Friday, January 30, 2009

Jeans That Fit

Who doesn't love slipping into that favorite pair of jeans on the weekend? There are few wardrobe elements more beloved than a pair of jeans that fits perfectly, that move with you, hug where they should and hide what you want de-emphasized. The tricky part is finding that elusive perfect fit... especially when shopping online.

There are multiple size and style elements to consider when looking for a pair of jeans. Size can be tricky, but many manufacturers post sizing guides on their websites to help you choose the size for your best fit.

Style is another issue altogether, and if you are not familiar with the terms used, can be very overwhelming. Jeans have three main measurements, waist, rise, and inseam that are helpful in selecting the size and style that will best work for you.

What is the waist measurement?

You can measure the waist on a pair of jeans that fit you well by holding the pants up and measuring from one side of the waistband to the other. Just double this measurement to get the waist size; a measurement of 12.5 inches side-to-side is a 25 inch waist. If the jeans have stretch, be sure not to pull the waistband too tight; this will prevent you from getting an accurate measurement.

What is the rise?

The rise in a pair of pants is measured from the center seam of the crotch, up the front and to the top of the waistband. Standard rise is usually about 12 inches and sits on the waist, about the belly button. Midrise jeans sit just below the natural waistline. Low rise or hipster jeans sit 3-4 inches under the belly button and have a typical rise of around 8 inches, although some of the super low rise may be much shorter.

What is the inseam?

The inseam is the inside leg length. The best way to measure inseam is to measure a pair of jeans that fit you well in length. Measure the inseam from the crotch, down the inside of the leg, to the hem. If you do not have a pair of jeans the correct length you can measure your body by standing with your legs slightly apart and measure from just below the crotch to the bottom of the ankle. This is easier if you have a friend help.

How do I find the best fit for my body?

Slim: A variety if styles and cuts look great on slimmer body types. Jeans that are straight from the hip than flare slightly at the leg opening are very flattering. If you like low rise jeans, styles with a lower front and higher back are a great choice. If a snug fit is more your style, consider jeans tight at the waist and backside. A variety of styles fitting slim frames are available from designers such as Seven for all mankind, Paper Denim, Buckle, and many others.

Athletic: Many athletic people have muscular legs and narrow waists. To show off those washboard abs without having that annoying and unsightly gap at your waist, consider a low rise fit. Instead of tight or close fitting legs that tend to overemphasize your lower body, try a pant with a generous bootcut. Some brands to consider are Seven for All Mankind and Paper denim.

Curvy: Don't hide those beautiful curves, show them off! Jeans that are fitted through the thigh with a bootcut or flare opening are an excellent choice. Juicy Couture, Gap, Old Navy, Joe's Jeans, Chip and Pepper, and many others make styles to get the most out of your amazing curves.

Full-figured: Traditional styles with a bit of stretch are flattering and comfortable. Many jeans manufacturers like Citizens of Humanity, Old Navy, Gap, and Levi's add a touch of spandex to help fit nicely on your frame. Even 1 percent spandex makes a world of difference for fit and comfort. To elongate your legs and balance a wider or fuller figure, flare or bootcut legs do a great job. Svoboda, Antik, Yanuk and Seven7 are all brands catering to a fuller figure and are available at fine retailers like Avenue, Lane Bryant, and Macys.


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