To find a jean that looks good on your body, you should study your body’s design pattern. Most women should wear a lower rise jean style rather than the high waist-above the belly button style. A lower rise doesn’t necessarily mean real low! It just means a bit below the belly button! Jeans that rise too high on the waist tend to make a belly and boot look even larger. You lose the proportion of the rest of your body. Let’s take a look at ways to balance your body’s characteristics with the right cut.
Try to find a jean that has some stretch (spandex) in it. It will give you the ease and memory that will work with your body and provide structure. The best jeans should have at least 1-3% of spandex in it. In all cases, it goes without saying that any jean that exposes your crack is TOO LOW!
If you are Tall:
You can wear more straight-legged or boot cut jeans. Length should hit the floor or slightly above. Avoid too much stretch (less than 4% is good)
If you have Bigger Hips or Thighs:
Look for wider leg openings-slight flare or boot cut. This will give you balance. Do not go for baggy jeans. Choose pocket that lie flat and material that doesn’t cling or hug.
If you are Petite:
Avoid cuffs and Capri lengths-they just make you look shorter. When hemming, make sure that the hemline covers most of your heel. This creates a streamlined look-but don’t allow pant to drag on the floor.
If you have a Large Bottom:
To slim the large bottom, make sure that you create some distraction there! Choose jeans with pockets that are medium in size and don’t sit too low or too high. Stay away from embellishments-for example a worn vintage wash on the backside. Also, select pants that are not low rise.
Small Bottom:
Select jeans that have pockets that sit high, are smaller and have some detail. This will give the illusion of a fuller bottom. You can wear jeans with not back pocket or a low rise.
Boy Shape:
If you have slim hips and few curves, select a straight-leg, classic style. Whatever you do, stay away from baggy jeans as they will make you look like a boy!
FINAL TIP: Always wash your jeans inside out. Even though you jean may be ‘vintage’ that doesn’t mean that it won’t continue to bleed on other fabrics. Darker jeans are prone to extra shrinkage so if you do not want them to shrink, be sure to dry them partially in the dryer.
Do you recommend any particular brands or stores to shop for jeans?
Well, I’ve tried alot of all price points. The one that I am most pleased with at this time is from Christopher Blue. They fit great in the rear and don’t have too much detail on the back pockets but still have spandex. You can find them at a number of retailers.
Nordstrom carries Christopher Blue as well as Seven Jeans (didn’t fit me well) True Religion, and Citizen. I’ve tried all these, but for me the Christopher Blue was great. The challenge with jeans is that they are so ‘body’ specific that you really have to devote a shopping expedition just to find YOUR perfect fit. It is an education in fit to be sure.
My next quest is for the perfect khaki.