For many years now, women over 50 have named jeans as their favorite item of clothing. You’d probably not be surprised to hear that very few prefer lingerie as something they want to wear frequently. It turns out that older women love jeans as much as teenagers.

However, finding jeans for women over 50 that are flattering is not that easy. Though women over 50 are emerging as one of the most powerful consumer groups and are a hugely lucrative market for the fashion industry, a new study says that too often, designers and retailers fail to understand them and what they want from clothes. This would certainly be true of jeans. Just ask any woman over 50 who has spent any time in a dressing room trying on jeans! While it is hard to make any general statements about which jeans fit a mature body better, there are certainly some designers who are making jeans for women over 50 that are flattering.

Here are some things to consider before you make your selection:

• High-rise jeans work best on most women. If you have absolutely no tummy, go for the low to mid-rise and try not to brag about them.
• Look for stretch both to show your shape and forgive any fluctuations.
• If you are ordering online, order two sizes – one bigger than you think you need and one the size you think you wear. 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.
  (really bad for digestion too). You can always return the other pair.
• Darker washes are always more slimming, but a good pair of white jeans can be flattering for most women.
• There’s a magical blend between legging, tregging, and jeans, which are super comfy and pack light for travels, making them the most comfortable jeans for women over 50.

Watch the video below for more tips on finding jeans that fit, and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more fashion, lifestyle, and fitness videos.
 

How many jeans do you really need?

According to “The Princess of Resale” Lorena Shiff, you only need five:

1. One true to your size (in any shape that works best for your body type).
2. One size up (for those days that you feel bloated).
3. A boyfriend cut, which means straight leg, loose fit jeans – these work best for a casual weekend or running errands.
4. A pair of skinny jeans, always great for any occasion from casual to a party or even work, with high heels or boots, and a cute clutch, you are all set! Look for a well-fitting pull-on style for the ultimate in comfort.
5. A boot cut or even a flared if you want to extend the length of your leg. The boot cut is more versatile, and you’ll keep it in your closet longer, but flares are definitely back in style and extend the length of the leg.

I would also add a pair of white jeans to wrap up summer and look ahead to the future. They are incredibly versatile and look fresher in warmer weather. And consider adding the latest trendy jean, but only if it flatters your body. Right now, try the wide leg crops, ankle lengths, and frayed hems. Just know this one will rotate out when the next trend comes along.

The bigger question is, do the jeans you currently own fit well and flatter your figure? If not, it’s time to clear out your closet and replace them with jeans you will feel good wearing every time you put them on, and since jeans are our favorite clothing item, it’s going to be often. (You’ll find our special UK+EU selections under the American options!)

Shop the Best Jeans for Women Over 50 Below

Everlane’s The ’90s Cheeky Jean, $88

Made from premium non-stretch Japanese denim for a vintage-inspired look, the ’90s Cheeky Jean has an easy straight leg, an extra-high rise, and a butt-boosting rear fit.

Gap Mid Rise Classic Straight Jeans With Washwell, $69.95

Available in regular, tall and petite

These jeans make for a better planet. This pair of denim is part of the water-saving Washwell™ program. Compared to conventional wash methods, Washwell™ has saved millions of liters of water since 2016.

Pilcro The Slim Boyfriend Jeans

Available from size 25-32

Slouchy yet refined with a narrower leg shape, the Slim Boyfriend offers a polished fit with endless styling opportunities. With an eye to comfort and versatility, its slim, mid-rise silhouette hugs your leg from hip to ankle, pairing effortlessly with graphic tees, ruffled blouses, and everything in between.

Mott & Bow Slim Boyfriend Jean, $96+
Available in multiple colors and sizes 24-32

The slim boyfriend jeans are soft and comfortable with a fit that’s sure to flatter every figure. 

Levi’s Premium Wedgie Fit Straight Women’s Jeans, $89.50
Available in Sizes 23-32 and multiple colors

This vintage-inspired style includes special construction to highlight your curves and give your butt an extra lift. 

Appleseed’s Slimsation® Straight-Leg Pull-On Jeans, $69.99+

These are flattering, and feel-good pants made with smoothing, shape-recovery stretch denim, and versatile solid colors that offer tummy control for an overall trimmer look.

High Rise Zoe Straight Jean, $129
Available in sizes 24-32

The Zoe style has a classic straight high rise with plenty of stretch and is snug at the hips and straight from knee to ankle.

Wit & Wisdom Ab-Solution Itty Bitty Bootcut Jeans, $68

Available from 00P to 18

Stretch jeans in a polished dark wash get a lean and leggy look from a slim cut balanced with a narrow boot-leg opening.

Levi’s® Womens 314™ Shaping Straight, $41.65
Available in 6 colors and sizes 25-34, multiple lengths.

Style meets next-level shaping. Your favorite jeans with stealth technology that slims, smoothes, and enhances. With a straight leg, these jeans feature a flattering mid-rise and tummy-slimming technology, and the added stretch ensures that you stay comfortable all day long and gives maximum recovery retaining the shape you love.

NYDJ Marilyn Straight Jean, $119
Available in 9 colors, sizes 00-28, and many lengths

The Marilyn Straight by NYDJ in coveted colored denim makes an impression no matter how you style it. Lift Tuck® Technology uses a proprietary slimming panel with a patented criss-cross design to smooth and flatten your midriff for an always-sleek silhouette. Features classic five-pocket styling and a zip fly with button closure.

NYDJ Marilyn Straight Jeans, $99

Available from size 00 to 16

Chico’s So Slimming Girlfriend Ankle Jeans, $79
Available in sizes XS-XXL and 2 washes 

The So Slimming girlfriend ankle jeans are the jeans you’ll turn to time and time again. The classic, clean-cut fit is always right, especially when it’s enhanced by the improved So Slimming® front panel that makes them smoother than ever. The sleek ankle length works perfectly with all your favorite shoe options, too: sandals, flats, booties, and more.

Also available in White:

White Girlfriend Ankle Jeans, $79
Available in sizes XS-XXL

Good American Good Skinny Jeans, $99
Available in sizes 00-24 

These are the ultimate skinny sculpting jean with extra stretch, flat tummy tech, and a gap-proof waistband in super-stretch denim.

White House Black Market Curvy-fit High-Rise Everyday Flare Jeans, $80

Available in sizes 00-18

You’ll consistently reach for these light wash flare jeans to pair with everything from tees and blazers to screen-ready statement tops. The curvy fit is designed for women who are proportionately smaller at the waist, with fuller hips and thighs.

IN THE UK

UNIQLO Women Ultra Stretch Mid Rise Skinny Jeans, £34.90
Available in 22 inch – 32 inch and 8 colors

In response to customer feedback, Uniqlo has updated the brand tag for a softer feel in this premium ultra-stretch denim with an excellent expansion and rebound rate (meaning no sagging)!

Ted Baker Yeataa flared high-rise cotton denim jeans, $98

Available from size 25 to 32

Upgrade plain T-shirts and blouses with the stylish STRENTI jeans from Ted Baker. Adorned with subtly stylish western detailing, they make a contemporary addition to any off-duty ensemble.

FRAME Le High Straight-Leg Jeans, £185
Available in sizes 23-32

Nothing screams ‘summer’ more than a pair of white jeans. FRAME’s Le High straight-leg jeans will do nicely, don’t you agree? Crop it out. Featuring a high rise, a button and zip fly, a five-pocket design, and a cropped length.

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