Finding the perfect pair of jeans is often seen as the Holy Grail in fashion. After all, jeans are comfortable, can be dressed up or down, come in designs to suit all body types, and are worn by people of all ages. Unfortunately, though, liking a pair of jeans in a shop is very different than liking them on, as the clothing may look great on a rack but not fit or look right when on the body.
Also, while there once used to be a minimum number of options when it came to jeans, today there are so many choices that it can be simply overwhelming for shoppers. To help you rock the best denim for you in 2020, you need to consider a few key factors.
Understand the Different Jean Styles
The first step is to understand all the different jean styles on offer. For example, in women’s jeans, you can usually choose between low rise, mid-rise, and high-rise products. Low-rise jeans sit, as the name suggests, lower on the body and need to fit snugly at the hips to avoid having a gap issue at the back. Mid-rise jeans suit and are comfortable for most body types and provide more structure around the midsection. High-rise jeans are the classic fit. They sit higher and pair particularly well with cropped tops and tuck-in shirts.
You have to choose what kind of fit you want around your hips and legs, too. There are many more choices in women’s jeans for this than there are in men’s. When it comes to jeans for men, there are four main options. There are the crisp, clean lines of the slim fit, which slightly hugs the thighs, knees and calves but loosens a little around the ankles. The straight-leg fit is, as the name suggests, cut more or less the same way throughout. These jeans have more give than slim fit ones.
The looser classic fit gives more room around the thighs, while relaxed fit jeans have a fuller leg and seat, but shouldn’t hang off your hips. Plus, there are all sorts of tailored and relaxed men’s stretch jeans to choose from, so you can get more movement from any style if you opt for a stretchier fabric.
As for women, apart from the styles listed above, ladies can also select between numerous other fits. Boyfriend jeans are a loose fit designed to look like you’ve borrowed them from the lad in your life. There are varying degrees of this fit, though, so even petite women can find a shape to suit.
On the other side of the coin, for a tight fit, buy skinny jeans. These are the slimmest option at the ankle compared to other silhouettes but can suit all body shapes. Bootcut jeans have a subtle wide leg that’s a modern take on the more obvious flare from the sixties. Flares are still around, though not as popular. They’re longer and wider with a big bell at the hem that’s usually at least ten inches across.
Test Out Options
To find the perfect jeans, have an open mind and test out many different options. Often, you’ll think you want a particular type but if you’re patient enough to try many shapes, you may find there’s one that suits you more than expected. Also, if you’ve been wearing the same kind of jeans for years, it’s worth freshening up your wardrobe with a new shape.
Go shopping for jeans when you have plenty of time; this is not a job to do in a rush. Allow a good hour or two, or more, to discover what you like. Test out numerous sizes, too. You might need a size larger or smaller than you normally wear in other pants to get the perfect fit. Also, different brands are cut differently, so what fits you in one may not be what suits for another.
Another helpful tip is to bring extra shoes along. Bring flats, trainers, and some heels to see how the jeans look with each type of footwear. Furthermore, when comparing jeans, think about what wash (color) will suit the clothes you want to pair them with, and what suits your body shape. Check out the strength of the denim, and examine all the details on the jeans, such as the closure, embellishments, pockets, stitching, etc.
Buying new jeans can be daunting, with racks and racks of the items to select from. However, if you take it step by step and look for jeans on a day when you have more patience rather than less, you should be able to find a perfect pair that will see you through many seasons to come.
