How to find the perfect jeans for your body and tastes…
Choosing jeans is never easy. The experts tell us the average American woman tries on as many as 15 pairs of jeans before settling for any one pair. With boot cut, low-rise, skinny and many other styles to choose from, not to mention different washes, how do you know which one is best for you? More importantly, how do you avoid choosing a pair of ‘mom jeans’? Read our tips and find out…
Help! I Have a Wobbly Tummy!
Avoid low-rise jeans at all costs; you don’t want the horrid-looking ‘muffing top’ syndrome, where your belly oozes over the top of your jeans. Instead go for a medium or higher-rise jean to hold your stomach in. A medium rise would be something like eight-and-a-half to nine-and-a-half inches from crotch to waist; make sure to take your tape measure with you!
What Color Should I choose?
Generally speaking, a dark wash is the most slimming, so if you want to optically lose a few pounds, head for the dark blues with no fade. If you want to add curves, however, faded patches help to accentuate the lighter areas.
How Can I Avoid Baggy Jeans After a While?
All jeans tend to stretch a bit over time, typically about a quarter-of-an-inch all the way around. If you want to make sure you end up with a perfectly fitting pair after a few washes, buy a pair that’s pretty snug in the dressing room. We’re not talking too tight; you don’t want the zipper to pull or to be unable to get a finger in the waistband, but try to find a pair that is just that bit snugger than you would ordinarily go for and they’ll fit just right after they stretch.
Should I Invest in Pricier Jeans or Cheaper Jeans?
There’s no denying that pricier jeans will usually be better made and less likely to lose shape; that’s because they traditionally have a tighter weave of the denim. There again, some designer brands may not be that much better than a medium-priced pair because you’re paying extra for the name. If in doubt, try on an expensive pair and see how they feel. If you can detect a discernible difference in quality, you know they’re worth paying for. At the very least, it should help you to identify good quality jeans in subsequent pairs that you try on regardless of the price.
We’d recommend you invest in one good-quality pair of jeans, as opposed to the cheaper varieties, if you want a pair that will last.
What’s the Ideal Hem to Wear with Heels?
If you’re talking boot cut or trouser styles, you’re going to want a hem that’s approximately half or three-quarters of the way down the heel. If you find a favorite pair, take the jeans and your heels along to the tailors and let them measure exactly where the hem should sit to your satisfaction. Ask the tailor if he or she can replace the original hem to make the jeans look more authentic. If you’re wearing skinny jeans, the hem should sit just below the ankle.
What’s the Ideal Hem to Wear with Flats?
If you’re planning to wear flat shoes with skinny jeans, the hem should again sit just beneath the ankle. If you’re opting for other types of jeans, go for a hem that skims the floor; make sure the jeans are not so long that you trip over them, however, or they drag on the floor.
