Finding the Perfect Fitting Jeans

We all know that most women struggle when shopping for their denim jeans. It seems like there are an infinite amount of styles and brands out there for a variety of prices. So how do you know which ones are right for you? While I can’t see you and tell YOU specifically, there are some great guidelines that all women should follow. Here are a few things to take into consideration when shopping for jeans: fit type, rise, leg fit and wash type.

• Fit Type: Most jeans come sized relaxed, slim, regular, etc. Slim and extra slim are best for those who are tall and thin.

• Rise: Rise is something that really gets to me when shopping for jeans. No one wants a high rise unless you’re specifically looking for a pair of high waisted jeans. TRY ON your jeans to assess the rise before you buy them. Try sitting, crossing your legs and bending over to make sure that you’re comfortable.

• Leg Fit: This is the part that usually gets me the most frustrated when shopping for jeans. These days a lot of women are looking for the skinny leg jean, but some women have larger calves than others. I’ve found what works best for me with a skinny jean is that it MUST have spandex or lycra in it to give it some stretch, otherwise it will not fit over my calves. Also, look at other cuts like boot cut, straight, skinny, wide, flare, etc. Don't forget to keep in mind the shape of your hips and shoulders when choosing a leg fit in order to give your entire body a uniform silhouette.

• Wash Type: Darker washes tend to be more flattering and thinning, and are also easier to dress up if you’re wearing jeans out at night. Whisker washes draw attention to the hips and thighs. Lighter washes can hide a multitude of sins BUT can also make some look heavier, so be careful when trying these on and know what look you’re going for. Also, color washes can tend to add stiffness to the jeans because of the larger amount of dye in them.

Lastly, when you’re shopping for your jeans, don’t be afraid to pull a sales associate aside to assist you. Get opinions in the dressing room so that you don’t walk out wearing a mistake. Also, research your jean companies. Most websites have great sizing tools for denim for all body shapes and sizes; take advantage of that! And finally, it’s not always true that spending more money gets you a better fitting jean. Every body type is different, and brands that you’d never imagine trying just might be the ones to surprise you!