I'm another woman with a "pear" shaped body type who has a hard time finding pants that fit. I always have a problem with the gap at the waist. This is the ONLY style of Levi's that I have ever been able to wear. These jeans fit nicely through the hips and thighs, with NO gap in the waist.  They do run ever so slightly large so if you like a snug fitting jean, you might want to size down. Also, if you are over 5' 6" you will only be able to wear with flats. At 5'6" myself, I can wear these with a small heel. Overall a great pair of jeans!!!