Denim sizing defeats more people than any other category. Almost all of it comes down to rise and leg shape.
The distance from the crotch seam to the waistband. High rise sits at or above the navel, mid rise below it. This decides comfort more than the leg does.
Skinny follows the leg to the ankle; straight falls from the knee without tapering. Straight is the more forgiving of the two on the calf.
Wide leg releases from the hip; mom fits at the waist and tapers slightly. Both need a high rise to look intentional.
Measure a pair you already own, flat, across the waistband and double it. Match that number — not your dress size — to the chart.