your top a front tuck and pick a fitted top. Defining your waist keeps the volume where it belongs.
Denim Fit FAQ
How should jeans fit when you first buy them? Jeans should feel snug but comfortable when you buy them, especially stretch denim, which loosens up to half a size with wear. You should be able to sit and bend without the waistband digging in. If they're comfortable on day one with room to spare, they'll likely feel loose by the end of the week.
What rise is best for women over 40? For most women over 40, a high rise of about 10 to 12 inches is the most comfortable and flattering. It sits at or just below the belly button, smooths the midsection and stays covered when you sit. If a high rise feels too tall on your torso, try a mid rise of 9 to 10 inches.
Should I size up or down in jeans? It depends on the stretch. Size down or stay true to size in super-stretchy jeans, like many KUT from the Kloth styles. Stay true to size in jeans with 1% to 2% stretch. For rigid 100% cotton jeans, check the product's fit notes, because some styles run small and others are cut oversized.
Do KUT from the Kloth jeans run true to size? Most KUT jeans run true to size, but many are very stretchy, so size down if you're between sizes. KUT uses numbered sizes, and a KUT 6 is about a 28 waist.
What are the most comfortable jeans for women? High-rise jeans with stretch and a relaxed leg are the most comfortable for everyday wear. Wide-leg and barrel styles give you room through the hip and thigh, and KUT from the Kloth jeans are known for their soft, stretchy denim.
Can I exchange jeans if they don't fit? Yes. Full-price online purchases can be exchanged or returned for store credit within 14 days of receipt, in store or by mail, as long as they're unworn with tags attached. Markdown items are final sale. See our refund policy for details.
Where can I try on jeans in Buda, TX? Ellipsis Boutique is in Historic Downtown Buda at the Buda Mill & Grain, 306 S Main St, Suite 105. We carry KUT from the Kloth, Daze, Paige, Free People and Z Supply, and we're happy to pull a few sizes and styles for you to try.
Shop the Jeans
- All jeans: Jeans
- KUT from the Kloth: KUT from the Kloth
- Free People: Free People
- Boots and sneakers to wear with them: Shoes
The right pair of jeans makes every other piece in your closet easier to wear. Shop our Jeans online with free shipping on orders over $75, or stop by the boutique in Historic Downtown Buda and try on a few fits. Tell me what you love (and what you don't) about your current jeans, and I'll help you find your perfect pair!
xoxo, Amy
Amy Krell is the owner of Ellipsis Boutique in Buda, Texas, and has been helping women find comfortable, on-trend outfits since 2017.
