Let me proclaim that Jeans are not just the uniform of young women. There are so many various styles available these days that choosing the best jeans for women over 50 should really be a breeze, but once you find a style you like, my advice is to stick with it.
Sure, we shouldn’t be wearing our daughter’s jeans, and why would we want to cramp the style of the younger generation anyway? I believe that women over 50 need to choose elegant jeans that suit our body shape, jeans that have timeless qualities, just like us.
And we don’t need to go all comfy-womfy and always choose elasticated jeans, or baggy fit jeans – no no sisters, we’re aiming for a little pazazz here! But if you like a little comfort, then try to choose stretch jeans.
Before we delve deeper into the sizing, silhouette and fitting, let us accept that jeans are a favourite street-style fashion for women over 50.
Jeans look elegant and chic and can be slimming (How to Look Slimmer in Jeans) when styled properly and are most certainly a trendy look for older women, as well as popular among mature celebrities and style icons.
Table of Contents
Best Jeans for women’s body types
This post will cover the best jeans for women’s body types along with essential advice you need to know about jeans, including …
- How to choose the best jeans for women over 50
- Which jeans not to wear
- Best jeans for curvy women
- How many pairs of jeans should you own?
- Choosing the perfect size jeans
- Best jeans for tall women
What you need to know about jeans
Jeans are fabulous. They’ve been around for a long time (read about the history of jeans here). They’re adaptable to style, easy to pack and probably the most low-maintenance piece of clothing in a woman’s fashion arsenal.
How to Choose the Best Jeans for Women
The best jeans for women over 50 are not your daughter’s low rise styles, and many women will not want to test looking like mutton dressed up as lamb in very skinny jean styles.
When you find that an insanely good pair of jeans that fits you perfectly, makes your waist appear smaller, tucks your tummy in, and lengthens the look of your legs – then you’ll probably buy that brand for ever more.
However, to find the best jeans for women you need to look beyond just the size of your waist. You also need to feel confident all day long and for those days when you might worry about ‘eek is that a leak’ moments, ditch the pantyliners which will not bode well after a long day, but rather choose the more comfortable, more breathable option – washable leak proof pants to wear under jeans, such as Modibodi (my favourites).
How to Choose the Best Fitting Jeans for women over 50
Let us help you decide what to consider when you want to buy the best jeans, particularly the best fitting jeans for women over 50.
Our bodies have probably changed, menopause has seen to that, and what looked good on us a few years ago may not fit the bill anymore.
When choosing the best jeans for yourself there are several points to consider and different styles to think about.
High Waisted Jeans
High-rise jeans, or high waisted jeans work best on nearly every body shape – like those on the model below who’s wearing Crazy4Jeans high-waisted-slimming-jeans.
These gorgeous stretch jeans are probably going to work well, if you have an apple or pear shaped body. These are really flattering jeans for curvy women.
I’m wearing the same stretch jeans as the model, but I’ve turned them up at the bottoms to wear with my black LAURA FRANKiE4 ankle boots. I’m wearing an Elly top in Navy from Vivid International – Vivid International
High-rise styles have a way of subtly concealing your stomach area and making it flatter as they nip and tuck in the right areas.
If they are a great brand they should also do wonders for your bum too. They really are super jeans for curvy women.
High rise jeans can look really flattering with a t-shirt and a blazer, but avoid tucking in your shirt with high rise waistlines unless you have a slim tummy area.
Mid Rise Jeans
If you’re well-toned in the mid-riff section, you can probably pull off a mid-rise pair of jeans.
The waistband sits on the belly button. You can tuck shirts into mid rise jeans if you like, but make sure you give them a blouson effect over the waistband – and don’t try to tuck them in too neatly or tightly or you run the risk of looking ‘bulgy’.
Which jeans not to wear
Low Rise Jeans
We recommend you steer clear from low-rise cuts when you’re over the age of 50, unless you’re of super model proportions, and most of us are not!
You see, after the age of 50, a muffin top (blame the hormones) is likely to appear just around the waistline – as if by black magic – and it’s hard to conceal this spare tyre with low rise jeans.
