How to Shop for Denim: Finding Your Perfect Pair of Jeans
Do you find it hard to shop for denim? It's honestly one of my most asked questions: how do I find the perfect pair of jeans? So let's break down how to shop for denim successfully, step by step, so your next pair is one you'll actually reach for.
Start with the cut
Before you add any denim to your wardrobe, think about the cut first. What cut do you usually reach for? I'd challenge you to try on a few different styles you wouldn't normally go for, whether that's a slim, straight, barrel or wide-leg cut.
One style I find suits so many body shapes is the barrel-leg jean. Nine times out of ten, when I put a client in a pair, they love them. So don't be afraid to experiment, the right cut can make all the difference.
Don't get stuck in your comfort zone
Choosing the right cut matters more than you'd think, because of something called the reticular activating system, the part of our brain that keeps us within our comfort zone. It's why so many of us end up with several pairs of jeans in the exact same cut.
That happened to me. I went a little overboard with the barrel-leg style and ended up with five or six pairs, all so similar that my wardrobe started to feel one-note. It actually became harder to mix and match, because everything looked the same. A little variety in your denim goes a long way.
Check the composition and stretch
Next, have a look at the composition. Anything with 2% elastane or more will have a bit of stretch. If there's no elastane at all and the jean is 100% cotton, it's going to be more rigid with no give.
With 100% cotton jeans, you might notice they shrink slightly after a wash, but they'll usually relax back to their normal size after a wear or two.
How often should you wash your jeans?
It might surprise you, but you don't need to wash your jeans all that often. I rarely wash mine unless I've spilled something and there's a stain.
To keep them fresh, I air them out. On a sunny day, turn them inside out and let them get some air. Your jeans will last so much longer this way.
Choosing the right wash
Think about the wash, too. Lighter washes feel more summery and casual, while darker washes feel a little more polished, especially the deep indigos and blacks. A darker jean is perfect for a casual Friday at the office, and a lighter wash is lovely if your lifestyle is more relaxed. And you can never go wrong with a mid-wash, which sits nicely between the two.
Finding your rise
Consider the rise as well, whether you prefer a high, mid or low rise. Low rise is even making a comeback, which brings back memories of my Bettina Liano jeans from my teens and uni days. I'm sure we all had a pair!
Rise is really personal. I'm 163cm tall with a short torso, so a very high rise doesn't always work for me, it takes up my whole waist and can make my legs look unbalanced. I tend to go for a mid rise, or a high rise that isn't so high it swallows my torso. Find the rise that flatters your proportions.
Do the movement test
Once you've found a pair you like, do a little movement test. Sit down, walk around, and make sure they're genuinely comfortable, especially if there isn't much stretch. You don't want jeans that dig in every time you sit, because you'll simply never wear them. I've bought a size too small before and never reached for them, they just weren't comfortable.
Forget the size on the label
This is a big one: forget the size altogether. Your size in one brand won't always translate to another, you might be one or two sizes different from label to label. Try a size up and a size down, and go for the perfect fit rather than the number on the tag.
Match your denim to your wardrobe
Finally, think about your wardrobe as a whole. Are your clothes mostly lighter or darker in colour? That will help you choose washes that actually mix and match with what you already own. If your wardrobe is full of soft pastels, a very dark indigo might not blend as easily, and a lighter denim could work better.
And don't be afraid to have fun with colour. I've seen some gorgeous pink denims lately, and I recently picked up a chocolate pair myself. Playing with colour is a lovely way to bring more variety into your wardrobe.
A staple worth getting right
Denim is such a great staple in every wardrobe. I have a few pieces myself and I reach for them constantly, they're endlessly easy to style. As you build your denim collection, having a mix of lighter and darker washes will help you get so much more out of your existing wardrobe.
I hope that helps with your next denim purchase!
