How to Buy Good-Fitting Jeans
The question I get asked the most is, how do I find the right jeans for by body type? The answer is actually not so simple. Jeans come in all shapes, sizes and fits, just like us. For both men and women, finding the right pair of denim may be one of the hardest (and most frustrating) things to do when shopping. Most of my clients hated trying on denim to start. They would always resort to the one style they were so accustomed to wearing for the last few/several years. Why? Because buying the right pair of jeans for your body is tough. Honestly.
My favorite brands for women (brands that are versatile in their fit) are AG, Paige & Madewell. When you try on a pair of denim, there are four imperative things to consider before even going into the dressing room (or ordering):
Rise
What type of rise do you prefer? Medium: Most women like a medium rise because they feel like a high rise pushes into their stomachs a little too much when sitting down. I get it. After having a baby that roll over is almost inevitable. Low: A low rise was definitely trendy in the 90’s, but is still a favorite or many women (generally ages 18-late 20’s). High: A high rise, though it may seem trendy at the moment, is actually a very classic fit. I prefer a high rise - not ultra high but right to the belly button. Some brands do make a “ribcage” high rise. This is great if you are long in the torso or are taller than 5’ 7.”
Fit Profile
First, wear what makes you comfortable. If no one around you wears a boot cut but it is the pair of jeans that you feel your best it, wear it. This is not high school. People will not make fun of you if your jean style isn’t necessarily on trend. I’ve been wearing flare jeans since I was 13. I like the way they look on me still to this day. I think the leg shape is super flattering, especially with some 70’s inspired wedges. So, consider what you will want. If you don’t know, try on several different styles: skinny, straight, relaxed, boot cut, mom jean, kick flare, flare, ultra-skinny…
My opinion, every woman should own a really good pair of skinny(ish) jeans and a really nice boot-cut. When I say skinny I need to explain that there are different skinny styles to be conscientious of your age group. Younger gals can wear their jeans skinnier at the ankle. More mature women should look for a jean that doesn’t hug too close to their ankle. Also, just be aware that when you are trying on different styles, the straight fit and mom fit don’t flatter every bottom, so don’t feel defeated if it’s not for you. It’s honestly not for a lot of people.
Wash/Rinse
Wash is everything these days. Jeans are the one thing I love buying because it is so much fun to find a different wash and/or style. For men, the wash is the most important thing to consider. Honestly, men have it so easy. There are only a few options in leg openings (styles) and not much of a choice in rises, so the fabric and wash is generally the most important factor to buying denim for men.
If you’re just starting out, I recommend a dark wash, a black, and a true denim wash. Mix it up. Maybe you purchase a black skinny, a dark high rise skinny-straight and a true denim relaxed fit. I’ve heard Everlane makes an awesome pair of jeans. I’d love to give them a try one day (and they’re size inclusive!). IMPORTANT: For Dark or Black washes it is REALLY important that you put 1/4 cup of white vinegar in with your clothes for the first 1-2 washes. This will set the dye and help I from rubbing off on your hands, purses or carseats.
Material/Fabric
Do you want stretch, or do you like a raw feel? If you like the raw selvedge feel, you may like Moussy Denim, Reformation or Rag & Bone. These jeans have the look and feel of super-vintage-raw-cut-denim. If you want a soft, almost legging feel, you should try Paige, AG or Good American. If you want a true in-between, try on Frame, Veronica Beard or Madewell. All of these brands are great for housing different styles and sizes. If you’re looking at material tags, 1%-4% lycra, spandex or elastane will give you a really nice soft and flexible fabric. If there is no stretch material in the make of the jean, you will probably have a stiffer pair of jeans that I would recommend not throwing in the wash (really ever). Also remember, the more stretch your denim has in it, the more it will most likely stretch out. I would suggest sizing down one size to accommodate for the growth.
Washing/Care
Ok, so now that I bring that up, let me talk about how to wash your jeans. Let’s face it, using the washing machine is honestly the easiest - especially with a family - but it’s not the best thing for you jeans. So, do I put my denim in the washer? Yes, I do. I literally don’t have time to NOT use a washing machine. But, especially if you do purchase an expensive pair of jeans or a raw pair like G-Star, Naked.& Famous or Nudie, you may want to try toe freezer method first. The freezer method is actually probably simpler than a washing machine, but it just takes more thought.
Spray your jeans with Febreeze
Fold them into a large plastic bag
Freeze for 24-48 hours
The Febreeze will kill bacteria and your jeans will come out smelling fresh. If you need to spot clean, you can do so before. Dry-cleaners are always a good option too if your care tag specifies. I know, its a weird method, but what natural “raw” denim is supposed to do is mold to the shape of your legs and they will wear specific to you - which is pretty cool.
Otherwise, wash on cold (delicate cycle is preferable) and hang to dry or dry on extra low. Drying your jeans in medium-high heat will wear the fabric quicker and you may feel like you always have to wash after a wear to get the shape back.
Fit Tips
A few fit tips and then you can get rid of me.
Hip & knee bag
Make sure that your jeans are not bagging in the hip area when you sit down - this means they are probably too big. I sometimes have to get my waist altered in to accommodate because the jeans fit me in my new-mom thighs but not over my hips. Also make sure that you don’t have an excessive amount of material behind your knees - this could mean the jeans are too big, OR your legs are not lining up with the natural knee-break of the style and you need to find a new style that is better suited for you. This happens to me because I’m 5’4” and some pants aren’t made for short girls, let’s face the truth.
Pocket Size
Too big or too small, both are not flattering. If you have a round booty, make sure the pockets are proportionate. Good American, Levi’s, Madewell and Rag & Bone are great for this (Levi’s pictured on the right). Paige and AG sometimes have pockets that are too small for a round bum. Also, I encourage my mature clients to go for a more modest pocket size one that is larger rather than smaller. Also, NO EMBELLISHMENTS - PLEASE! The jeweled-pocket-phase has passed.
You’ve Got to LOVE Them
If you don’t feel 100% don’t buy them. My honest opinion? You won’t wear them. If you don’t LOVE your jeans, you will either wear them and want another pair because you don’t feel great, or you won’t wear them. Sometimes I will convince clients to buy something out of their comfort zone, but it’s because I know they will wear it once and then feel fabulous. I have had so many instances where months later clients will say, “remember that ___ you made me buy? Yeah, I love it and every time I wear it I get a ton of compliments.” Honestly though, It makes us feel great when people notice what we are wearing, right?
Thats it for now! I hope you absorbed some helpful information & will now feel more confident buying yourself some jeans. GO GET ‘EM!
xx
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