How to buy jeans
Everyone needs a good pair of jeans that look great and make them feel a million dollars - and it is possible to find them, although you'll need to persevere. There are many different cuts and types of denim, sizes vary and fashions change. But once you've found the perfect fit (and don't forget, they can shrink when washed!), stick with it.
How to measure jeans
If you already have a favourite pair of jeans, do up the zip and press them out flat to measure them. You can then save some wasted time trying on jeans that aren't right.
- Measure the hips, across the top of the pockets, then double it to give you the hip measurement.
- Measure across the hips level with the crotch.
- On the front of the jeans, measure from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband.
- Measure the crotch seam to the waistband on the back of the jeans.
- Measure the inside leg seam from the crotch to the bottom of the leg.
- Measure from side to side at the knee and double it.
- Measure from side to side at the hem and double it.
If you do not have a favourite pair of jeans, then take your hip, waist and inside leg measurements.
Style and fit
You'll need to choose the style that best suits your body shape. Be honest. You may like skinny jeans, but if you are a rounded shape, they are not going to do you any favours.
Jeans should be snug but not tight and certainly not saggy. Make sure the leg is long enough - ankle swingers look dreadful. Remember to wear the shoes or boots you are going to wear them with when you try them on; the hem should rest on the top of your shoes/boot.
- Boot cut: A flattering style for hour glass or straight figures that will give you added curves, play down your bottom and add length to your legs.
- Buckle back: Loose fit with a straight leg, the buckle at the back accentuates the waist and enables you to create your own fit, making it good for straight or triangle top shapes.
- Carpenter/utility: A very comfortable fit and flattering on the bottom for all figures, these will have large pockets and possibly a strap from the front to the back of the upper leg.
- Flared cut: This will balance heavy hips and add length to the leg so is good for a triangle top and bottom.
- Hipster/low rise: Low at the waist, sitting at least 3in/7.5cm below the belly button, these only suit those straight shapes with slender tummies.
- Loose: A relaxed baggy fit, this is suitable for any figure but best suited to hour glass or round women with curves.
- Skinny leg: Good for a skinny, athletic body or a straight shape, they will make your bottom look curvy. Don't wear these jeans and put things in your pocket.
- Tapered: Regular fit but the legs taper towards the ankle, which is best suited to long, thin legs and a straight figure. It's not flattering for larger or rounder bottoms and thighs.
- Weekender: A relaxed, easy fit, most versions come with a co-ordinating belt. This style is suited to the older, smarter woman who would not normally wear jeans.
- Wide leg: Equally wide around the thigh and hem. Will look good on any figure.
Colours
Denims vary tremendously - it's part of their appeal - but there are four main options.
` Dark: Dark jeans - dark indigo, black or grey - tend not to look as casual as light blue jeans. You can dress them up with accessories very easily, and they are quite slimming.
` Distressed: Purposely aged with holes and shredding, these are definitely a casual look that best suit the young.
` Light: Casual and classic, you can team them with T-shirts, and add a structured jacket for a smarter look.
` Stonewashed: Much lighter than other jeans and often with a variation in the dye. Be careful of jeans with a lighter thigh as they can make the thighs look bigger. Also avoid those with a dark area around the crotch!