The Best of Denim Style Guide

I don’t need to tell you that denim is an important part of anyone’s wardrobe. No matter your style, you can benefit from a great pair of denim. And there isn’t anything better than finding a pair that fits perfectly! I’ve put together this denim style guide and included some denim styles I’ve worn for years and some I’ve recently tried. This took a while to put together but honestly this is one of my favorite posts I’ve ever done!

I’ve been in the need of a new pair of jeans, so I took this opportunity to try a bunch of different styles and top denim brands. I read all the fit guides to find great ones to try. As I was creating this denim style guide, I asked for some suggestions on Instagram and took the top recommendations. I ordered So. Many. Pairs! Seriously, my bedroom currently looks like a store! I found some great pairs and broke it all down below. I gave the specifics on each pair and my opinion. When I shopped for denim I did focus on skinny jeans but not exclusively. I also tried some boyfriends jeans and straight slim legs.

For reference, I’m currently a size 29. I have a relatively short waist and longer legs and a fairly straight figure in regards to my waist in relation to my hips/thighs. For my body shape, I typically like denim that has a slim leg. Skinny jeans make up the majority of my denim but I have some straight leg pairs too. I reference some “curvy” cuts below and those are great cuts for those with an hourglass figure. While they don’t work for me, I kept them in this guide because I know many of you will love them! I want to provide different denim styles for different body types.

Denim Style Guide Under $100

Abercrombie

If you are close to my age, hearing the word Abercrombie may give you flash backs to High School and low rise jeans with a short logo t-shirt. Well Abercrombie has come a long way and in the last year is one of my favorite places for denim. They completely redone their denim. They have great cuts and really good quality. Almost all of the jeans are under $100 and they have frequent sales. I also love the amount of washes each cut comes in. You really can find the perfect pair.

One of their best new cuts is the Curve Love, which is about the waist and butt area of the denim. These jeans are made for hour glass body types. Their fit guide shows they are cut to fit the difference in the thigh/butt area and your waist. Curve Love helps eliminate the gap at the waistband that a curvy body type can struggle with. This cut comes in different leg options too. So you can have Curve Love skinny Jeans, Curve Love straight leg, etc!

Zara

On a whim I decided to order some Zara jeans just to see what they are like. All 3 pairs I ordered were under $50! These are by far the most affordable pairs in this denim style guide. I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of them, especially for the price. They all felt great and way more expensive than they were. Zara would be a great place to try out a style or wash that you don’t typically do. I like trying a less expensive version of a trend to see if I really like it on me.

Levi’s

Levi’s typically comes to my mind when denim is mentioned but I haven’t tried on a pair of them in years. They are classic jeans with great quality, so you will have them in your closet forever. Except for the few styles that have “stretch” in the name, Levi’s have little to no stretch. When buying a pair you want them to fit snug because they will stretch as you wear them more. I will admit, some Levi’s are over $100 but most aren’t.

The two most classic Levi’s styles are the Wedgie and 501. While they are both high rise styles, the 501 has a slightly higher rise. The wedgie is also better for a curvier body. The waistband is a bit more fitted so it helps with the gap at the waist.

Denim Style Guide Over $100

Madewell

I have been recommending Madewell denim for years! If you look thru my outfit pics over the last few years, most of the time I am wearing Madewell (see here). I have lived in there classic Skinny Jean for quite awhile. I have 3 pairs: a medium wash, a distressed pair and a black pair. So I can also say that they last! What I really love about their denim is that many of the cuts come in several rises which helps fit all different body shapes. The 9″ is a mid rise on most people and the 10″ & 11″ are a high rise. While there are many Madewell styles under $100, my favorite pairs aren’t so I included the brand in this section.

Like Abercrombie, Madewell has a version of their jeans for different figures. The classic styles are best for a straight or athletic body shapes. For an hourglass shaped body, the Curvy versions of their cuts will fit perfectly. They have a contoured waistband, more fabric for your booty and a little more room in the hips and thighs.

Agolde

I’ve heard so much about Agolde and how great their denim is. They have a ton of styles and cuts I think everyone can find a great pair that they love for their body shape. Most pairs have a fair amount of stretch. This brand is pretty expensive but I do think you get a great quality pair of denim. If you find the right cut and wash, Agolde are a great investment in your wardrobe.

Other Denim Styles I Loved

While shopping, I looked for a few other brands and fits to try beyond the brands I knew I wanted to try from my suggestions on Instagram. I’ve heard a lot about Good American and everyone that has tried it has raved about the brand. I knew I wanted to try at least one pair to include in this denim style guide. They are supposed to fit lots of body shapes. Their fit guides say they’ll fit even if you go up or down a size. After trying a pair, I see how that’s possible. They have a ton of stretch and it conforms to your body. The waist actually sculpts you a bit and made my stomach look flatter while still being comfortable.

Frame is a denim brand that is commonly recommend and I have had several pairs of their denim thru the years. The brand makes great jeans that will last and do hold their shape thru many washes.

Disclosure: I may earn an affiliate commission on any purchases or clicks thru the links in this post. This is no cost to you and I only share things I love.