Jeans 101

Despite the fact that many people love to wear jeans, shopping for them can be a complete nightmare! From all the styles and fits to choose from people can become frustrated and confused in a matter of minutes. So... here are some tips on how to wear, style and buy your jeans making the whole experience a walk in the park.

The first most important thing is to find the right size and style that fits you the best. Learn how to make the hot trends work for you and your body type.  Faded, distressed, and ripped jeans are a big trend this fall.  If you have slim/straight hips and thighs, fading and rips on these areas will create curvature; if you have a curvy and full figure, try to stick with clean washes. Use accessories and incorporate the colors of the season into your look.

The second thing to know is that size doesn’t matter.  All brands have different sizing scales so we may wear 3 different sizes across different brands; some brands run big some run small, keep the size out of your mind as long as the jean fits you. If you look fabulous, then who cares!  Cut out the tag if it bothers you!  The cut, wash, fabric content, even the rise of the jeans play a big factor in how your jeans will fit. 

Thirdly, belts should be just for accessorizing, not to keep your pants on.  If gapping is an issue when fitting your jeans, a contoured waistband will help; a contoured waistband is constructed slightly smaller to eliminate a gap and hold your pants up.  A higher back rise with a slightly lower front rise also helps to tuck in your assets. 

Fourthly, Please please please avoid the dryer! The dryer will definitely shrink your jeans all around and up in length on average ¼ to ½ inches.  I suggest a cold water wash inside out, and hang dry.  Your jeans can be fluffed up a bit in the dryer if needed for a few minutes. The dryer can also fade and break down the jeans over time.

Fifthly, avoid flooding at the ankles. Having your jeans about a half inch off of the floor creates a longer, leaner silhouette; especially when paired with great heels.

Sixthly, pocket placement is crucial to keep in mind when flattering your behind.  A back side  that lacks shape should try a flap back pocket or a detailed back pocket design for a lifting effect.  A fuller behind should stick with minimal pocket design, and a moderately sized pocket for a great shaping figure.

Seventhly, to balance out the curves of a pear shape body, boot cut, trouser, and wider leg jeans are the best way to go. Unless paired with a high heel, straight leg and skinny jeans will accentuate all your curves.

Eighthly, if you like a form fitting jean, I suggest you go with a good snug fit.  With the EXCEPTION of the waistband, the hips seat and thighs stretch out about enough to how the next size up feels.  If you try the next size up, they may stretch out too much, and become unflattering as the day goes on.  Sit down for a minute or do a couple of stretches and see how the jeans start to form your body.

Ninthly, if the waistband is too tight on your jeans, but every other area fits great; it may be the rise of the jean being too low rather than the size of your jean.  A long torso fares far better with a mid rise jean, and a shorter torso accommodates a low rise jean. 

Finally, Clean dark washes tend to create a slimming effect. Whiskering and distressed denim will accentuate hips and thighs.