New to Judy Blue jeans and unsure which size, rise or inseam to choose? After nearly 10 years as a boutique owner, I’m sharing my best tips to help you find your most comfortable and flattering Judy Blue fit. 

The Complete Judy Blue Jeans Sizing Guide: Find Your Perfect Fit

Hi, I’m Karolyn, owner of Shop with Karolyn. After nearly 10 years in the boutique business and working with many different denim brands, Judy Blue has become my absolute favorite—and the brand I recommend again and again.

Why do I love Judy Blue jeans so much? First, the quality is phenomenal. They continually release fresh designs in nearly every silhouette you can imagine: skinny, boyfriend, bootcut, flare, slim, straight, cropped, wide leg, barrel leg and more. There is always something new to discover, while the quality and comfort customers love remain consistent.

Then there is that amazing Judy Blue stretch. This is not the stiff denim many of us remember—the kind that made you feel as though you couldn’t breathe when you bent over! Most Judy Blue styles include approximately 1–3% spandex, Lycra or another stretch fiber. That small percentage can provide a surprising amount of give through the body and waistband, creating a comfortable, flexible and forgiving fit.

And let’s be honest: although the number on a tag should never determine how we feel about ourselves, there is still something fun about slipping into a size smaller than the one we traditionally pick up at a department store. Judy Blue’s generous sizing often gives us that little confidence boost!

How Judy Blue Sizing Works

Judy Blue uses odd-numbered boutique sizing in its regular range: 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15. You may also see a waist-number size paired with it, such as 0/24 or 9/29. Plus sizes are labeled 14W through 24W.

The numbers can look confusing at first, but the most important thing to remember is that Judy Blue jeans generally run generously because of their signature stretch.

Karolyn’s general sizing rule

For most Judy Blue styles:

• Regular sizing: Start one size below your usual department-store size, using the closest odd size. For example, if you normally wear a women’s size 10, begin with a Judy Blue size 9.

• Plus sizing: Start one size below your usual women’s plus size. For example, if you normally wear a 16W, begin with a Judy Blue 14W.

I consider that your true Judy Blue size—the best starting point for a comfortably fitted jean.

If you prefer your jeans more fitted or “locked and loaded,” you may be able to size down once more in a very stretchy style. A customer who normally wears a women’s size 10 might prefer a Judy Blue size 7 instead of a 9. If you like a little more room and a relaxed feel, stay with your true Judy Blue size.

Shop the complete Judy Blue Jeans collection

Remember that a size chart is a starting point—not a substitute for the fit notes on an individual pair of jeans. Fabric content, cut and wash can cause slight variations from one Judy Blue style to another. I always include style-specific sizing guidance in the product description, especially when a pair fits larger, smaller or differently from the usual Judy Blue fit.

Decide How You Want Your Jeans to Feel

Your preferred fit matters just as much as the number on the tag. Two women with similar measurements may choose different sizes because one loves a close, held-in fit while the other prefers a little breathing room.

Before choosing your size, ask yourself:

• Do I like my jeans fitted through the waist, hips and thighs?

• Do I prefer a comfortable fit with a little room?

• Is this silhouette intended to be slim and polished or relaxed and slouchy?

A skinny jean and a relaxed boyfriend jean are not supposed to fit the same way. The cut is part of the style, so read the “How It Fits” details in each listing before deciding whether to size down further.

Don’t Forget the Inseam: How to Choose the Right Length

Length is one of the biggest reasons customers return jeans. A pair can fit beautifully through the waist and hips but still feel wrong if it is too short or puddles around your shoes.

The inseam is the measurement from the crotch seam down the inside leg to the hem. Knowing your preferred inseam before shopping can save you a great deal of frustration.

Measure a favorite pair of jeans

One of the easiest ways to find your ideal inseam is to grab your absolute favorite pair of jeans—the pair whose length feels just right.

1. Lay the jeans flat.

2. Place a measuring tape at the crotch seam.

3. Measure down the inside leg to the bottom of the hem.

Keep that number handy when shopping. You can also measure your body from the crotch down the inside of your leg to the point where you want the jeans to end.

Your ideal length can change with the silhouette and the shoes you plan to wear. You may prefer a shorter inseam in skinny, ankle or cropped jeans, while a bootcut, flare or trouser jean may need additional length when worn with boots or heels.

At 5'1” with a preferred 27-inch inseam, I know that a trouser-style Judy Blue with a 33-inch inseam will be much too long for me unless I plan to have it altered. Knowing my own measurement helps me shop realistically instead of falling in love with a style that simply won’t work for my height.

Every Judy Blue listing at Shop with Karolyn includes the inseam. Some designs can be worn cuffed or uncuffed, and a raw hem can sometimes be shortened easily while preserving its casual appearance. Other styles can be professionally hemmed. Judy Blue also releases petite and tall options in select designs—something I was thrilled to see as a petite woman!

Understanding Rise: Mid Rise, High Rise and Low Rise

The front rise is measured from the crotch seam to the top of the front waistband. It determines where the waistband sits on your body.

Knowing whether you have a shorter or longer torso can help you choose a rise that feels comfortable. Your overall height is not the only factor—body shape and torso length matter, too.

As a general guide based on the styles I have carried:

• Mid rise: Often approximately 8½–10 inches and typically sits just below the belly button.

• High rise: Often approximately 10¼–12 inches and typically reaches the belly button or above.

• Low rise: Sits noticeably below the belly button and is rarely seen in the Judy Blue styles I have carried.

At 5'1”, I personally gravitate toward a mid rise because it often reaches close to my belly button. However, I would never automatically dismiss a high-rise pair. Sometimes the difference between a mid and high rise is only about half an inch. Don’t allow the label alone to discourage you from trying a style you love.

Rise measurements can also vary by size, particularly between regular and plus sizing, so check the measurements provided in each individual product listing.

Your Best Judy Blue Fit Starts with You

Finding your perfect Judy Blue jeans is about more than selecting a number. Your preferred fit, inseam, torso length, favorite shoes and the jean’s silhouette all play a role.

Use these three things as your guide:

1. Size: Begin with your true Judy Blue size and adjust for your preferred fit and the style’s specific recommendations.

2. Inseam: Measure your favorite jeans and compare that number with the inseam listed for the new pair.

3. Rise: Know where you like your waistband to sit and compare that preference with the listed front-rise measurement.

Above all, read the details for the particular pair you are considering. Every style has its own design and personality, and I provide additional guidance whenever its sizing varies from the Judy Blue norm.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Pair?

Explore the complete Judy Blue jeans collection at Shop with Karolyn, including a continually changing selection of silhouettes, washes, rises and lengths.

Still unsure which size to order? Please reach out before purchasing. I am always happy to help you compare your measurements, fit preference and favorite style so we can choose the best starting size together.

Because every body is beautiful—and the right jeans should help you feel that way.