Finding the perfect pair of jeans can sometimes seem like nothing short of impossible. No matter what, it seems like the jeans are either too long, too tight around the waist, too baggy at the bottom, or simply uncomfortable. That being said, don’t give up hope. While shopping for jeans can be an incredibly frustrating process, finding the ideal pair is possible when you have a few key tricks up your sleeve. Below, we will let you in on our secrets to finding the perfect pair of jeans.
Break Out the Measuring Tape
The first step to finding an ideal pair of jeans is to get your measurements. So, break out that measuring tape and get to it! The two areas of your body you’ll need to measure are your waist and your inseam.
- Measuring the Inseam: The inseam of a pair of jeans will run from the crotch to the hem on the inside of the pant. If you already have a pair of jeans that fits well, you can simply use them as a template and measure their inseam. If not, measure the length of your inner thigh to the bottom of your ankle where you want your pants to end. Knowing this number will help you solve the issue of purchasing pants that run too long or too short.
- Measuring Your Waist: To measure your waist, wrap some flexible measuring tape around the narrowest part of your waist. Typically, this area is around one inch above your belly button. Knowing this number will help you avoid choosing pants that are too tight or too baggy at the waistline.
Figure Out Which Rise Flatters Your Figure Most
The rise of a pair of jeans refers to the distance from the middle of the crotch seam to the top of the waistband. This distance will determine where your jeans sit on your body and will essentially create your perceived waistline. As such, the rise of your jeans can have a large impact on how flattering they are. To avoid choosing a pair of pants that make you look disproportionate, make sure to choose the rise of your jeans wisely.
In most cases, the rise of a pair of jeans will range between seven and 12 inches. There are essentially three different types of rises that jeans come in: low-rise, mid-rise, and high-rise.
Low-Rise Jeans
As their name suggests, low-rise jeans sit lower than your natural waist, typically around three inches below the belly button. Rather than being worn on our waistline, they sit on your hips. Because they don’t sit on your waist, low-rise jeans aren’t always the most flattering choice. However, if you have an athletic figure or curvy hips, low-rise jeans might help accentuate your silhouette. They’re also a great option if you have a shorter torso and longer legs; they will help balance out your proportions.
Mid-Rise Jeans
Also known as normal or regular rise, mid-rise jeans fall at one’s natural waist just below the belly button at a length of around nine to 11 inches. This style is generally universally flattering on pretty much any body type so you can’t really go wrong when opting for one.
High-Rise Jeans
Commonly referred to as high-waisted jeans, high-rise jeans are typically worn up to or above the naval. Jeans that have a higher rise are ideal for those who want to lengthen the appearance of their legs or balance out their longer torso by raising their perceived natural waist.
The Wash
In addition to the fit of the jeans, the wash of the denim can also impact how flattering they look on your figure, as well as how formal or casual an outfit with them appears. Below, we will address some of the most popular washes and provide tips on choosing the color that best suits your body type and style.
Dark Wash Jeans
Dark wash jeans are universally flattering on all figures as they have a slimming and lengthening effect. If you’re going for a more casual look, however, you might want to go for something a bit lighter.
Dark wash jeans in deep blues or blacks can often give off a more formal vibe and are best suited for more classic and polished styles. That being said, you can easily turn a dark wash jean suit into a more relaxed aesthetic by opting for a distressed pair of jeans that has holes and tears.
Medium Wash Jeans
Medium wash jeans are a bit more casual than dark wash jeans and are ideal for those who have a more laid-back style. While not quite as slimming as dark wash jeans, medium wash jeans are also flattering on most body types.
Light Wash Jeans
Have you noticed the pattern? The lighter the jean, the more casual the look—in most cases. As such, light wash jeans are ideal for those who want to maintain a more easygoing and relaxed appearance. Because lighter colors aren’t quite as slimming as darker shades, light wash jeans are also a great choice for those who seek to balance out the proportions of slender legs.
Material
Our last secret to finding the perfect pair of jeans is to pay attention to the label. The material that a pair of jeans is made out of can have a substantial impact on how comfortable they are and how well they fit.
For a stretchier, form-fitting jean that’s more comfortable to wear, choose a pair with more elastic or spandex than the average pair. Keep in mind, though, that because they’ll have more elastic or spandex, they’ll also be more prone to stretching out over time. To prevent them from losing their shape, make sure to wash them in cold water. Hot water will slowly soften and damage the fabric.
If you want a pair of jeans that will stand the test of time and add some structure to your look, jeans that are primarily made from cotton are ideal. Such jeans have a more rigid fit which has a smoothing and flattening effect that often proves highly flattering. While finding a rigid yet well-fitting pair of jeans can be challenging, once you acquire the perfect pair, you can rest easy knowing that they won’t lose their shape for years to come.
Another tip for finding the perfect pair of jeans is to shop at Cozi Bear Boutique! All of our pieces are hand-picked by our style experts to ensure that they’re always in fashion. To finally find a pair of trendy pants that you love, shop our online collection today.
