How to find the perfect pair of jeans

How to find the perfect pair of jeans

Do you struggle to find jeans that fit? I can’t tell you the number of pairs of jeans I’ve sent back over the years because they are either too tight round the waist, too baggy on the leg, far too long, too saggy at the bottom, or just look wrong on my body. And this isn’t in middle age, this has been my story since forever. Who remembers the desperation of lying flat on the bed trying your damnedest to pull the zip up on a pair of spandex-ridden, flared jeans, or better yet, loons!

 

Happily, these days there are so many types of jeans available, to fit all shapes and sizes, but how to find the right pair for you, and what styles are right for what occasion?  The best jeans for women are the ones that you feel comfortable wearing and you turn to on a regular basis, but what will they be?  And what are Mom jeans, anyway?

If I’m not wearing leggings, I’m wearing jeans. I have five pairs, some of which are new and some I’ve had for some considerable time. I’ve set out below the five pairs of jeans which will cover you for most occasions, from slobbing at home to a night on the tiles.

 

But before we get into detailing each pair, let me say at the outset that in order to find the perfect pair of jeans, circumference is key, as is rise. Rise is the distance from the waistband to the crotch and varies considerably from pair to pair, and helpfully there is no standard definition!

 

And a little word about circumference. The measurement of the waist (circumference) of a pair of jeans bears little resemblance to the size. For example, a pair of jeans from Uniqlo – see below – in size 26 (inches) actually has a circumference of 31 ½ inches. Talk about vanity sizing!  And the rises vary from 8 ¾ to 10 inches and give no guide as to wear on the hips they will sit. For example, my actual waist circumference is 30 inches, so I need a pair of jeans that fit my waist and won’t dig into it and cause an overflow around the tummy area, so to speak! And as there is no standardisation of sizing, it can be difficult to work out which brand is likely to fit you.

 

Most styles of jeans fit most bodies. I prefer skinnies or girlfriend jeans, because I’m small boned and I’m all tum and no bottom. Bigger bottomed women with flatter tums might suit high waisted Mom jeans to highlight their peachy derrieres. Ultimately, you gotta try them on and see what works for you, but I hope that this guide will help you to choose the perfect pair of jeans for comfort and style.

For reference, I have a short torso, so all my length, such as it is, is from my waist to my toes. I also have a larger waist in proportion to my hips: my waist is 30 inches, and my hips are 38.

 

So here are five pairs of jeans that I think suit most women and most occasions.

beauty by dez in blue jeans beige top tan boots and woman in blue jeans denim shirt orange top

The Slobbing Pair

The jeans I wear at home, when I’m working or when I’m lolling on the sofa binge-watching something on Netflix. 

I’m wearing an old pair from Uniqlo. Believe it or not the size is 26!  The leg is 33, the rise 8 and 3 quarters in circumference 31 and a half inches.  They are made of 93% cotton, 5 % polyester, 2% spandex/elastane. Find a similar pair here with more stretch at 89% Cotton, 6% Elastomultiester (which makes fabric super stretchy), 5% Elastane. .  And try the helpful- ish sizing tool on the Uniqlo site.

beauty by dez in lilac jumper blue jeans black boots and woman's torso in blue jeans white t shirt black trainers

The Smart Pair

These are my go-to night out jeans – nothing too special but for a drink or meal at the pub, or a trip to the cinema. 

I’m wearing an old pair of Skinny fit jeans by Gap 1969. Again, a ridiculously labelled 27 waist 27 leg regular, when my waist is 30 inches! The rise is 9 and a quarter inches and the circumference 31 and a half inches.  Unfortunately, GAP doesn’t seem to have a proper size guide on its website. The ones I have are 93% cotton, 5 % polyester, 2% spandex/elastane. Find similar here:

 

beauty by dez in blue jeans and black jumper and woman in blue jeans cream jacket white t shirt brown bag

The Smart Casual Pair

These jeans are perfect for a shopping trip, or a night out – I admit they are slightly out of my comfort zone as I’m not used to straight legs – I’m more of a skinny jeans girl – but I love the fact that they are mid rather than high rise. 

They are the Pepe jeans straight leg mid waist jeans. I am in size 29, leg 30 Rise 8 and 3 quarter inches, which is 23cm. The circumference of the jeans is 35 inches, and they have 81% Cotton, 17% Polyester, 2% Elastane. The Pepe size guide states that for size 29 jeans, the waist is given as 72 cm which is 28 ins, the hips as 99 cm which is 39 ins.

 

beauty by dez in black jeans black top and woman torso in black jeans

The Evening Pair

ese are definitely an evening pair, in my view, but I love the fact that the material is properly denim, not like the black so-called jeans that have a different composition and are therefore not as giving as denim. 

I’m wearing an old pair of Gap black best girlfriend jeans 1969. There doesn’t appear to be a label so I’m not sure of the size. The rise 10 inches and the circumference is 34 inches, the leg is 34 inches and there is no composition label. Find similar here:

beauty by dez in white jeans brown cardi and woman in white jeans and white shirt

The Summer Pair

I’ve called these the summer pair, but you could wear them in the winter too. These are called Girlfriend jeans, which I suppose means they are not quite as loose as Boyfriends, but not as tight as skinnies – ho hum! 

I’m wearing the White jeans gap best girlfriend size 27 regular, with a 9 and a quarter inch rise and the circumference 33 and a half inches. They are made of 97% cotton and 3 % elastane. Find similar but pricier here:

 

I hope you found this guide to how to find the perfect pair of jeans, and when to wear them, helpful. Let me know in the comments below.  And if you want to see me parading around in my actual jeans, check out my YouTube video https://youtu.be/WPqpuikx8s4.

 

 

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