How to Find the Perfect Pair of Jeans

Jeans are what we live in. Designer jeans, overalls, jean shorts, jean skirts, skinny jeans, boot cut, tapered--the list goes on. Their incredible versatility is what makes them so popular. The same pair could be worn for painting a house or attending a movie premiere. That's why finding the perfect pair of jeans is critical for wardrobe perfection. Here's how.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Know your body. The first step in finding the perfect pair is understanding which styles look best on you. Hourglass bodies do best with hipster styles, and apple-shaped women are flattered most by subtle boot cut or traditional straight cut jeans. Pear-shaped bodies look lovely in flared jeans, and long-legged ladies should stick with wide-leg styles. Petites make skinny jeans look great, and boot cut styles are best for full figures.

2. Utilize all of your resources. Don't limit yourself to one store or one website when searching for the perfect pair of jeans. Go to department stores, designer boutiques and consignment shops. Thrift stores will surprise you with their variety.

3. Try on at least ten pairs for comparison. One of the biggest mistakes people make when searching for jeans is trying on too few pairs. Most people refuse to try on jeans if they don't like the way the pair looks on the rack. It's a big mistake. The rack's ugly ducklings are usually the best-fitting ones.

4. Move your body in several positions when you try the jeans on. Don't buy denim before you sit down, stand up and walk around. You may not have the perfect pair if the jeans hug your thighs, and you're forced to push them down.

5. Alter your designer duds. Create your perfect pair of jeans by having them altered. Take them to the tailor if you find a beautiful pair that's just a little too long.

6. Ask your friends to tell you how the jeans look on you. Friends are doubly helpful when you're hunting down jeans. They'll be the first to tell you if you need to keep looking. More importantly, they can share their shopping secrets when they show up wearing a perfect pair.

Tips & Warnings

• Pockets can do wonders for a pair of jeans. Back pockets, if placed correctly, flatten and flatter a rear end. However, stay away from back pockets that are far apart--they will only make your caboose appear wider!
• Dark wash jeans are almost always more flattering.
• Once you find your perfect pair, don't put them in the dryer. The fastest way to wear out jeans is to throw them in the dryer. Wash on a regular cold cycle; then hang to dry.

[LissaK]

on 9/20/2008 Not too long ago a bought an awesome pair of jean and used the same steps you have here, which is proof that it works! Great article.