Jeans can be some of the most versatile items in your closet. They're probably the only articles of clothing that you can fashionably wear to so many places, from construction site to club. What is it about denim that makes so many people look and feel good? It's durable, comes in a variety of colors and washes, and enhances your body without being as unforgiving as more clingy fabrics.
If you're like most women, you have several pairs of jeans in your wardrobe. Some of us have more pairs than we need. You may have bought one pair because it was the trendy style everyone had to have that year, even though the trend didn't last. That other pair may have looked sexy on the shelf but not so much in your home mirror. It's time to clear out the denim wasteland and replace it with jeans you love.
Shopping For Jeans
Some people take the pursuit of the perfect jeans to a whole new level. They hire personal shoppers or have jeans custom made. They even use innovative technology like Bodymetrics, a futuristic system that electronically scans your body and suggests the ideal clothing choices for your type. While all of this sounds exciting and fun, most of us don't have the budget for it. Not to worry. You can still shop for jeans the old-fashioned way - by using your eyes, hands, and common sense.
There can be a lot of confusion and variation when it comes to jeans sizes. A size-10 woman may find that this size in store A is too big on her, while the same size in store B is too small. You should have your body measurements on hand so a store employee can help you find jeans that fit.
A good fit goes beyond a number. Finding the right pair of jeans means experiencing how it suits your body. Looking at yourself in the jeans isn't enough; you have to feel good in them too. When you're shopping for jeans, give yourself enough time to try on multiple pairs of jeans while standing, sitting, bending and walking. This may sound like a time-consuming venture but it will pay off.
If you want a pair of jeans that you'll love to wear, choose a pair that showcases your best features and downplays your less-favored areas. There are many styles of jeans with many available features, but only a few are right for you. Evaluate your body. What is your basic body type? Lean? Petite? Pear? Do you have areas you would like to minimize - like a mid-section that could use extra toning? Take all this into consideration as you browse the racks.
The Right Jeans For Your Body
Pear Shape
This is the most common shape for women. Pear-shaped women carry most of their weight in their hips and thighs. This body type does well in boot cut, mid-rise jeans with little or no detailing on the front. No-pocket or slit-pocket designs are best to balance your hips with your upper body. Pear-shaped gals are usually blessed in the booty department. Large pocket jeans give the illusion of a smaller derriere, while smaller pockets tend to play up the backside.
Apple Shape
Apple shapes carry most of their weight in their upper body. They usually have a wider back, fuller chest/breasts and slimmer hips and legs. If this is you, you can choose jeans that create a curvier look in the hips. Try styles that feature embellished pockets or a contoured waistband. This body type can get away with a few different leg styles, but baggy jeans should be avoided.
Hourglass
An hourglass figure is the classic feminine shape that features full breasts, a defined waist, and curvy hips. Straight leg styles look nice on an hourglass woman, especially if you're average height or shorter and want to look taller. Hourglass is one body type that can pull off the high-waisted look, so feel free to give the '50s retro look a whirl. Just avoid baggy and cargo styles; they have a way of taking you from curvy to bulky.
Extra Lean (or "Boyish")
This type can be described as a straight up and down body - thin, without many curves. You'll want to go for the illusion of curves with embellishments on pockets and a defined waistline. Boot cut jeans can work especially well with this type because they add a nice curvy shape to the leg.
Petite
Petite means that you are on the short side; it does not describe your body shape, i.e., where your weight is carried. A petite woman should shop for jeans at a store that specializes in petites or carries a very good selection of petite jeans. Straight-leg jeans will give you a more elongated appearance so they're a good bet for smaller woman.
Plus Size
It can be frustrating trying to find stylish jeans when you're plus size, but this don't resign yourself to "mom jeans" or a shapeless pair that doesn't flatter your body. Designers are (finally) starting to acknowledge that many American women don't fit the size 2 mold cast by slim-hipped women walking the runway. Spend some time on websites or in stores that cater to larger women, to find the perfect pair of jeans for your body type.
Other Considerations
Jeans come in a variety of textures, colors, and fades. You should have a few well-fitting pairs of jeans to change things up with your mood, the weather, and the occasion.
Whatever style you choose or body shape category you fall into, remember that denim's strongest selling point is how sexy, confident and comfortable it can make you feel. Take the time to find a pair or 2 that fits your lifestyle and personality to perfection and rid your closet of any jeans that are too loose, make you feel frumpy or simply don't fit in with the rest of your wardrobe. With the helpful tips provided in this article, there's no need to hang onto tired denim that leaves you feeling like less than a million bucks!
