Choosing The Right Jeans For Your Body Type

 

High on the list of frustrating things people do because they feel they have to is jeans shopping.

Shopping for a pair of comfortable chinos would be easier, but it would not satisfy the irresistible need to have a stylish, well-fitting pair of jeans on hand at all times.

If you're like most people, you have several pairs of jeans in your closet that you rarely wear. They may have looked good in the store, but at home, they just don't cut it against the one pair in the closet that actually fits and feels good.

Almost all dissatisfied shoppers have ideas about how to buy the best pair of jeans. However, given the subtle variations in body types that a pair of jeans must fit, only a few ideas are truly worth considering.

Fit the body type

Although it is oversimplified to say that there are only five body types, it is the simplest way to narrow down the hundreds of options. Consider the following classifications: short-wasted, long-torso, plus-size, wide hips, slim, and petite. Of course, there are distinctions.

Consider lower fitting hip hugger jeans for a short waist. These tend to lengthen the upper body. Choose a pair of jeans with a defined waist for a long torso body type. This is the inverse of the person with a small waist. Plus-size people must work on hip balancing. Look for a flare at the bottom of the leg to accomplish this.

This will help to balance the hips. Large pockets close together will also help. A petite person should consider straight leg jeans that are a little baggier than usual. This will give you a taller silhouette.

Age appropriate jeans

Unless you look like Goldie Hawn in her twenties and thirties, certain parts of your body have moved and your attitude has shifted. Make the decision that the days of ripped knees and low-rise jeans are over. This isn't necessarily a bad thing because it gives you a lot of style and fit options.

Where are you going?

The term "perfect fit" refers to different things for different purposes. Jeans for a casual party require a different fit than they do for a casual Friday. If you're going to a function that isn't quite a picnic but isn't a slack kind of function, consider a stiffer leg.

Straight legs suit people with a narrow waist or short legs, and if your waist isn't as narrow as it once was, choose darker colors. Darker colors conceal a variety of body flaws.

Casual Fridays necessitate a dark jean with a defined waist. This type of jean can be worn by anyone, regardless of body type, but if you are plus-sized or petite, follow the rules above. In this case, the real trick to fitting your style and body type is to find a pair of straight leg jeans you like and buy two pairs. Purchase one pair of flats and one pair of heels.

When in doubt, accessorize

Don't worry if you're still having trouble finding the perfect pair of jeans for your body type. When in doubt, accessorize, as the saying goes. If your hips are still in the way, a good pair of shoes and a few frills on your blouse may help (but not too much). Try matching the color of your jeans to your jewelry. Alternatively, a wide ankle is always a good fallback to distract while remaining stylish.

Take it along

One of the most common mistakes people make when jean shopping is failing to bring items that they will be wearing or carrying when they wear the jeans. If you need a defined waist or a distraction, bring a belt with you to ensure it fits and works well with whatever else you may be wearing.

Put on with your jeans. After all, if they fit well but don't look quite right, you can always make them look better.

Taking care of those that fit

When you've finally found a pair of jeans that fit and look good on you, make sure you take good care of them. A well-fitting pair of jeans is not something to be taken lightly. Always wash your jeans in cold water and, if you want to go the extra mile, turn them inside out to prevent fading.

Always hang dry your jeans, and if you're going to alter them, wash them a few times first in case they shrink.