If you’ve ever struggled to find jeans that fit comfortably around your waist and hips, you're not alone. One of the biggest reasons is that traditional denim designs are often built for hourglass figures, where the waist is much smaller than the hips. If you have an apple-shaped body or a rectangular body, you might find that standard jeans feel too tight around your waist and too loose around your hips. Let’s break down why this happens—and what you should look for in jeans that actually fit.
Traditional Jeans and the 10-Inch Waist-to-Hip Ratio
Many jeans are designed with a 10-inch waist-to-hip ratio, which means the difference between your waist and hips is about 10 inches or more. This measurement is perfect for hourglass-shaped bodies where the waist is significantly smaller than the hips. For these body types, the 10-inch difference creates a more defined silhouette, accentuating the natural curve from waist to hip.
However, apple-shaped and rectangular body types often have a waist and hips that are closer in size. For example, if your waist measures 28 inches and your hips measure 30 inches, the difference is only 2 inches—not 10. This is why jeans with a large waist-to-hip ratio can feel restrictive or uncomfortable. They might fit well in the hips but pinch at the waist, especially around your midsection.
Why the 10-Inch Difference Doesn’t Work for Apple or Rectangular Shapes
Apple-shaped bodies, where weight tends to be carried around the midsection, jeans with a 10-inch waist-to-hip ratio can feel too tight and unflattering. The larger waist-to-hip difference doesn't account for the natural shape of apple and rectangular bodies, where the waist is less defined. A relaxed waistband fit is essential to avoid the discomfort of squeezing around the midsection.
Rectangular body shapes have a similar challenge. While the waist may not be as defined, the natural shape of the body requires a more balanced fit between the waist and hips. With traditional jeans, the waistband might be too tight, leaving you with an uncomfortable fit or, a "muffin top" effect.
What to Look for in Jeans If You Have an Apple or Rectangular Body Shape
If you're tired of jeans that pinch, dig in, or don’t fit just right, here’s what you should look for:
Relaxed Waistbands: Choose jeans with a relaxed waistband that provides extra room around the waist. It comfortably accommodates a fuller midsection without digging in.
Premium Fabrics: High-quality denim molds to your body while offering breathability and lasting durability. It moves with you, ensuring comfort all day.
Tummy-Friendly Features: Opt for jeans with tummy-friendly designs like inner smoothing panels or Tummy Technology. These features gently shape and support your tummy, offering a smoother silhouette and all-day comfort.
At Ginger + Dandelion, we’ve designed jeans with your body in mind. Our bloat-friendly denim is created to fit and flatter apple-shaped and rectangular bodies, with a relaxed waistband and a more balanced waist-to-hip ratio. Our jeans feature innovative Tummy Technology™, allowing you to feel comfortable and confident, even in the waistband.
With a 6-inch waist-to-hip ratio (compared to the typical 10 inches), our jeans provide room for your waist while still offering a flattering fit around the hips. This makes them ideal for women who have apple or rectangle shape bodies, experience bloating, postpartum changes, or simply want a pair of jeans that actually fit and feel amazing.
Ready to find your perfect pair? Shop our collection of bloat-friendly jeans designed for real bodies and real life.
