Everyone needs at least two good pairs of jeans – ideally one in black and one in dark blue. These can be dressed up or down, so they’re great for both casual and semi-casual events. Finding the right fit can be challenging. There are so many brands out there and sizing rules aren’t consistent across the board. Consider this your go-guide for finding the perfect pair of jeans:
Know your body type
One of the most confusing aspects of jean shopping is identifying what the different cuts mean. A jean in a straight cut will look different than a boot cut, even if they have the exact same number size. Certain cuts tend to work for specific body types. If you are lean with slender or skinny legs, go with slim-fit or skinny jeans. For men and women with hips (and juicier butts, thighs, and calves), a boot-cut can help create a balanced look. You can also try “classic” fits, which generally work for all body types.
There are three sizing factors
If you get overwhelmed by all the words on jeans, remember there are really only three sizing factors besides the number(s): the rise, leg cut, and length. The rise, which ranges from high-waisted to low-rise, represents where the waist of the jeans fall. The leg cut – which includes skinny and boot – describes the leg shape of the pants. The length, which includes short, long, etc – refers to how long the jeans are.
Check out the pockets
How the pockets fit on your body is a great way to check the overall fit. The back pockets should hit your buttchecks in the center and not stretch further than the curve. If it does, the jeans are too big. For the front pockets, you shouldn’t be able to see it against your leg.
Make sure you can button/unbutton
You should never be able to take off your jeans without unbuttoning. That means the pants are too loose. While your eyes are on that area, you can also tell jeans are too big if you see bunching when you wear a belt or there’s sagging in the crotch. You probably don’t want your jeans painted on, but if you can grab a handful of material, the jeans don’t fit.
Everyone needs at least two good pairs of jeans – ideally one in black and one in dark blue. These can be dressed up or down, so they’re great for both casual and semi-casual events. Finding the right fit can be challenging.
For skinny jeans, make sure you can squat
Many people believe skinny jeans need to be uncomfortably tight. However, you shouldn’t have to tug that style over your calves and thighs like you’re fighting a wild animal. They should slide on smoothly and allow you to squat and bend over, without you worrying they’re going to rip open or feeling pain.
Remember jeans stretch
If you feel like your jeans are just a little bit too tight, don’t worry. Jeans stretch out up to half a size when you’re wearing them around, so they will soon feel looser. To get them back to their out-of-the-bag tautness, run them through the wash.
Men, check out the butt
A common problem with men and jeans is that they buy them too loose, and they end up with saggy butts. You don’t need to buy skinny jeans, but for a good fit, take a look behind you in the mirror. The denim should comfortable hug your backside, so you feel comfortable moving around, bending over, squatting, and so on. If there’s a handful of material sagging back there, the jeans don’t fit.
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A good pair of jeans is also in style. What else is going to be trendy for spring 2019?
