The 15 Best Jeans for Flat Butts
Low-rise jeans may be fashion’s most divisive trend—but regardless of silhouette, it’s a given that denim is a rudimentary wardrobe staple that isn’t going anywhere. The quintessential blue jean (picture: Levi’s 501s) is as readily on display at New York Fashion Week as it is on proper, true-to-form cowboys. Your grandmother owned a pair, as does every top-grossing influencer in your TikTok feed. Without a doubt, jeans are fashion’s most enduring, long-standing fixture.
Some jeans are built to last, some to adhere to maximalist trends, some to hang low and loose, and others to be salacious and tight-fitted. Regardless of the aesthetic you’re pursuing, it’s perhaps essential that you find a pair that fits. For those of us without peachy, perfect Challengers-style butts, it can be difficult to find jeans that don’t sag in the rear or, frankly, give the booty a full-on pancake effect. That said, the right pair of jeans will always exist—and we’ve done the research to help you find them. We talked to stylists, fashion enthusiasts, and designers about the absolute best jeans to purchase for butts that skew on the flatter side—in every style from wide-leg to skinny (yes, even low-rise).
PHOTO:Levi’s
Why We Love It: An icon for a reason, 501s deserve every bit of the long-standing cultural acclaim they’ve enjoyed for oh so many decades. As the golden child of American denim; these pants are basically Americana manifest. When you picture classic jeans, it’s likely the 501s that come to mind. The original Levi’s style—which comes in 14 (yes, 14) washes—includes a straight-leg, high-rise shape made of rigid cotton denim designed to hug the hips and the butt before tapering off—and the truth is, we have decades of proof to underscore the fact that they’ll never go out of style.
Who It’s For: Frankly, these jeans were designed for everyone—cowboys, musicians, artists, writers, gardeners. They’re built to withstand countless washes, they hug and flatter the butt no matter the size, and they taper in a clean, classic way into a straight leg that will suit any shoe option you’ve got. Plus, the old-fashioned button-fly helps elongate the legs, and the brand offers the pants with four inseam lengths for people of various heights.
Size: 23–34 waist; 26–32 inseam length | Material: Cotton denim
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PHOTO:Nelle Atelier
Why We Love It: This fun pair of wide-leg ‘70s-inspired jeans brings an always fun and eccentric silhouette to the table—and with colorways in both white and classic blue, the boho possibilities are near-endless. Crafted with 100 percent Italian-woven cotton denim with a metal zipper fly and button enclosure, the jeans are made to soften with every wash (like all great jeans), so they’ll also take on a vintage, buttery texture with time—while showing impressive lasting power.
Who It’s For: Designed specifically to suit women under 5 feet, 4 inches tall, Nelle Atelier’s jeans make it markedly easy to find properly sized, proportionate denim for, well, short girls. Better yet, they’re flattering for shorter women with a variety of silhouettes. “When worn high-waisted (one size down) the Laura jean hugs the hips before billowing further down the leg,” explains Nelle founder, Madeleine Cohen. “It’s a good wide-leg option if you have a flat butt because the leg doesn’t loosen until after the low hip, and the cinch at the waist also helps create the illusion of curves.”
Size: 23–32 | Material: Rigid cotton denim
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PHOTO:Net-A-Porter
Why We Love It: These sweeping, wide-legged bell-bottom jeans come in a baby blue wash. It’s your ideal, faded, vintage-inspired hue for the classic, old-school silhouette. Complete with a high, cinched waist and floor-dusting cuffs, they certainly help to elongate the legs. And made with denim that’s woven from regenerative cotton, these structured non-stretchy (sustainably crafted) jeans give the feel that they’re built to last.
Who It’s For: While the inseam on these jeans runs a bit long—meaning they may be tough for shorter girls—the oversized back pockets make this pair feel unique, in a world certainly not lacking in denim options. “The large pockets definitely help accentuate the butt, no matter the size,” says Cohen.
