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When you're jonesing for the perfect pair of jeans, balance is the clue to finding the cut for you. You'll want to find jeans that balance out the most prominent features of your shape; for instance, the extra fabric on boot-cut jeans might balance out wide hips better than a pair of skinnies would. Sort out the defining features of your shape, and you'll find a cut that fits you in no time.
Hourglass Helpers
If you've got shoulders or a bustline that are about equal in size to your hips, plus a clearly-defined waistline, then you've most likely got an hourglass figure. The best jean cut for your body type is the boot-cut or flare. These styles flare out a bit from calf to ankle, balancing your legs with your wide hips and top half. Sport skinny jeans with a bit of extra fabric at the ankle; a couple of inches of extra length over the heel adds length to your legs. Relaxed, wide-leg and trouser jeans add balance to your shape and are looser around your legs and thighs. A contoured waistline will cling to your small waist, sparing you that annoying gap in the back of your jeans.
Ruler-Shape Rules
If you're rocking a ruler shape, then your shoulders, bust, waistline and hips are all about the same size. You'll look scorching hot in a pair of skinny jeans, which elongate and slim your shape. To add a little extra curve, go for a pair of low-rise flares with high, embellished pockets; the low rise will give you extra hip action, flares will add weight to your bottom half and the pockets will lift your booty for a rounder look. Trouser jeans, which hang just off the thigh, will add weight without being baggy on you. Avoid contoured waistlines, which dig into your straight shape and create love handles.
Pear-Shape Pointers
A pear-shaped figure is bigger near the booty and hips than it is on top. A low-rise jean will slim your hips; a relaxed or trouser leg continues the slimming effect while giving extra comfort room in the hips and thighs and aligning your bottom half with your slimmer shoulders and bustline. Boot-cut legs can do the same, but beware a flare that's extra-wide -- it'll just make your hips look wider and out of balance. Steer clear of the skinny jean, which will accentuate your hips and do nothing for your slim top half.
Inverted Triangle Tips
If you're in the inverted triangle camp, your shape is basically the opposite of the pear; your hips are smaller than your shoulders and bustline. You'll want to play up your bottom half with a pair of flared, boot-cut or trouser jeans, which will bolster the bottom of your figure, while a high waistline will add length. Stay away from skinny jeans; they will draw the eye upward, emphasizing your broad bust or shoulders.
Apple-Shape Advice
If you're an apple shape, your top and bottom are equally slim, but you're widest at the middle. Wear jeans with a waistband that hits just beneath your belly button; high-waisted and low-rise styles make stomachs stick out. Avoid the contoured kind of waistline, which will dig into your belly. Bottom-boosting boot-cuts and flares will balance out your middle, as will relaxed and trouser jeans. Say no to skinny jeans, which chop you off at the ankle and guide the eye toward your tummy.
