A jean size like 29 or 31 is a waist number, not a women's size. A size 29 is a women's 9/10, a 31 is a 13/14 and a 32 is a 15/16. The chart below converts jean waist sizes to US women's sizes, boutique odd sizes and approximate body measurements, for regular and curvy sizes.
After selling more than 300,000 pairs of jeans, the question we get most on our daily Live sales is, “What size should I order?” Boutique brands size differently from department stores, so we built this chart to make the conversion simple.
Women's jean size conversion chart
Find your jean waist size in the first column to see the matching women's size. Measurements are approximate body measurements in inches, based on Judy Blue's 2025 size chart. Other brands can vary by about an inch, so always check the product page.
| Jean waist size | US women's size | Boutique size | Waist (in) | Hip (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 | 0 | 0 | 25.5 | 36 |
| 25 | 2 | 1 | 26.5 | 37 |
| 26 | 4 | 3 | 27.5 | 38 |
| 27 | 6 | 5 | 28.5 | 39 |
| 28 | 8 | 7 | 29.5 | 40 |
| 29 | 10 | 9 | 31 | 41 |
| 30 | 12 | 11 | 32.5 | 42 |
| 31 | 14 | 13 | 34 | 43.5 |
| 32 | 16 | 15 | 35.5 | 45 |
Converting from the brands you already wear
Most mall and department store brands label jeans one of two ways. Brands like Levi's and BKE use waist sizes, like 28 or 29. Brands like American Eagle use women's sizes, like 8 or 10. Either way, find your number in the chart above and read across.
- Wear a 29 in Levi's or BKE? Start with a boutique 9.
- Wear a 10 in American Eagle? Start with a boutique 9.
- Wear a 31 in Levi's or BKE, or a 14 in American Eagle? Start with a boutique 13.
Then adjust for stretch. Very stretchy boutique denim like Judy Blue usually fits best one size down from what you wear in those brands, while rigid styles fit closer to true to size. Every product page lists the exact recommendation for that style.
Curvy and plus size jean conversion
Plus size jeans are sized with a W after the number, such as 18W. Some brands use letter sizes instead.
| Plus size | Common letter size | Waist (in) | Hip (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14W | 1XL | 36 | 47 |
| 16W | 1XL | 38 | 49 |
| 18W | 2XL | 39 | 50 |
| 20W | 2XL or 3XL | 41 | 52 |
| 22W | 3XL | 43.5 | 54.5 |
| 24W | 3XL | 46 | 57 |
Letter sizing varies by brand, so a 20W can be a 2XL in one brand and a 3XL in another. Shop our curvy and plus size jeans, each one tried on by our curvy model.
Even sizes vs boutique odd sizes
Department stores sell jeans in even sizes like 8, 10 and 12. Many boutique denim brands, including Judy Blue, use odd sizes like 7, 9 and 11. Your boutique odd size is simply one number below your even size. A women's 10 is a boutique 9. That is the same size, not a size down.
Labels like 3/26 or 7/28 show both systems at once: the first number is the boutique size and the second is the waist size. So 3/26 is a boutique 3 with a 26 waist, and 7/28 is a boutique 7 with a 28 waist.
How to find your jean size
- Measure your waist around your natural waistline, keeping the tape comfortably loose.
- Measure your hips around the fullest part.
- Match the bigger fit to the chart. If your waist and hips land in different rows, start with the size that fits your hips, since stretchy denim gives more at the waist.
- Check the stretch. Very stretchy denim often fits best one size down. Rigid or minimal stretch denim usually fits true to size.
- Check the inseam. Length is sized separately from the waist. Petite? Shop short inseam jeans. Tall? Shop long inseam jeans.
Sizing by brand
Every brand fits a little differently. Judy Blue is very stretchy and most styles fit best one size down, so see our full Judy Blue size and fit guide. Many Risen and Saige styles fit closer to true to size. Every product page on our site lists the exact size recommendation for that style, plus our model's size for reference.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a 31 in women's jeans?
A size 31 in women's jeans is a US women's 14, which is a 13 in boutique odd sizing. It fits about a 34 inch waist and 43.5 inch hips.
What is a size 32 in US women's jeans?
A size 32 is a US women's 16, or a 15 in boutique sizing. It fits about a 35.5 inch waist and 45 inch hips. The next size up is usually 14W or 1XL.
What size is a 29 in women's jeans?
A 29 is a US women's 10, or a boutique 9, for about a 31 inch waist and 41 inch hips.
I wear a 10 in American Eagle. What size should I get?
A 10 in American Eagle matches a 29 waist, which is a boutique 9. In very stretchy styles like most Judy Blue jeans, many shoppers go one size down to a 7. Check the recommendation on each product page, since it varies by style.
What size is a 25 or 24 in jeans?
A 25 is a US women's 2, or a boutique 1. A 24 is a US women's 0. A 24 is usually an XS, and a 25 is an XS or Small depending on the brand.
Is the jean waist size the same as my waist in inches?
No. The waist size on the label is a sizing number, not a tape measurement. On this chart, the body waist runs about 1.5 to 3.5 inches larger than the jean waist size, which is why the chart lists body measurements separately.
Still not sure what size to order?
Join our daily live sales for real-time sizing help on regular and curvy models, or watch the try-on clip for every style in our app. Ready to shop? Browse all women's jeans or our tummy control jeans.