Size: 23–32 | Material: Regenerative cotton denim
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PHOTO:Net-A-Porter
Why We Love It: Unlike most true vintage denim, these Paige jeans offer some comfortable, stretchy give (without losing the appearance of proper denim). The high-rise, organic cotton-blend bottoms offer a fitted waist with a straight-leg drapey fit down to the ankles. In a classic, neutral blue-jean hue, they’re made to pair easily with just about anything under the sun (going-out tops! White tees! Button-downs! Blazers!) and they’re just as effortless to pair with any footwear out there, from stilettos to classic sneakers.
Who It’s For: “Another wide-leg option for our taller girls, fortunately with a bit of stretch—these are narrow through the hip and the stretch will provide lift even for barely there butts,” says Cohen. The brand suggests sizing down if you’re between sizes given the already roomy fit—but once you’ve secured the right pair, these are easy daytime jeans for any casual outfit.
Size: 23–32 | Material: Organic cotton-blend denim
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PHOTO:Net-A-Porter
Why We Love It: These straight-leg jeans take on a bit more of your traditional, old-school “skinny jean” aesthetic. With a mid-rise waist, a zipper fly, and a high-water crop, they’re a perfect light wash, sport-with-sandals jean. Made with a blend of cotton, modal, polyester, and elastane, they give just the right amount of stretch to fit many body types—while also ensuring more comfort than your classic give-less denim. Made locally at that label’s Los Angeles studio, the button-fly and angled pocket insignia make this pair a summer staple.
Who It’s For: If you’re searching for a comfy jean that feels properly fitted through the leg, this is your go-to pair. The zipper fly will help keep the silhouette sleek (whether you’re tucking in a top or not), and the flexibility of the denim itself will keep you feeling breezy and flexible—while cinching close enough at the waist to avoid any excess saggy material in the rear. “The stretch on this particular pair is great because it will hug the hips and lift the rear to give it more shape,” says Cohen.
Size: 23–32 | Material: Cotton, modal, polyester, elastane
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PHOTO:Frame
Why We Love It: When you’re in the market for a resort jean, look no further than this breezy, summery, pinstriped pair from Frame. With a flattering, blue, vertical stripe, these pants are the optimal way to add some character to a simple, warm-weather outfit. “My new favorite pair of jeans!” says Promiti Prosun, founder of Chaa Latte. “They carry a hefty price tag ($250+) but these jeans have incredible stretch from top to bottom, including the waist. The ultrasoft material makes them super comfortable, and the flare cut is perfect for that much-needed booty boost.” Crafted in a super-stretch cotton-lyocell blend designed for breathability and maximal, comfortable movement, these really are a wear anywhere jean for butts of all sizes.
Who It’s For: Designed with just a slight kick-flare at the bottom, these jeans provide a silhouette that will help round out the butt—and for the anti-heel girls out there, the high-rise fit boasts a shorter inseam to pair brilliantly with flat shoes and sandals year-round. Which is to say no, you need not sport stilettos to make your butt look good.
Size: 23–34 | Material: Cotton, recycled cotton, lyocell, post-consumer recycled lyocell, polyester, elastane
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PHOTO:7 For All Mankind
Why We Love It: In a washed, true black, these mid-rise bootcut jeans are designed to give you legs for days. Made with a blend of cotton, lyocell, polyester, viscose, and spandex, the jeans have plenty of give, and they’re ultralight—which means they’re as comfortable on an airplane or in the middle of a heatwave as they are in the office. Better yet, they’re about as business casual as denim can get. And from a brand like 7 For All Mankind, you can rest assured they’ll last.
Who It’s For: A bootcut style can be a great fit for women with flat butts, as it adds some symmetry to the leg. “These pants have great stretch with a mid-rise waist that doesn’t cut in,” says Prosun, who looks for jeans that best suit her cushier post-baby midsection. “The bootcut is flattering for a narrower shape and doesn’t bunch around the front due to a lack of junk in the trunk.”
Size: 23–34 | Material: Cotton, lyocell, polyester, viscose, spandex
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PHOTO:Neiman Marcus
Why We Love It: With the raw hemmed, standard straight-leg cut of, say, thrifted Levi’s, you’d never guess how supple and stretchy these jeans really are. The medium, washed blue screams “classic denim” but without any of the stiff discomfort. In a material made with a cotton/polyurethane blend, they’ve got just the right amount of give to hug you tight, while still leaving plenty of room to breathe—and with a cropped ankle, they still offer plenty of opportunity to show off your shoes.
