No matter how many pairs of jeans I have in my closet, I always feel like I’m looking for the “perfect pair of jeans.” Perfect jeans are the beluga whale of fashion, I swear! I know I’m not the only one struggling because I’m always asked how to look good in jeans and find the most flattering style of jeans. Who else has had the experience of being in a fitting room: a pair of jeans that you thought looked great ended up looking, well, really bad? My hands were raised.
That said, finding the right jeans doesn’t have to be a major challenge. All you have to do is pay attention! From sizing to silhouette to length, to smaller aesthetic details like distressing and washing – these can all affect how jeans look on you, and if you can determine exactly what you like ahead of time, you won’t have to waste time trying out those that fit you. Sure, you’re bound to go through some trial and error, and your perfect denim might only really come to fruition after going to the tailor’s shop, but hey, it’s worth saying that you’ve finally found the “perfect pair,” am I right?
Your jeans may be more popular than anything else in your wardrobe, which is why it’s so important to choose a pair of jeans that really fit you – and more importantly, make you feel great. The next time you go, keep the following tips in mind for jeans shopping and see if you haven’t found your new favorite jeans.
1. Find Your Own Upside
Whatever is popular, find out what makes you feel the best waistline. Are you a low-waisted girl, a happy mid-rise girl, or you’re completely obsessed with retro high-waisted options. It’s up to you, but be aware of this – the most common way to define your waistline is the mid-rise. Low-rise jeans can put pressure on your tummy, while high-rise jeans can make your belly look wider thanks to all the fabrics.
2. Select a Silhouette
There are many different options for jeans, from baggy boyfriend-style jeans to rockstar skinny jeans to retro wide-leg flared pants. The best advice? Don’t limit yourself to thinking you can only wear one style. Grab the largest fitting room in the store and double-check all the options until you find the one that pleases you the most. Then, stock up on these things, or look for another one you enjoy.
3. Pay Attention to Details
Whether jeans fit or not depends not only on size, but also on how they are cut. Brands such as American Eagle and Madewell have now launched Curvy Fit denim specifically designed to flatter wider hips and thighs, while many brands also offer the same jeans, available in regular, petite, and tall styles.
4. Be Picky About Pockets
If you want to fade your hips, avoid back pockets with flaps, buttons, studs, or embroidery, all of which will enhance your hips – instead, keep it simple and streamlined. On the other hand, if you want to pretend to have a sexy ass, back trim is a great option.
5. Stretch Stretch, Baby
Jeans don’t have to feel restricted, all of you! Find a pair of jeans with a little (or a lot) of stretch, and you’ll wonder why you wear undershirts when denim feels just as good. Choose jeans blended with lycra, elastane, polyurethane, or spandex instead of jeans that are 100% cotton.
That said, pay attention to your size when buying super stretch jeans. If you put them on for the first time they fit like gloves but have a lot of elasticity, then they may become looser and looser over the course of the day. If a size one size smaller is valid, then you’d better choose a size one size smaller to avoid becoming loose in the long run.
6. Don’t Freak Out Over Sizing
Do you wear size 27 on one brand and size 8 on another? Baby, don’t worry too much about the numbers, especially when they’re in two completely different size ranges. When trying on jeans in the store, choose the size you see fit, then add a smaller or larger size depending on the jeans themselves. Focus on fit, not quantity. You’re the only one who sees the label!
7. Focus On Fades
Be strategic when washing denim. Jeans with a lighter color in the center of the leg give the illusion of a slender figure. That said, if you want a slimming effect, avoid clothes that only fade on the hips or thighs, as they act like spotlights.
8. Take Them to the Tailor
Let’s be honest, not all jeans are right for you, but if you’re in love with a pair of jeans that don’t fit perfectly, it’s not necessarily impossible. Let the local tailor be your best friend and don’t be afraid to change your jeans. All celebrities do it! Why settle for a loose waistband or a leg that’s a little too long when you can customize the fit?
9. Distressed and Best Dressed
Edgy ripped jeans? It’s dirty and cool. Denim is so tattered that it looks like you’ve just struggled to break free from a zombie apocalypse? Not so much. Of course, how distressed you like is entirely up to you, but don’t get too caught up in the fashion details. Distress increases interest, but keeps tears and chips within reason.
10. Step It Up
If you feel that wearing jeans legs looks short, first of all, it is not. Don’t be too yourself, you look great! That said, if you want to keep your legs in shape for a long time, wear heels or heeled booties to visually elongate your lower body. When you wear high heels, you automatically mobilize your calf, thigh, and hip muscles to help maintain balance. Outcome? Everything looks tighter and firmer.