How to Find Fashionable Jeans

How to Find Fashionable Jeans



Let's face it. Denim is here to stay, and most of us like it that way. Jeans have been a fashion staple for decades. Every year, dozens of existing denim labels are updated and dozens of new ones are born. But how, in a sea of denim, does a woman find fashionable jeans that will actually fit? It is actually much easier than you might think if you know what features, styles and brands to look for. The steps below will guide you through the process so that you can come out on the other end with the perfect pair of jeans.







Things You'll Need:





An idea of the type and color of jeans you like



A list of your existing denim pieces with which you might want to match your jean choices



Pictures cut from magazines and other sources of the jean fits and/or styles that you like



A tape measure



Paper



Pens or pencils









Step
1



Begin by taking your waist measurement. Be sure that you measure the narrowest part of your waist and that the tape measure isn't pulled too tight or left too loose. An accurate measurement is crucial.




Step
2



Next, measure your hips. Be sure that you measure the fullest part of the hips and that the tape measure isn't pulled too tight or left too loose. Again, accuracy in this measurement is key to finding the right jean fit.




Step
3



Measure your inseam. This is the inside of your leg from the top of your inner thigh to the bottom part of your ankle. While it is possible to alter the jean inseam anywhere from one to two inches, depending upon where you like your jeans to fall, you still need an accurate inseam measurement.




Step
4



Measure your leg length from the top of the narrowest portion of your waist to the bottom portion of your ankle. Oddly enough, in some cases the inseam length isn't sufficient. You also need to know how long your leg is overall for certain types, styles and jean brands.




Step
5



Measure the "rise" area between the narrowest portion of your waist to the inside of your inner thigh. This will help you determine the proper rise of jean to try on for your particular figure.




Step
6



Measure your legs' thighs and calves. Be sure to measure the fullest portion of those features. Some jeans simply aren't made for women with larger legs. Having this measurements on hand while jean shopping will help you eliminate them without having to try them on.




Step
7



Armed with your measurements, you are ready to shop for jeans. This can be accomplished locally, online or even through television retailers, as long as you know what you are looking for. Begin by deciding the type of waist that you want on your jeans. Medium to high waists help to flatten the stomach area, make the legs look longer (key to those with shorter legs) and can give you a curvier look overall. Medium to slightly low rise jeans, just below the belly button, can help prevent the dreaded "muffin-top" look as well. They also tend to be more comfortable in the standard sitting position. Low rise waists are great if you have a flat tummy that you want to show off, but they simply aren't right on every woman. Short-waisted women should look for jeans that are more like a trouser-cut. Slash pockets, along with a lower waist, will elongate the overall look.




Step
8



Pay close attention to the width of the thigh area. Women with perfect legs can pull off a lot of styles that in today's marketplace. However, few women have perfect legs. Slim fitting looks and skinny jeans should be left to those super slim, skinny-legged women. Those women with normal to fuller thighs will look better in boot-cut, flare or wide-legged jeans. Look for a shape that will help you balance out your figure; not make it look off-kilter.




Step
9



Look at length. The length you choose for jeans will be dependent upon your measurements AND how you intend to wear your jeans. For example, if you predominantly wear flats or sneakers, then stick with lengths that match your leg measurements and where you want your jeans to hit (such as at the ankle or down to the floor). On the other hand, if you plan to wear them with boots or heels, then you must take into consideration the height of those shoes in choosing the right jean length for you. Women with short legs should look for lower rises and narrow legs that hit at the bottom of the ankle. Avoid longer lengths that bunch up and super skinny legs that taper at the bottom. To lengthen the leg even further, wear heels to give a more elongated look. Women with longer legs can often wear just about anything. However, some may choose to avoid shorter rises, cropped lengths and wide legs that can make the legs look overly long. Instead, choose a narrow leg with a mid-rise. This will help to create a balance proportion between the top and bottom.




Step
10



Keep your shape in mind in choosing your jeans. Curvy women with luscious hips will look too wide or big in those slim-fit or skinny jeans. Instead, try boot-cut or flare legs that balance out the look of your hour-glass shape. Stay away from tiny back pockets or no pockets at all. They will make the backside look larger than it is. Bigger back pockets will help to balance the figure as long as they are flat and don't have embellishments that stick out. If you want to highlight your curves, stick with jeans that hit just below the belly button. But stay away from low-rise and baggy jeans that will simply make your backside look even larger. Stay away from jeans that hit too high on the waist as well as and jeans that are skinny and bunch up at the ankles. Those features will accent the width of the hips. Women with few body curves need to throw in some with the right style of jean. Look for jeans that create the illusion of curves. This body shape is perfect for slim-cut and skinny jeans because they focus the attention downward toward the ankles. High waisted styles will also help to bring attention to any curve that might exist. Women with this shape can also wear jeans with embellishments that avert attention there and away from a boyish figure. Cargo pockets are another way of adding come of those "fake" curves. Avoid baggy jeans, however, and those that flare too wide at the bottom. They will make the figure look too skinny and lifeless.




Step
11



Consider your size in choosing the right jean. While thinner or average sized women can get away with a lot, larger women have to be more cautious in choosing their jeans. In particular, women with a less than flat stomach need to look for a jean with around 4 percent Lycra. The stretch will help to hold the stomach in while still allowing for comfort. Some jeans come with built in shapers to give women with larger stomachs more support.




Step
12



Pay attention to the denim fabric. Not all denim in equal. Excessively thick denim will add pounds that you might not want. Look for medium to lighter weight denims. Thinner women can wear heavier embellishments than larger women. Average size to slightly larger women can get away with some embroidery or painted designs but may wish to avoid heavy or thick embellishment. The larger the woman, the less details should be used.




Step
13



Pay attention to the "wash" and/or color of the denim. The darker the color or wash, the slimmer the overall look will be. On the flip side, lighter washed denims can add the illusion of weight and/or bulk. A solid wash over the denim will help to lengthen the overall look. This is good for most women. On the other hand, a sand washed or striated look can cut the length severely; something short women will want to avoid. Thin women who want to add curves should look for jeans that are colored lighter around the thighs and hips. This will add the illusion of curves.




Step
14



Look for jean brands that specialize in multiple sizes, shapes, cuts, types and styles so that you can find ones that work with your figure type. Also keep in mind your budget. Jeans range in price from $20 to hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Finally, consider whether you want plain or embellished jeans. Some good jeans to research include 7 for All Mankind; Denim & Company; DG2 Jeans; Just My Size; Hudson; iT;
Jeanology; Levis Red; Lucky; Paige Premium Denim; Quacker Factory;
William Rast; and Wrangler 47.







Tips & Warnings









You don't necessarily have to pay premium dollars for jeans that fit.








Dark wash or indigo jeans work for everyone.








If you are trying to match jeans to a jacket or skirt, take the item with you to pick out the matching jeans.








Designers are not the only ones who make a great pair of jeans. In fact, oftentimes, standard denim makers like Levi and Wrangler better understand what people want and need in a jean.








Keep embellishments to a minimum so that you won't tire of the jeans too quickly.








Don't settle for anything less than the jeans that you want.








Don't let the price alone make your decision for you.








Don't buy jeans just because they are inexpensive. If they don't fit like a million dollars, steer clear of them.








Stay away from trendy styles that are likely to pass quickly. Go for classic styles that will last as long as the jeans themselves.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2199624_fashionable-jeans-that-fit.html