Who It’s For: The light cuff at the bottom of these true blue jeans does great work to balance out the booty with a mirrored silhouette, and to show off the ankles. For longer-legged girls that high-water crop can be a fun, feminine detail to an otherwise neutral bottom. “If you like an ankle-length straight cut, this is the perfect pair for all around comfort while still hugging the hips and booty just right,” says Prosun.
Size: 23–34 | Material: Cotton, polyurethane
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PHOTO:Amazon
Why We Love It: Not all jeans are pricey…while it can seem like prices in the $200 range have become entirely normal these days. Fortunately, you can still turn to beloved, long-trusted brands like Levi’s to produce a high-quality jean for less than 50 bucks. “A totally budget-friendly option that is lightweight, stretchy, and available in plenty of colors,” says Prosun. Made with a blend of cotton, viscose, polyester, and elastane, these mid-rise, zipper closure bottoms are designed carefully so as to contour and celebrate your curves.
Who It’s For: Even when we want close-fitted, curve-hugging denim pants, we don’t always want a tight skinny jean. This pair, which is designed to flatter and celebrate your shape, stays taught and flattering in the hips and the booty, while offering a roomier straight-leg fit all the way down.
Size: 24–34 | Material: Cotton, viscose, polyester, elastane
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PHOTO:Me+Em
Why We Love It: While denim can, of course, skew classic and understated, there are also plenty of options to go maximal and high-fashion—like this ultrawide-leg, ballooning dark-wash pair from Me+Em. Think of these as your statement jeans. Made in Italy with 100 percent Italian cotton denim, these are about as close as you can get to sporting a maxi skirt while…still wearing jeans. And in a deep, sultry blue, they’re a great way to add some proper flair (get it?) to any ’fit.
Who It’s For: With a darted, pleated waist and a built-in denim belt with a metal enclosure—all off-setting the ultrawide silhouette in the leg—these are designed to highlight the waist, then fall free all the way to the floor. Which is to say, they’re not made to form-fit. Instead, they’re made to swish about. So, for those moments when you’re not looking for a garment that hugs your curves, this is your ideal, oversized go-to. “The flat front on these jeans make them very flattering on any hip or belly sizes, but at the same time they add volume and shape to the backside,” says personal stylist Melissa Murrell.
Size: 2–12 | Material: Italian cotton denim
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PHOTO:Reformation
Why We Love It: These wide-leg, slow-slung slouchy jeans do low-rise without harking back to the ultra-fitted, below-the-hip-bones styles that were so popular in the ‘90s. While they hang casually at just the right hip juncture before falling in a tidy, nonfitted, slouchy lag, they still give just enough hip-hug to flatter the waist. The structured, non-stretch denim made with 80 percent regeneratively grown cotton and 20 percent recycled cotton, gives off a cool air of nonchalance with a nice masculine nod.
Who It’s For: Designed for women who love a slouchy, oversized fit, these low-rise jeans reimagine what, exactly, we picture when we think about “low rise” jeans. They flatter without skewing form-fitting, they can certainly be dressed up, and they offer a short enough inseam to ensure that more petite girls won’t find themselves tripping over the bottom hems.
Size: 23–34 | Material: Regeneratively grown cotton and recycled cotton
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PHOTO:Amazon
Why We Love It: Made with cotton and spandex, these jeans are designed to give you the flattering, curve-championing tautness of a stretch jean, while ensuring that the material doesn’t lose its shape over time—which means, by mid-afternoon, there will be no sag in the butt. With a contoured band made for waist-cinching and a longer rise to leave a bit more room for hips and thighs, these really are skinny jeans 2.0. Better yet, you can feel good about the production of these guys given that Madewell is committed to using Fair Trade Certified factories, while using profits to help spearhead a Community Development Fund managed by the workers.
Who It’s For: Those who want a proper, tight-all-the-way down jean that doesn’t suffocate or lose its shape throughout the day. Better yet, they’re fashioned with the brand’s sturdy, broader butt pockets designed to perfectly cradle booties of any size. Oh, and on that note, the pants come in a range of sizes under the categories of: Petite, plus, standard, and tall.