Ripped Faded Jeans
Lets talk about ripped faded jeans.
The best jeans for women over 50 probably should not include ripped jeans or faded styles aimed at the 20 something market. It just invokes the idea of ‘mutton dressed up as lamb’ to me.
Best Skinny Jeans for women
The best Skinny jeans for women should have a tight fit with a taperered leg and are skinny from hip to hemline.
Generally they will have a low to mid-rise waistline and will best suit taller women with slim legs and small waists.
Some people think that skinny jeans are probably not the best idea at this point in life but from my point of view I enjoy wearing them.
I think if you do choose them, then go for a longer style tunic top to cover your bum and tum.
Best Jeans for Curvy Women
If you have a large tummy but slim legs then slim leg jeans are a great style for you. Wear a blouse that flatters your top half and covers your bum and tum.
A high waist jean will be your best bet, but try flared jeans too.
If you are curvy from bust to toe then go for loose fitting jeans – try straight cut with a wide leg or go for relaxed jeans.
Try Gap, H&M, and NYDJ
Best Jeans for Tall Women
When it comes to jeans for tall women, you really can choose most styles.
The most important thing when buying online is to know your inseam so that you don’t end up with a pair of jeans that are far too short for your leg.
Try these brands: American Eagle, Paige, Long Tall Sally, Nordtrom, NYDJ and Levi’s.
Easy to carry off jeans
Boyfriend style jeans, mom jeans, straight cuts, and slim-fits are some of the style that are easy to carry off and are a little forgiving too.
They allow you the comfort of being able to move around without worrying about being to low slung or too young, and they can look absolutely gorgeous and trendy.
Slim Fit Jeans
Slim fit jeans are more likely to have a mid-rise waistline. They are straight through the hips and slim on the thighs, with a narrow leg.
Slim-fits can work well because they have a form flattering fit and can successfully make your legs appear slimmer than they actually are.
These type of jeans are also some of the best jeans for tall women because your long legs can rock the look.
Bootcut Jeans
Bootcut jeans are great for making your legs appear slimmer and longer.
They are great to wear with long boots because the bottom area will flow neatly over the boot.
They should fit to be tighter around the thigh area, and then flare out to widen from the knee to hem.
Regular Jeans
These jeans are workhorses.
They will generally have a mid-rise waistline and the trouser leg falls straight from the knee to hem with a wider leg opening than both slim-fit jeans and skinny jeans.
Low Crotch Jeans
I’m not a fan of this style, but you might love them.
They are worn low on the waist and have a drop-crotch, which gives them a baggy, saggy look.
Best Colours
We can’t possibly talk about the best fitting jeans for women over 50 without bringing into consideration the colour.
As a simple rule of thumb, darker colours have a slimming effect, so I’d suggest you stick to black, navy or dark acid wash jeans.
White and pale blue jeans work well with the right tops.
If you accessorise well you can really expect to make an entrance with white jeans, but they will generally have the effect of making you appear larger than if you wear dark coloured jeans.
Choosing The Perfect Size Jeans
When it comes to buying the best jeans for women, sizes are all that matter. Each brand may have a different fit, so don’t be vain about your sizing.
Don’t hope to be a size smaller than you really are – all brands have different sizing charts.
If you are buying online then make sure you now your inseam, know your waist and hip measurement, and have an idea of what style of jeans you want to buy.
Don’t be afraid to buy online. You can get some great prices. But tread carefully. Measure well and then follow the brand’s size charts to get the perfect fit.
How to Measure for Jeans to get the Perfect Fit
- Measure you inseam – the inseam is the distance between the crotch to where you want the bottom hem of the pants to fall.
- A regular inseam is between 29 and 32, longer options offer somewhere between 31 and 34.
- Measure your waist. Use a soft tape measure. Place it about 4 inches, (10cm) below your belly button for mid-rise jeans.
- Measure slightly above your belly button for high-waist jeans.
- Measure around your hips at their widest point.
- Measure the front rise from your crotch to your belly button for the rise of the jeans.
- Measure the widest part of your thigh.
