Plus Sized Fashion: Finding a Great Pair of Jeans

For a plus-sized woman, finding fashionable clothing can be difficult. Often the items made for larger sizes are matronly in cut and style, and trendy items are rarely made larger than a size 14. Fortunately, tanks to stores like Lane Bryant, Avenue, and Torrid, catering exclusively to plus sizes, and mainstream stores like Old Navy increasing their size range, larger women are increasingly more able to find clothes.

A great pair of jeans can be difficult to find at any size. There are some rules to follow that can make shopping for denim much easier. Rise, cut, wash, and fabric are the four main characteristics to look out for when trying on jeans.

Rise

A mid-rise jean will look great on anyone, but this aspect is much more important for a plus-sized woman. The waist should cut across the widest part of the torso, which for most women is near the hip. This is especially important for someone who has a larger stomach. If the waist is too high it will emphasize the stomach, and if it is too low, the stomach will hang over the waistband and look larger than it is. For someone with a flatter stomach this rule still applies. A waist that is too high or low will create the illusion of a belly that isn't there. A mid-rise will camouflage a stomach that is there, and not create one that isn't.

Cut

The most universally flattering cut for a jean is a straight leg. For someone who is taller, a slight boot cut can also work. A tapered leg will make everything above the ankle look larger than it actually is, especially when combined with a higher rise. A common misconception about fit is that a flared leg will make the thighs look thinner. This is not true. A flared leg will in actuality make the wearer look shorter. A straight cut will lengthen and narrow the leg, creating the illusion of being taller and thinner than one actually is.

Wash

It is widely known that black and other dark colors are supposed to make you look thinner. This extends to jeans. A dark, uniform wash is the most flattering and will make the wearer look the thinnest. Any details or changes in the wash can add pounds to the thighs. Sandblasting, which is where the center of the legs appear lighter than around the outsides, and whiskering, faded lines around the crotch that look like whiskers, are the two most common and most unflattering variations in wash. A dark wash will not only make you look thinner, but it is a less casual look. In some work environments and for some parties, a dark wash jean can be dressed up enough to be appropriate, where other washes are far too casual.

Fabric

Contrary to popular belief, stretch jeans are not the most flattering. While a small amount of spandex can make jeans hold their shape longer and be more comfortable, too much can be very unflattering. When jeans have a lot of stretch in them, they will undoubtedly cling tighter to the body. This can have the effect of being stuffed or poured into one's jeans. This actually makes a person look heavier than they actually are. To be the most slimming, jeans should fit close to the body without clinging to it tightly.

These rules can be extended to anyone, but they are most important for a plus-sized woman to follow. Larger sizes have one additional rule to pay attention to: the size of the back pockets. As the size of the pant goes up, the size of the back pocket should as well. If they are too small, they will emphasize the rear end and make it look larger in comparison. The pockets should compliment the jeans.

Buying a great pair of jeans is never easy. However, with the knowledge of what looks best, finding a pair that flatters and fits well can be an attainable goal for every woman, no matter what size.