Size: 23–33 petite, 14W–28W plus, 23–33 standard, 23-33 tall | Material: Regeneratively grown cotton, recycled cotton
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PHOTO:Re/Done
Why We Love It: These days, it can be tough to find a great pair of distressed jeans: Nothing so destroyed it’s unwearable…but nothing that feels fake or overly curated. Fortunately, nobody does repurposed, well-worn vintage denim quite like Re/Done. Famed for revitalizing (and resizing) vintage Levi’s, this is a brand that understands jeans. With a classic button-fly and a stoned indigo wash, as well as a vintage, slouchy, long-legged fit, these are your truest testament to sartorial ‘60s style. They practically beg for a crochet top.
Who It’s For: Made to puddle at the hem, these jeans are designed to give a hip-hugging, oversized look for women of all waist and butt sizes. Crafted all-cotton denim with little give, the idea isn’t stretchiness; it’s roominess. Frankly, the most salacious part may be the knee gaps—and for the right, punk rock-inspired get-up, that’s certainly not a bad thing.
Size: 23–32 | Material: Cotton denim
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PHOTO:Mango
Why We Love It: These light wash, affordable jeans play with silhouette in a fun, original way, thanks to the nature of their tall, dramatic cuffs. Designed to flip upward into a crop, still leaving several inches of folded material so as to give the silhouette of a flare or heavier-bottomed jean, the subtle detail works wonders to add just a bit of garnish to a staple item. The all-cotton jeans also offer a consistent hug in the waist, and a tapered leg that’s neither fitted nor oversized.
Who It’s For: Folks looking for a lift in the butt and a little pizzazz in a garment that can be styled for all occasions.
Size: 1–14 | Material: Cotton denim
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PHOTO:Rollaâs
Why We Love It: Brown is, without a doubt, having a moment. Warm neutral shades of everything from khaki to coffee have been taking over the world of home decor as well as the fashion scene—so why not do denim in brown, too? These cult favorite Sailor Jeans from Rolla’s offer a fitted, ultrahigh waist and a wide, sloping nautical leg shape with fun, front pocket details. And in this perfect, overdyed shade of “bronze,” they’re the best way to take the “50 shades of brown” trend home.
Who It’s For: When you want a break from classic blue/black/white color palettes, it’s time to expand your scope re: jean colorways. Lean into the brown trend without leaning away from the denim trend with this pair—all while enjoying the perks of a wide pocketed, form-fitted, butt-cradling silhouette specifically sewn for an extra peachy effect.
Size: 23–34 | Material: Cotton, elastin
What to Keep in Mind
- Material: While you might think the broad category of “jeans” implies that all are made of the same material, you’ll find plenty of pairs with varying degrees of stretch—and the structure, density, and rigidity of whatever pair you choose will certainly make a difference in the overall fit. “When I’m personally shopping for jeans, I think the waist must have stretch or some sort of elastic feature. The first thing I look for is how giving the waistband is,” says Prosun. “Some jeans might be stretchy all over but fail to give where I need it most. As a designer, I put a subtle elastic band into all my bottom-wear designs so they’re not only comfortable but they fit a wider range of body shapes.” If you’re looking for something to properly hug your form, you’ll want cotton denim with some percentage of elastic-adjacent fabric thrown in there—but at the same time, you’ll likely wanna make sure that the pants won’t stretch throughout the day (leaving you with saggy fabric throughout). “Fabric composition is important: 4–5 percent elastic is a good starting point. Avoid 100 percent cotton as these will stretch and bag even further,” says Murrell.
- Size: Like with most things, it can be near impossible to determine the true fit of a pair of jeans while shopping online. Numerical sizes vary across brands and certain materials or shapes will fall differently even in the same size. “Don’t be afraid to play with sizing! As annoying as it sounds, denim is best shopped IRL,” advises Cohen. “If you’re shopping online, don’t be afraid to order one or two sizes so that you can decide how you want to wear the garment. If you are less curvy, my suggestion would be to take your smaller size when it comes to baggy or looser styles.” Sure, it may be inconvenient to shop in the flesh, or order multiples—but the reality is, you may like how a pair looks either more oversized, or more fitted. You might need to feel how they move before you decide if they’re worth the purchase. And fortunately, if you find a brand or a style that fits you well, you can merely stay committed and keep on re-ordering.