There is no substitute for trying on jeans. You really need to look at them from different angles, make sure you can sit down in them without your blood flow stopping, but also making sure that they hug, nip and tuck in the right places.
Most jeans are at their tightest the first time you put them on. As you wear them they will probably loosen up over time and become much more comfortable. My advice is to buy jeans slightly tighter than you really want them to be after the first wash or two.
If you’re buying online then read customer feedback and reviews to get a sense for how the pants fit and if they run true to size.
If you’re buying online also check that there is a good returns policy in place if you need to change them, and once you find a style that suits you online, my advice is to buy two pairs … One pair for high days and holidays and one for when you don’t want to be so nipped and tucked.
I highly recommend you always keep two sizes of jeans in your closet – one for the size you actually are and one just a size above for days when you are feeling a little bloated or carrying a little extra holiday weight around.
There are days when snug jeans just aren’t the brightest idea of all time, and that’s when you get to use your one-size above jeans, and still look great but just feel a little more comfortable.
Jeans have become a year round staple to wear in summer and winter, so it just makes sense to make sure you have a couple of favourite pairs of great fitting jeans to pull out at a moment’s notice.
What’s the Difference between Low-Rise, Mid-Rise and High Rise Jeans?
- Low-rise jeans will sit about 5 to 10 cms below your belly button.
- Mid-rise jeans will sit just below your belly button.
- High rise jeans will fit close to your natural waist.
How Many Pairs of Jeans Should You Own?
- One pair that fit you like a glove which look great for going out.
- One pair a size larger for the days when you don’t want to be nipped and tucked in.
- A pair of white jeans for summertime.
- A pair of skinny jeans that you can wear with ankle boots or knee length boots or high heels and dress up for going out.
- A pair of loose fit jeans, or straight leg jeans for everyday wear at home or away.
- A pair of stretch jeans comfortable for long journeys.
- A bootcut or flared pair of jeans which will make your legs look longer.
What to wear with jeans when you’re over 50
At Lifestyle Fifty we love asymmetrical bohemian tops, ethnic embroidered blouses, snowy white tees or crisp button-ups and blazers – the options to style jeans are unlimited.
You most certainly don’t have to consider things as banal and trivial as your age to be able to flaunt the bad boys above, especially when you successfully find your right fit and style.
Best High Waisted Jeans for Curvy Women
Crazy4Jeans offer great fitting jeans that hug your body in all the right places, like the ones I’m wearing above. If you’re curvy they flatter you where you need it most by targeting your belly, bum and thighs.
They’re also comfortable and stretchy.
Secretly you’ll be thrilled with the way they offer you a better moulded and more toned looking bottom.
In the photos below I’m wearing gifted CYSM Daphne jeans in AU Size 12, USA 07. They are fabulous three quarter length, black skinny jeans. These stylish push-up jeans with a high waist work wonders on your figure.
Over the jeans I’m wearing an Australian size 10, round necked, Vivid International Tammy Top in Monochrome. It’s short sleeves fall to a flattering level and the plain underlay contrast falls slightly lower than the printed top layer which neatly hides tum and bum.
The Tammy Top is a best seller, and really is a nice loose cut top that covers the arms, has a great layering detail that shapes you nicely and the back panel seam detail adds a nice extra touch.
I really like the turn-up style and cute detailing at the hemline of the CYSM Daphne jeans. It gives them a lovely touch of pazazz. You could wear them with ankle boots or strappy shoes.
I’ve styled them with FRANKiE4 SALLi tan leather ankle boots and some strappy wedge heels.
Below I’m wearing Crazy4Jeans super high waisted blue skinny slimming jeans which I’ve turned up at the bottoms instead of wearing them full length.
I think this style of high waisted, slimming jeans really are the best jeans for curvy women.
Exclusive Discount Code
For a nice 15% discount at Crazy4Jeans online, use the code JO15 at checkout : Click here to see all the styles.
Video : Find the Right Jeans for your Body Type
For more style tips read The Ultimate Guide to Fifty Plus Womens Fashion.
