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Finding denim when you are curvy is usually a nightmare. You generally have two bad options: jeans that fit your hips but leave a massive gap at the waist, or jeans that fit your waist but cut off the circulation to your thighs. I have spent years getting waistbands tailored or wearing belts so tight they hurt, just to keep my pants up.
I kept seeing the FLYING BANANA Women’s Curvy Stretchy Bootcut Jeans pop up in my recommendations. The brand name is undeniably weird—it sounds like a bad translation—but the photos promised a “curvy fit” without the designer price tag. I decided to buy a pair to see if they were actually built for curves or if it was just marketing fluff.
🛑 The Problem: The “Waist Gap” Struggle
My issue has always been the ratio. My hips and thighs are significantly wider than my waist. With standard mall brands, if I pull a pair of jeans up past my thighs, I can usually fit a whole fist (or two) in the gap at the back of the waist. It’s annoying. I spend all day hiking them up, and when I sit down, my underwear is on display for the world to see.
I was tired of stiff, rigid denim that felt like cardboard. I wanted the “held-in” feeling of jeans but the movement of leggings. I also missed the bootcut silhouette; skinny jeans are fine, but sometimes you want that balance that a flare provides.
🔍 The Discovery
I found these during a late-night deep dive into budget denim. I wasn’t looking for a luxury brand; I wanted a “beater” pair of jeans I could wear to the grocery store or on casual Fridays. The reviews were polarizing—some people loved the stretch, others hated the length.
I decided to order my usual size. I was skeptical about the “Flying Banana” branding, expecting them to be low-quality fast fashion that would rip after one wash. But the promise of “super stretch” was too tempting to ignore.
✅ How It Solved It: The Stretch Factor
When I took them out of the package, the first thing I noticed was the fabric feel. It is soft. Really soft. It feels more like a heavy cotton blend than traditional rough denim.
Putting them on was the real test. Usually, I have to do a little jump-and-wiggle dance to get jeans over my hips. These slid right on. The fabric has a significant amount of spandex. The best part? The button closed easily, and there was zero gap in the back. The waistband actually curved inward to meet my lower back rather than standing straight up. The bootcut flare starts just below the knee and is wide enough to look retro but not so wide that it looks like a costume.
⚠️ It’s Not Perfect
I need to manage your expectations: these are long. I am 5’6″, and even in sneakers, the hem drags on the floor slightly. If you are on the shorter side, you will absolutely need to hem these or wear platform heels. They seem designed for someone who is at least 5’8″.
Also, the “denim” is on the thinner side. It’s great for comfort and warmer weather, but if you are looking for thick, rugged work pants that will protect you from thorns or heavy labor, these aren’t it. They are fashion jeans, not utility jeans.
⚖️ Pros vs. Cons
After wearing these for a week, including a long car ride, here is my honest breakdown:
| Life Improvements (Pros) | Annoyances (Cons) |
|---|---|
| Curvy Fit: Actually accommodates hips without gaping at the waist. | Inconsistent Length: They run very long; petite sizes are hard to find. |
| High Comfort: You can sit cross-legged and breathe; the stretch is real. | Thin Material: Shows panty lines if you wear thin underwear. |
| Flattering Shape: The flare balances out wider hips perfectly. | Chemical Smell: Had a strong factory odor out of the bag (washed out after one cycle). |
| Deep Color: The dark wash is uniform and looks dressier than faded denim. | Pocket Size: Front pockets are barely functional (classic women’s jeans problem). |
🆚 Why It Beats the Old Way
My “old way” was buying stiff Levi’s and hoping they would stretch out, or buying cheap jeggings that lost their shape by noon. The Flying Banana jeans sit right in the middle.
They beat traditional rigid denim because I don’t feel restricted. I can bend down to tie my shoes without feeling like the seams are going to burst. They beat cheap leggings because they have actual structure—belt loops, a zipper, and back pockets—so I feel fully dressed. The flare is also a nice departure from the skinny jeans I’ve been wearing for a decade; it allows for better airflow around the calves.
🎯 Recommendation
If you are a denim purist who only wears 100% cotton, skip these. You won’t like the synthetic feel.
However, you should grab a pair if:
- You have an hourglass or pear shape and struggle with the waist gap.
- You want the “70s vibe” flare look without spending a fortune.
- You prioritize comfort over heavy-duty durability.
For the price, they are a solid addition to a casual wardrobe, provided you own a pair of heels or know how to use a sewing machine for hemming.