- Shape: “The cut of jeans can really work for or against you. I avoid barrel or ultrawide-leg jeans because they just flatten me out completely,” says Prosun. “Instead, I go for a flare or bootcut so they still hug the hips and thighs while being trendy and fun. You won’t see me in cropped flare jeans because they cut my height abruptly and do nothing to lengthen and elevate my shape.” As Prosun sees it, looking for balance that also complements height is a great way to lean into a silhouette that works for you. Moreover, Murrell has some advice for finding that shape: “Follow the shape of your backside to give shape and definition to your bootie, especially if you’ve got proportionally larger pockets and a curved yoke, or seam below the waistband but above the pockets,” she says. “Choose mid- to high-waisted jeans to elongate your bottom—and to build volume, make sure that your jeans cinch you in at the waist because that’ll make your butt look proportionally bigger than your waistline.” Certain cuts help you accentuate certain parts of your body, Cohen points out. “For instance, large pockets will make your butt look bigger. So, will a high-waisted pair. Playing with proportions based on your body type helps you get that perfect fit.”
- Pockets: On a pair of jeans, back pockets are essentially a booty accessory—beyond their utilitarian function. So, if you’re focused on adding volume or shape, you must consider the style and size of your pockets. “Flap pockets on your jeans can help to build volume, especially if the flat is wide at the top and narrow at the bottom as it will draw the eye’s attention to the top of the pocket,” says Murrell. Additionally, Murrell has plenty more words of wisdom re: the kind of booty shape you’re seeking: “If you’re trying to reduce the size of your bottom or make it look less voluptuous then go for a flatter yoke. Pockets that are too small will make your bottom look larger, so aim to keep everything in proportion,” she says. Then again, for wider bottoms, she suggests jeans with a smaller gap between each of the back pockets. “This reduced gap will draw attention to the middle of your rear rather than the outer edges giving the illusion of a slimmer backside,” she adds.
- Styling: Naturally, denim can do it all: Elegant, casual, sultry. It’s merely a question of styling. “Casual chic is my jam, so you’ll always find me styling up my jeans. I love throwing a blazer on top of a T-shirt with my jeans. It’s elevated, comfortable, and stylish,” says Prosun. “For a night out, I like to add heels and a cute top. The denim keeps the overall look cool and approachable, but the heels will take it up a notch.” Don’t be afraid to lean into whichever aesthetic you’ve selected. Reach for sneakers and a fitted T-shirt to wear with your oversized pair; try a going-out top and proper heels with a straight-leg style.
Your Questions, Answered
How do you wash or care for your jeans?
Like with any other garment, you’ll need to be sure you’re taking pains when washing/otherwise caring for your jeans. And while it can be tempting to wash jeans with frequency to bring back tightness and elasticity, that’s not exactly your best option. “You definitely shouldn’t wash your denim after every wear. Rather, wear them several times and flip them inside out when you’re ready to toss them in the washer,” says Prosun. “Never use fabric softener and air-dry whenever possible.” She also recommends steaming your jeans after air-drying to remove pesky wrinkles and help restore the softness of the fabric.
Additionally, temperature matters. According to Cohen, you should always be washing your denim on a cold cycle. “For rigid denim, you can wash every five-ish wears,” she adds. “Stretch loses its shape a bit faster so I would suggest every two-three wears. For stretch denim especially, do not put them in the dryer! It melts the elastane and will cause them to lose their shape.”
Why Shop with Us
Freelance writer and editor Eliza Dumais has been covering fashion, travel, and wellness for nearly 10 years at various publications. Vintage Levi jeans are her kryptonite—and as a true, long-standing menswear loyalist, she’s sincerely committed to an all-the-time denim uniform. For this particular story, she tapped designers, stylists, and fashion enthusiasts—including Madeleine Cohen, Melissa Murrell, and Promiti Prosun—to offer up their expert wisdom.
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