Butts: We all have them, and lately they've become a hot topic of conversation. Here at R29 HQ, we cherish derrieres of all shapes and sizes — and, we're all about flaunting the curves Mother Nature gave us (wherever they may be). We also cherish getting our hands on the perfect pair of jeans, which means something different for everyone. A go-to pair of denim — one that flatters you in all the right places — has a way of instantly elevating your look and attitude.
Maybe you're not 100% sure which styles and fits — flared, skinny, bootcut, etcetera — are going to give your rear the most bang for its buck. Well, school is officially in session: We enlisted denim-fit experts from DL1961, Genetic, Joe's, Mother, and Paige to break down six common butt types and the best pairs of jeans to shop for each. Click ahead for the ultimate guide. Bum's the word.
Butt Type: Bubble
Take a look at your backside in the mirror: If your butt is round all the way around, then you've got a bubble butt. Your derriere likely has a very full shape, and will be best complemented in dark-wash skinnies in a stretchy fabric or boyfriend jeans. Flares aren’t out of the question, either. Mother designer and co-founder Tim Kaeding suggests, “mid-rise skinny jeans in a clean wash and with minimal details on the back pockets.” He explains that low-rise denim could potentially reveal more than you’d like when you're sitting or bending down.
Paige co-founder and creative director Paige Adams-Geller echoes Kaeding, adding, “darker indigo washes or black denim (with no hand sanding) will help in balancing your proportions.” Adams-Geller also suggests a boyfriend jean for anyone who prefers to downplay their assets. Oversized silhouettes might seem counterintuitive for women with shapely rears, but, she explains, "the looser legs of the jean will actually shift the focus off your tush."
A nonchalant, dark wash with simple pockets is ideal for bubble butts.
PAIGE, $189.00, available at PAIGE
Madewell's jean boasts a special denim with tons of stretch, and its high waist has a slightly '70s vibe.
Madewell, $128.00, available at Madewell
These skinny jeans are made of a super-stretchy denim for a super-soft finish.
Hudson, $116.00, available at Hudson
3x1's amazingly stretchy indigo denim is calling your name.
3x1, $195.00, available at 3x1
Cropped jeans are perfect for rising temperatures. If you're petite, they also have the added bonus of saving you on tailoring.
3x1, $225.00, available at 3x1
Butt Type: Flat
Flat-butted women (very official terminology, people) have rears that are, well, flat. The key to jean shopping is searching out styles that help better define your butt region (or lack thereof, in this case). Adams-Geller recommends choosing "denim that has pockets with details, like zippers and welts, that add extra thickness to the back pocket." Look for sanding on the butt of the jean, she adds: “The sanding acts as a highlighter and gives the illusion of volume.”
Higher rises will also “promote the idea of a fuller silhouette, since they cinch in at your natural waist,” Kaeding says.
The jean starts at your natural waist, creating the appearance of a much shapelier bum.
Gap, $69.95, available at Gap
The light sanding on the butt of the jean creates a highlighting effect.
3x1, $235.00, available at 3x1
The slight sanding on the pockets and the curved seam detail are a great combination if you want to bump up a flattering shape.
Mango, $49.99, available at Mango
Butt Type: Low
“If you have a low butt, try lifting and separating the cheeks a bit,” Adams-Geller says. “A jean that acts like a butt bra will do the trick.” How's that for a mental image? The point she's getting at is that low butts can sometimes benefit from a little boost.
Fabric choice actually plays a more important role for this butt type than for others. DL1961 creative director Sarah Ahmed advises “steer[ing] clear of fabric that will sag out with wear.” Instead, she adds, “look for denim with less stretch and a little more structure” — this will help with lift.
Other details, like contoured waistbands and pockets, are also worth considering here. Adams-Geller continues, “I would also recommend a jean that has wash-detailing at the top of the pockets or right above them to help draw the eye up. Pocket placement is critical: Ideally, you want the bottom of the pocket to sit where the cheek meets the thigh.”
This bottom-pocket situation is right on the money.
