I Searched for the Perfect Mom Jeans for Thick Thighs and Here is What I Learned…

Searching for the Perfect Mom Jean

You want to know something that average to curvy size people aren’t talking about? They are absolutely forgetting to mention how hard it is to find mom jeans that fit perfectly. Honestly, I spent the greater part of my life believing that my body was just not meant to wear the cool-girl denim style. High-waist jeans, while trending, need to be styled correctly! However, I’m both an advocate for dressing for your body type and also for wearing whatever makes you happy. The contradiction to both those beliefs that I kept finding while shopping for mom jeans was that they were neither flattering nor making me happy (both pivotal arguments for the standards). After coming to terms with the fact that mom jeans were not made for women with thick thighs, I largely gave up on the quest. That is, until recently when I went on a spree and tried on 35+ different pairs of trousers in 3 hours in hopes of finding the exact fit my body needs. While I found out a lot about what I didn’t like, I also narrowed the search down to 6 pairs of jeans that are perfect for thicker thighs and curvy ladies like myself!

What I Learned About Styling Mom Jeans

The Perfect Price is between $40-$150

Interestingly, I happened upon a pattern while trying on all these jeans. Going into this search, I told myself I would not hold back on any jeans, regardless of their price. After asking for your thoughts on Instagram Stories, I found some of the suggestions were on the pricier end jeans ($275). Even though that felt like breaking the bank, I was willing to compromise price if the jeans were going to make me feel amazing for a good while. As it turns out, most of the jeans that I tried on above the $150 threshold couldn’t hold a candle to the more affordable pairs. They seemed to be less inclusive of curves and different body-types (even Good American jeans)! Now, some of you may think that $150 is too much to spend on jeans; I understand because I used to be in that same camp. As I have gotten older, I’ve realized that sometimes denim prices are higher to cover the cost of quality. You’ll find out what I mean as you read on! Not to worry, though, most of the jeans I am recommending are on sale!

Traditional Denim Sizes Don’t Matter

Most of the time, you go into a store knowing what size you’re looking for. When shopping for mom jeans and straight leg denim, it is a whole ‘nother ballgame! For one, most of these styles have zero stretch (there are exceptions). Another reason? To get the more classic loose fit, you have to be willing to move up in size. As I poured myself into a myriad of non-stretch cotton denim, I told myself to stop looking at the size and to start looking at the fit. After awhile, I started taking in 3 pairs of the same jean in different sizes into the dressing room. It became crucial to my mission that I forget about the number on the clothing that was holding me back. If you enjoy this post, be sure to check out swimsuits for thick thighs as well.

Results: The Perfect Straight Leg Jeans for Thick Thighs

TOPSHOP Dad Jeans

Coincidentally, I happened upon these jeans while perusing the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and fell in love. The coincidence? They weren’t a part of the sale but were to me shortly after! What I love above the TOPSHOP Dad pair of jeans is the button-up closure! This type of closure is great for two reason: holding you in and allowing you to get tight jeans on while still having a tight waist. The jeans offer minimal stretch, but aren’t completely rigid. I sized up two sizes to get the fit I wanted.

SHOP DAD JEANS

American Eagle Curvy Fit Mom Jeans

Unlike the previous pair of jeans, the American Eagle Curvy Fit Mom Jeans provide ample stretch! While they don’t offer the “loose AF’ look of vintage denim, they fit really well to my body. This is a pair of high-waist bottoms you should get if you worry about the dreaded “gap”. These jeans hug tight at the waist and won’t slink down when you bend down. These fit true to size! (P.S. they are on sale right now!)

SHOP CURVY MOM JEANS

Madewell The Perfect Vintage Jean

As I started on this journey to find my perfect fit, Madewell was already on my mind. They restored my hope in humanity a few years ago when I tried on their 10″ rise jeans, so I had high hopes for a pair that would deliver a similar fit in a different style. Of course, many of you (on my InstaStory polls) also felt the same way and recommended the brand extensively! They carry both The Perfect Vintage Jean and The Perfect Curvy Vintage Jean (touted for it’s lack of gapping); the styles I was looking for! I ended up with the non-curvy pair  because I found the right fit in the sale section! Unlike the other, more stretch-fit jeans from Madewell, I had to go up a size because the jeans are indeed stiff! My favorite part was the expertly placed distressing that make the pants look “lived in”. These vintage jeans are one of Madewell’s more affordable pairs, and are on sale right now. It is also worth noting that Madewell has excellent customer service and has always repaired zippers or price matched coupons for me.

SHOP VINTAGE MOM JEANS

Zara Hi-Rise Straight

In full transparency, this was my first pair of Zara jeans I had ever tried on! My first experience in a Zara store was in London, England and I was mesmerized! This light wash pair of jeans immediately stood out to me as I walked by them. The straight jeans don’t offer a lot of stretch and are a more rigid denim at 100% cotton, but interestingly, I didn’t need to go up in size! Gapping in the back wasn’t a huge issue because this pair is tight, but they aren’t a pair I would wear all day long.

SHOP STRAIGHT ANKLE DENIM

Zara High Waist Culotte

Now, I didn’t intend to go looking for culotte pants, but this pair surprisingly gave me more of the look I was going for! The Zara High Waist Culotte is the perfect color and wash! This pair is unfortunately out of stock (unless you find it at your local store like I did). However, below are a few similar pairs I found online at varying price points!

SHOP WIDE LEG JEANS

Old Navy Straight

Another big contender in the suggestions from Instagram was to check out Old Navy. I’m a all about their Rockstar pants and thought they might be promising! After trying on countless styles, and feeling unsuccessful, I walked away with this straight pair 3 sizes bigger than my normal size. Normally, I would have said no because the gapping in the back was a bit much and the fit wasn’t absolutely perfect, but they were in the sales rack for a killer price! Ultimately, I’d pass on Old Navy if looking for good mom jeans!

SHOP MOM JEANS UNDER $50

Which pair above is your favorite? Have you had a hard time finding the perfect pair of mom jeans like me?!