Madewell Curvy vs. Regular: What's the difference?

The main difference between Madewell Curvy and Regular jeans lies in the hip-to-waist ratio, they are cut for different body shapes, not different sizes. Curvy jeans are designed with a contoured waistband and more room through the hip and thigh to fit an hourglass or pear shape, eliminating the common waistband gap, while Regular jeans are cut with a straighter hip-to-waist ratio for those with more balanced proportions.

Here's everything you need to know to find the perfect Madewell denim fit for your body type.

Madewell Regular Jeans

Madewell's Regular fit is their original, classic denim cut. It's designed for individuals with a straighter or more proportional body shape, where the difference between waist and hip measurements is less pronounced. This fit offers the standard silhouette that you expect from traditional denim sizing.

• What it is: Madewell's standard denim fit, designed with a classic, straighter cut through the hips and thighs.
• Key features: Standard waistband, proportional fit from waist-to-hip, consistent cut that works for a wide range of styles.
• Price: Typically ranges from $98 to $138, depending on the style and wash.
• Sizing/Fit: Ideal for straighter or athletic body types. If your waist and hips are relatively proportional and you don't typically experience a back waist gap in jeans, this is the fit for you.
• Pros: Wide availability across nearly all denim styles. Classic, consistent fit. Great for those with straighter figures who don't need extra hip room. Provides a traditional denim look.
• Cons: Tends to create a waistband gap for those with a smaller waist and fuller hips. Can feel restrictive or too tight in the hips and thighs on curvier body types.

This fit is your go-to if standard jeans typically fit you well through the waist and hips without any major gaping or pulling.

Shop this product: madewell.com/jeans/regular

Madewell Curvy Jeans

The Madewell Curvy fit is a game-changer for anyone who has ever dealt with jeans that fit their hips but are way too big at the waist. It's specifically engineered for an hourglass or pear shape by adding more room in the hip and thigh area while taking in the waist for a snug, no-gap fit.

• What it is: A specialized denim fit designed for bodies with a smaller waist in proportion to their hips and thighs.
• Key features: Contoured, cinched-in waistband to prevent gaping. More room through the hips, thighs, and seat. Often features a slightly higher rise to enhance the silhouette.
• Price: The same as their Regular counterparts, typically $98 to $138.
• Sizing/Fit: Designed for an hourglass or pear shape. Take your usual Madewell size, the Curvy fit adjusts the proportions, not the size itself. If your jeans are always tight on your thighs but loose on your waist, this is the solution.
• Pros: Eliminates the dreaded waistband gap. Provides comfortable room for fuller hips and thighs. Creates a flattering, sculpted look. You don't have to size up to fit your hips.
• Cons: Will likely feel baggy in the hips and seat on straighter body shapes. Style availability can sometimes be slightly more limited than the Regular range.

Perfect for anyone with a significant difference between their waist and hip measurements who struggles with finding jeans that fit both areas correctly.

Shop this product: madewell.com/jeans/curvy

Madewell Curvy vs. Regular Comparison

Fit & Proportions

The defining difference between Madewell Curvy and Regular jeans is the cut. The Regular fit assumes a straighter line from waist to hip. If you lay a pair of Regular jeans flat, the line from the hip to the waistband is relatively straight.

The Curvy fit is built with a 10" to 12" hip-to-waist difference in mind. It cinches in more dramatically at the waist and has visibly more fabric and space through the hips and backside. This contoured pattern ensures the jeans hug your curves without pulling or gaping, which is a common problem in the Regular fit for this body type.

Waistband Design

A key piece of engineering in the Curvy fit is the waistband. It's strategically contoured to curve inwards, following the natural shape of a smaller waist. This design is what prevents the back gap from appearing when you sit or bend over. You'll notice the fabric at the back dips slightly lower to hug the small of your back perfectly.

The Regular jeans feature a traditional, straighter waistband that performs well on bodies that don't have a steep hip-to-waist curve.

Sizing & Measurements

This is a crucial point: you should order the same size in both fits. For example, if you are a size 28 in Madewell skinny jeans, you would order a size 28 in both Regular and Curvy. The difference is the shape. A size 28 Regular is cut for someone with a 28-inch waist and straighter hips. A size 28 Curvy is cut for someone with a 28-inch waist but fuller hips and thighs. It's about redistribution of fabric, not a change in the tagged size.

Style Availability

Madewell has made a strong effort to offer its most popular denim styles - like The Perfect Vintage Jean and the Kick Out Crop - in both Regular and Curvy fits. While the Regular line might occasionally feature a wider array of specialty washes or seasonal cuts, the core collection is available in both to serve a wider range of customers. For major bestsellers, you're likely to find your preferred fit.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both fits excel at what they do, but they are built for distinct body types.

Choose the Regular Fit if:

• You have a "straight" or athletic body shape, with minimal difference between your waist and hip measurements.
• Jeans from other brands typically fit your waist and hips well at the same time.
• You rarely experience a gapping waistband at the back of your pants.
• You want the widest possible selection of Madewell's denim styles and washes.

Choose the Curvy Fit if:

• Jeans that fit your hips and thighs are almost always too loose around your waist.
• You constantly struggle with a gap in the back of your waistband.
• Your waist is proportionally much smaller than your hips (often a difference of 10 inches or more).
• You have an hourglass or pear-shaped figure and need extra room through the seat and thighs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Madewell Curvy and Regular jeans?

The main difference is the hip-to-waist ratio. Curvy jeans have a smaller waist and more room in the hips and thighs to accommodate a curvier figure. Regular jeans have a straighter ratio between the waist and hips.

Should I size down in Madewell Curvy jeans?

No, you should buy your usual waist size. The Curvy fit modifies the jean's shape, not its size. If you normally wear a size 29 in Madewell jeans but they gap at the waist, a size 29 in the Curvy fit is what you need.

How do I know if I need a Curvy fit?

A good indicator is if you consistently have a gap at the back of your waistband when jeans fit your hips. Another great rule of thumb is to measure your waist and your hips. If there's a difference of 10 inches or more, the Curvy fit will likely work better for you.

Are Madewell Curvy jeans just for plus-size women?

Not at all. Curvy is about body shape, not body size. Both the Regular and Curvy fits are available across a wide range of sizes, from petite to extended.

Do Curvy jeans have a higher rise?

Not necessarily, as the rise is determined by the style (e.g., "High-Rise," "Mid-Rise"). However, the contoured waistband and roomier seat in Curvy fits often make the back rise feel more secure and sit higher, contributing to better coverage and a more flattering fit for curves.

Does "Curvy" mean the jeans are bigger?

No. A Curvy size 28 has the same waist measurement as a Regular size 28. The difference is that the fabric is redistributed to provide more room in the hips, thighs, and seat while keeping the waist true to size.

Can I wear the Regular fit if I have curves?

Of course. However, you might need to size up for the jeans to fit over your hips and thighs. This often results in a waist that is too loose and requires a belt or tailoring.

Which Madewell jean styles come in a Curvy fit?

Many of Madewell's most popular styles, including The Perfect Vintage Jean, The Kick Out Crop, and various skinny jeans, are offered in the Curvy fit. You can easily filter for the Curvy fit on their website to see the current selection.