AMO, $249.00, available at Shopbop
"A skinny jean or high-rise legging is a versatile closet staple that transitions easily throughout different seasons," Dahan adds.
Topshop, $68.00, available at Topshop
“The new Vixen fit would be perfect for women in this category, because it has a contoured waistband that lifts and shapes the backside with gravity-defying fabric,” says Joe Dahan, founder and creative director of Joe's Jeans.
Joe's, $169.00, available at Joe's
"A skinny jean or high-rise legging is a versatile closet staple that transitions easily throughout different seasons," Dahan adds.
Topshop, $65.00, available at Topshop
"DL1961's revolutionary fabrics DLX and dlpro have 98% retention rates, so your jeans won't ever sag, bag, or lose shape," Ahmed says.
DL1961, $178.00, available at DL1961
The straight leg (not quite tapered!) adds a little extra width around your ankles for a more balanced proportion.
MOTHER, $196.00, available at Mother
Butt Type: Wide
Your widest measurement is around your butt and hip region. You might assume styles that are roomier around the hips and more tapered around the leg and calf are your best bet — and they’re a great option for your shape — but, you certainly shouldn't feel limited to just one jean style. Adams-Geller and Kaeding both suggest experimenting with flares and boot cuts: “The extra volume at the bottom can add balance to your body’s proportions,” Adams-Geller explains.
Consider keeping your back-pocket situation minimal. Genetic ’s founder and creative director Ali Fatourechi suggests staying away from oversized pockets. "The cleaner, the better," she says.
For those who feel comfortable in tapered styles, these H&M skinny jeans are a great pick, with simple pockets to boot.
H&M, $39.95, available at H&M
"The Coco fit is great for girls who have a little more booty to love," Ahmed says.
DL1961, $178.00, available at DL1961
The flare past the knee lends some volume to your lower legs.
Victoria Victoria Beckham, $375.00, available at Shopbop
Butt Type: Triangle
Triangle-shaped butts are widest where your hips meet your thighs. “I would go for a low-rise or boyfriend jean that hangs from your hip-bone area,” Adams-Geller recommends. “The lower rise will broaden the look of your higher hip, and offer the illusion of straighter hips.” Similarly, a wide-leg jean will complement the fullness of your bum. Paired with heels or a wedge, flares will elongate the line of your legs.
If you're opting for more tapered denim, you may want to think strategically about pocket placement. Look for pockets that are set high toward the waist of the jean; this draws focus up from your thighs toward center of your bum.
Boyfriend jeans are a favorite silhouette right now — wear J.crew's classy version to brunch.
J.Crew, $168.00, available at J.Crew
Let the jeans sit low on your hip; the shorter rise is flattering for triangle-shaped bums.
Genetic, $270.00, available at Moda Operandi
The slightly oversized fit is mad comfy.
rag & bone, $265.00, available at Net-A-Porter
The straight-through-the-hip fit and lived-in look of these Levi's will take you through spring.
Levi's, $98.00, available at Nordstrom
Butt Type: No Butt
So what if you have a less-endowed backside than others? Embrace it! The designers we talked to all seem to agree that high rises and flares are great options for this butt type. “A high-rise jean that sits above your hips and hugs your waist is a great way to mimic curves,” Ahmed says. Genetic’s Fatourechi agrees: “A high-rise flare is a great option for girls looking to accentuate and lift their butt.”
Adams-Geller adds that the same details she suggests for flat butts will work here, too. “I like the idea of very vintage washes. The more washed-down the denim on the derriere, the better!” Since you’re not worried about over-emphasizing your rear, unexpected washes, rinses, and other details are all welcome.
Throw caution to the wind and apply all the sanding and pocket details you want to your look.
MOTHER, $196.00, available at Mother
High-waisted and cropped? This might be your new spring go-to.
DL1961, $168.00, available at DL1961
We can really get behind these pockets from American Eagle.
American Eagle Outfitters, $44.95, available at American Eagle Outfitters
At the end of the day, jeans should make you feel good. Buy what you love!
AG, $225.00, available at ShopbopLike what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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