A pair of jeans is essential for most, and finding the right fit is crucial. Choosing the right jeans for you requires patience and a willingness to try on many different styles and fits until you find your perfect match.
Whether lean or chunky, your build dictates which fit you best. Here’s a guide to help you choose the fitting denim jeans for your body type.
Fabric
The type of fabric used in jeans is a critical factor that affects comfort, wearability, and fit. Generally, cotton jeans provide softness and breathability, while denim jeans offer durability and insulation. However, it is also possible to find jeans that incorporate both characteristics.
When choosing the right pair of jeans, there are several factors to consider, including fabric type, wash and care requirements, color retention, size availability, and price. In addition, the amount of stretch in the fabric will affect how the jeans fit and feel on your body.
For the most authentic experience, look for jeans made from 100% cotton. This will ensure that the jeans are durable and mold to your unique shape with every wear. However, some people prefer the flexibility that stretch jeans can provide. If you want to purchase a pair of cotton denim with stretch, check the percentage of spandex. The higher the rate of spandex, the more they will stretch to accommodate your movement and recover their original shape after washing.
Jeans are a timeless fashion staple that can be worn in various settings and occasions. Cotton jeans suit casual and business-casual attire, while denim jeans can be worn in more rugged or formal environments. Cotton jeans can also be worn to work if the job is free of heavy-duty or rugged activities. In addition, cotton jeans are typically easier to clean and maintain than denim jeans.
Inseam
The inseam is a crucial detail when shopping for jeans. It affects both comfort and style, determining how the jeans fall on the leg and whether or not they create a noticeable crease. There are various inseam lengths, each with a unique appeal. For example, jeans with no break are an excellent option for those who want to avoid creases at the top of their shoes and are suited to slim or skinny styles. Conversely, jeans with a complete break are best for those who prefer a traditional denim look and are well-suited to regular or straight-leg types.
To determine your inseam, find a pair of pants or jeans you already own that fit you well and lay them flat on the floor. Then, using a tape measure, carefully measure the distance between the crotch seam and the bottom of the leg. This number is your inseam measurement.
However, it’s important to remember that inseam measurements can vary from one pant style to the next – even within the same brand. This is due to how the jeans are designed to fit at the waist, e.g., high-waisted, low-waisted, baggy wide-leg, etc. Also, jeans may be pre-shrunk or shrink slightly over time, so it’s a good idea to add 25 inches to your inseam measurement when shopping for a new pair.
Rise
The rise is a crucial consideration for jeans, especially for men. It determines how high or low the pants sit and how they fit at the waist and hips. A higher-rise pair tends to be more relaxed, while lower-rise jeans are more streamlined. Both styles can be worn casually or with dressier items for a more refined look.
The height of the leg also has a significant impact on how the jeans look. A common mistake is getting a pair of jeans that are too long in the legs, making them appear baggy. To avoid this, bring dress shoes to your fitting, and try on the jeans while wearing them. This will give you a more accurate idea of how the jeans will be when you wear them with dress shoes and will prevent you from ending up with a too-long pair.
While traditional jeans were crafted from 100% denim, modern producers use cotton blends to make them more comfortable and flexible. For example, cotton blend jeans may contain 2% elastane to provide added stretch and comfort. However, many fashion writers and stylists recommend choosing jeans without elastane or spandex for the best fit. This ensures the jeans will not become loose or stretched out with time and will retain their shape and size.
Waistband
Cotton jeans are a popular choice because they’re durable and offer a classic look. But if you want the benefits of stretch and flexibility, consider a pair made from cotton blends with other fibers like elastane or spandex. Stretch fabrics can also add more structure to the jeans, reducing their tendency to crease easily.
Experts agree that the waistband is one of the most critical areas to pay attention to when it comes to fit. The band should sit snugly without digging into the skin and be wide enough to comfortably hold three fingers between your stomach and waist. It’s also important to check that the hem of the waistband doesn’t bunch or pull when you walk or sit down.
When trying on jeans, bring along your dress shoes if possible. Casual shoes and sneakers have a shallower cut than dress shoes, and wearing them while you’re fitting jeans may give you inaccurate measurements of how long the legs should be.
Fortunately, most things that affect the fit of jeans are easy to fix. For instance, if the inseam or hem length is too long, you can get it shortened by a professional alterations tailor. If the waistband is too tight, however, you’re unlikely to be able to fix it on your own (although some recommend buying the jeans extremely tightly to begin with and then wearing them so they can stretch). Luckily, many newer denim brands now include more wiggle room in the hems of their jeans, which gives you more options for alterations.