Fashion Tips for Women Over 50
Want to know how many jeans women really own? Read “How many Clothes do I need?”
Win a Pair of Jeans
Update 18th February 2019: Competition Closed. The winner has been notified by email.
About Crazy4Jeans
Crazy4Jeans aims to provide High End Denim Pieces with a twist, offering unique styles that fit perfectly and are comfy.
They’re designed to be nicely decorated, cool, trendy and unique.
Each garment is made from shaping technology that integrates a bottom lifting effect, and offers abdomen control features to make women appear slimmer while ensuring optimum comfort levels.
Durable fabrics, high quality manufacturing and creative sewing techniques are combined to produce the latest fashion trends. Find out more about the technology, fit and styles here.
High Waisted Jeans for Women Over 50 That Fit Well.
“OMG Jo, my new jeans just arrived and they are FABULOUS!!!
I must admit I was sceptical about them, it’s hard enough to find decent jeans when you get to try them on, let alone online.
But – these high waisted jeans from Crazy4Jeans fit PERFECTLY, have lots of stretch in them, and are SO COMFY I can already tell I will be wearing them to death. I got a black pair so now I want to buy a blue pair as well!!!
Janet – Middle Aged Mama
What is your favourite cut of jeans – low rise, mid rise or high rise?
Which is your favourite brand of jeans?
This post contains gifted merchandise, and affiliate links from which I stand to earn a small commission (if you buy from them) at no cost to you. Lifestyle Fifty Website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Inspiring Women Writers – Meet Jo Tracey
A general choice of popular jeans for women is the “Levi’s” brand. Levi’s is known for its high-quality jeans and variety of styles that suit different preferences and shapes. Their line includes options like the classic Levi’s 501, as well as other modern styles and women’s-specific fits. Keep in mind that choosing the best jeans can depend on the fit, style, and personal preferences of each individual. Other popular manufacturers include brands such as Wrangler, Lee, and Guess, among others.
Hello
Finding jeans for women over 50 that are flattering is not an easy job. Nothing is worse than going out to dinner in a pair of jeans so snug they cut off the connection between your stomach and your intestines.
Oh yes, I agree with you there. It’s uncomfortable but it doesn’t always stop me eating too much – then I feel really awful at the end of the meal!
You are sharing an amazing collection of jeans and a nice guidance to wear them. I like this article so much. Thanks and keep sharing.
Are all Lifestyle Fifty competitions only for Australian entrants? I love the article and agree with how the bodies change as I am now not that slim woman I once was, I was a size 8 right up to age 48 then I got fibroids (one at 13cm) which destroyed my figure and then hysterectomy further changed me. Still not over it. I cant seem to get rid of bulge under belly button so I really do rely on jeans to hold me in – Jeans are so part of my wardrobe and I only wear these. So I am an aussie living in the UK and enjoy reading your emails but always miss the competitions but now I wonder if I can enter anyway.
Some competitions are worldwide, some only Australian. Generally you’ll see it stated in the rules or conditions. Thanks for sharing your battle of the bulge story, I certainly relate to that too, although I’m sure you’ve had a tougher time with fibroids and hysterectomy to battle with.
Hey!And you are so right. I do not want to appear as “mutton dressed up as lamb.” I told my teenage daughter that analogy, and we both got great laugh. You are sooo right. Elegant and timeless clothing is the way to go for 50 and above. And, yes, jeans fit into that category. Thanks for the tips!
And you are so right. I do not want to appear as “mutton dressed up as lamb.” I told my teenage daughter that analogy, and we both got great laugh. You are sooo right. Elegant and timeless clothing is the way to go for 50 and above. And, yes, jeans fit into that category. Thanks for the tips!
Hi, I wear mostly vintage or vintage retro clothing. I love jeans & I found some awesome retro look jeans.
Collectif has a pair identical to the first pair you have pictured. They are great, high waisted so cover everything. My other pair are wide leg by Retrospected ( Aussie brand). They are great too with a short top.
I enjoy your blog. Especially the what to pack for cruising.
