This morning, I was responding to a customer who asked why jean sizing is so complicated. It’s a great question, and after sharing my thoughts with her, I realized it’s something a lot of people wonder about. So, let’s talk about it! Here are three key factors that make jean sizing tricky and how we’re addressing them at ginger + dandelion.
1. Length
Most jeans are designed for women who are 5’7” tall. While hemming jeans is an option, let’s be honest—most of us don’t bother. The reality? The average height for women in the U.S. is 5’4”. That’s why we’ve based our current collection on a height closer to the average. As we grow, we plan to offer different inseams to better serve women of all heights.
2. Rise
Low rise, mid-rise, high rise—these terms describe where the waistband sits on your torso. But here’s the catch: everyone’s torso is different. For example, our slim fit jeans have an 11” rise, which is technically mid-rise. However, if you have a shorter torso, they might feel more like high-rise jeans. Understanding your body’s unique proportions is key to finding the perfect rise, and it’s why we’re transparent about these measurements in our designs.
3. Waistband Fit
Most jeans are designed for bodies with a 10” difference between the waist and hip measurements. If you look at any sizing chart, that's what they will tell you. That’s great if your proportions fit that mold. But not everyone’s body is shaped like that! Brands introduced curvy fits to accommodate women with smaller waists and fuller hips or thighs. But what about women whose hips and waists are similar in size—or whose waists are larger? Traditional jeans often don’t work for these body types.
That’s where we come in. At ginger + dandelion, we designed bloat-friendly jeans with a relaxed waistband. They’re designed to fit and flatter apple shapes, larger middles and chronic bloated bodies, comfortably. Whether you are postpartum, experience digestive issues, struggling with hormonal issues or have a body shape that doesn’t conform to the standard sizing formulas, these jeans are for you.
Jean sizing is complicated because bodies are beautifully diverse. At Ginger + Dandelion, we are the first to create jeans for the modern body—bodies that have bellies. We’re here to share our design that prioritizes comfort and inclusivity. Because everyone deserves jeans that feel as good as they look.
