You know all those times you wondered, in frustration, who the denim companies were making jeans for…
Well, they’re making them for this girl.
Let’s call her Hip Minimalist Denim Girl. And every single denim company in the world seems to making jeans to fit her. She’s tall and slim and perfectly proportioned and has none of the first world problems that the rest of us contend with. She doesn’t have much of a bum. Or thick thighs. And she’s only ever seen a muffin top on a muffin.
And she is the reason the rest of us struggle to find the perfect pair. Which stinks, because every single wardrobe essentials list includes a super-fabulous pair of jeans. Even mine. And while it’s true that a great pair of jeans can be one of the most versatile things in your closet, they aren’t without challenges. And we all experience them. Except, of course, for Hip Minimalist Denim Girl.
That’s why when I asked for your biggest denim dilemmas, the responses came flooding in… Apparently, we have strong opinions on the perfect pair of jeans. So here, your top 10 denim dilemmas solved. (Many of these recommendations are based on body type. I discuss 3 basic body types on BeautyMommy – proportional Style Dial 1, curvy-hipped Style Dial 2, and straight Style Dial 3. If you don’t know your body type yet
Denim Dilemma #1: You’re not a denim girl.
Solution: Skip them! There’s no rule that says that every girl needs to own a pair of jeans. If they’re not you, there are plenty of other comfortable, versatile styles out there. Just be prepared to skip over about half of the inspiring outfit ideas on Pinterest. (To my friend, J.D. This does NOT apply to you. I fill find you a pair of jeans. I will make it my mission.)
Denim Dilemma #2: Your jeans stretch out during the day.
Solution: Look for jeans with a high percentage of cotton, and a small percentage of spandex or, better yet, Elastane. 100% cotton jeans won’t stretch, sag, or fall off, but they also won’t feel as comfy and won’t fit as snugly. I wish this wasn’t true, but it is. If I could solve this dilemma, I would probably win a Nobel Peace Prize. And then I would also find a cure for the muffin top. Up to 2% stretch is fine, but more than that, and your jeans will be slip-sliding away by midday. Try these:
Best for Proportional Bodies (Style Dial 1): 7 For All Mankind Tailorless Bootcut
Best for Curvy Hips (Style Dial 2): Levi’s 501’s
Best for Straight Body Types (Style Dial 3): Free People “Augusta”
Denim Dilemma #3: Your jeans keep sliding down.
This dilemma is related to #2, above, but slightly different in that the loose fit is primarily at the waist. Jeans with a slightly higher waist are a great solution. The waistline should go above the curve of your bum, which will help keep it from sliding down. And the same rules of more cotton, a thicker material and less spandex also apply. If the fit is otherwise perfect, a tailor can make a quick, inexpensive adjustment to the back of the waistband that will help the waist to fit better. Another solution? The wonderful, invisible Isabelt.
Isabelt
H&M high waisted denim
Denim Dilemma #4: You want shaping jeans that don’t look like shaping jeans.
Brands like Hourglass Angel are popular among women who want to flaunt their curves, but what if you want to rein them in a little? New technology is allowing jeans to provide subtle slimming, shaping and lifting, giving you the effect of shapewear without the extra layer. Some brands to look for include J. Brand Photo Ready Jeans, DL1961 Instaslim and Instasculpt, Levi’s Shaping Jeans and Yummie Denim. Here, the best shaping jeans for your body type.
Best for Proportional Bodies (Style Dial 1): J. Brand Photo Ready “Betty”
Best for Curvy Hips (Style Dial 2): Levi’s 314 Shaping Straight Jeans
Best for Straight Body Types (Style Dial 3): H&M Shaping Flare Regular Jeans
Denim Dilemma #5: You’re petite.
Being petite used to dramatically limit your options when it came to denim, but that is quickly changing. Brands like 7 For All Mankind “Tailorless” jean, Paige, Levi’s, and Kut From the Kloth all over stylish options with shorter inseams. But before you order a pair of petite-sized jeans, make sure you need them. If you are petite with long legs and a short waist (like me!) you may be able to wear jeans in a regular length. However, if your petite-ness is in your legs, petite jeans are the way to go. Measure the length of your inseam to find the best length!
Denim Dilemma #6: You’re generally hard to fit.
Whether you have a short torso and long legs, long torso and short legs, petite or tall, a custom fit may be the way to go. And it’s not always expensive. While appointment-only, tailor made jeans are super pricey (generally around $500 a pair), there are plenty of other affordable options. The first one on this list, LikeAGlove.me, is in the pre-launch phase, and their smart leggings, which measure your body using a fit app, ship in May. (I will update this post after I try them!)
Like A Glove
Make Your Own Jeans
Z2 Jeans
Made to Order Jeans
Next to bathing suits, jeans are the item women most dread shopping for. Fortunately, with the arrival of shaping denim and fit technology, the process of finding your next favorite pair has become a whole lot less daunting.
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