Thanks
Finding jeans for women over 50 that are flattering is not an easy job. Nothing is worse than going out to dinner in a pair of jeans so snug they cut off the connection between your stomach and your intestines.
I really dislike that feeling Kate – and yet remember in the ‘old’ days how I would lie on the bed to zip up my jeans and not think anything of it!
I always find jeans a struggle, the cut is so bad! So I’d actually like to strut my stuff from here, to the supermarket, to every birthday in my new jeans!
Finding great jeans isn’t easy Becky I agree. Once you’ve found a brand you love you need to stick with it I reckon.
Jeans to hold it all together, look great and are as comfortable as trackies that’s what all us 50+, 60+ and more gorgeous girls need!
Haha Suzanne – I do agree with you on holding it all together 😉
So glad I’ve found your site Jo – this site is a godsend, I’m about to go to NYC for a very long overdue catchup with my little sister who lives in Perth and we want to shop!! I would love to find a regular local supplier for jeans and Crazy4Jeans looks like they would be perfect
Hello Stephanie, oh wow I hope you have a fabulous time in NYC – and a lovely catch up with your sister from Perth.
I’d love to feel and look fabulous and these jeans look like they fit real women and enhance what nature gave us.
Thank you for this article! Love that you made it simple…choose this style…not these! 🙂 Of course, I’d LOVE to win a pair of jeans with body enhancing properties. I’ve tried & tried & just can’t seem to find the perfect pair! I fit into a US size 8 jean, but have a thick-ish waist, narrow-ish hips, good legs & flat bum, so getting the right combination is a challenge. Thanks again for the all the education you provide!
I’d love a pair of well fitting jeans – my shape these days needs all the help it can get! Love the look of the high waisted jeans which might help pull in that roll that seems to have developed over the past year or two – where did that come from?
I’m loving all of your tips and the description of the different types of jeans. Now that I’ve moved away from the extreme heat of North Queensland, jeans are about to make a come back in my wardrobe. As a MARIE KONDO fan, I’ve culled my wardrobe contents and as none of my outdated jeans “gave me joy” I am now jeanless – your article couldn’t have come at a better time. I’ll be heading to Tasmania in March – the perfect place for a cute pair of jeans!
I do think jeans are a staple for every woman now!! And that’s a good thing.
I’d love to be considered for the giveaway. I’ve been trying to purge and declutter and I think I went too far (eeek!!). I only have one pair of blue jeans remaining and they are from over 6 years ago and don’t even fit that well. I’m not sure how this happened but I certainly need to add to my collection now!
XOXO
Jodie
Hello – Are all Lifestyle Fifty competitions only for Australian entrants? I love the article and agree with how the bodies change as I am now not that slim woman I once was, I was a size 8 right up to age 48 then I got fibroids (one at 13cm) which destroyed my figure and then hysterectomy further changed me. Still not over it. I cant seem to get rid of bulge under belly button so I really do rely on jeans to hold me in – Jeans are so part of my wardrobe and I only wear these. So I am an aussie living in the UK and enjoy reading your emails but always miss the competitions but now I wonder if I can enter anyway. Thank you for great articles.
Hi Elvira, thanks for sharing your story. I know changing body shape really does suddenly start to creep up on us as we get older. I guess the important thing is that we are still here and enjoying life.
Great article. And you are so right. I do not want to appear as “mutton dressed up as lamb.” I told my teenage daughter that analogy, and we both got great laugh. You are sooo right. Elegant and timeless clothing is the way to go for 50 and above. And, yes, jeans fit into that category. Thanks for the tips!
Thank you Camille. So glad you found the tips helpful.
I used to swear by Just Jeans second skin, but they only make them up to size 16 which is a bit too snug on me these days!!! The last pair of jeans I bought look fab, but tend to slide down when I wear them – the joys of having an apple shape. So still looking for that elusive pair of perfect jeans …
I’m with you Janet – finding great jeans is tricky, despite all the choices, and our bodies change shape without us realising as we get older. I hope you find a pair of jeans you like – I also used to like Just Jeans, but I am really loving the nip and tuck properties of Crazy4Jeans range.