How To Find the Perfect Jeans

Whether it’s a casual Friday at work, a lazy evening watching Netflix on the couch, or an afternoon of running errands, there’s nothing quite like slipping into your favorite pair of jeans. But seeking out that ever-elusive perfect pair can be a frustrating process. In a seemingly endless sea of denim styles and choices, it’s challenging to find jeans that both look good and feel as comfortable as your favorite pair of yoga pants. And while shopping from home is one of life’s greatest pleasures, experts say it’s best to shop for jeans in person so you can try out different brands, sizes, and cuts to discover what suits you best. Not to worry, though — once you find that unicorn pair of perfect jeans, you can order future pairs online.

The most important thing to remember when shopping for a new pair of jeans is to take your time and try a variety of brands and styles to find what works for you. Here are some other factors to consider to make the process easier.

Try Different Sizes

Experimenting with different jean styles and sizes will help you find what feels and looks good to you, but it’s important to remember that different brands of jeans have different sizing guides. Which means that a size that fits you perfectly in one brand won’t necessarily fit you the same way in another brand. Don’t get too hung up on the number on the label — focus on how the jeans fit and feel.

It helps to know your measurements or the measurements of your current favorite pair of jeans — including your waist, hips, and inseam — before you start shopping, so you can compare them to each brand’s sizing guide and know where you fall on their chart. It may also be useful to have an idea of your general body type as it relates to some of the most common categories, such as apple, hourglass, inverted triangle, pear, and rectangle. This can help you find jeans that work for your shape — but like your measurements, body shape can change as you age.

In any case, it’s always a good idea to try on multiple sizes: the size you typically wear, one size below, and one size above. Likewise, if you’ve always gravitated toward one particular jean style, don’t be afraid to try something new. You might just find something you love.

Decide What Rise You Like

You probably already know what rise you prefer for your jeans, even if you’re not familiar with the term. The rise is the distance between the crotch seam and the waistband, and it’s typically categorized as low-, mid-, or high-rise. Trends in jean rise come and go, but you can generally find all rise types wherever you shop.

The waistband of low-rise jeans (sometimes referred to as “hip-huggers”) sits lower on the hips, generally 2 or more inches below the navel. Mid-rise jeans, meanwhile, sit above the hips and under the navel, and high-rise jeans sit at or above the navel, closer to your natural waist. Choosing a rise is a matter of personal preference, so go with something that feels comfortable and appeals to your style preference.

Consider Different Cuts

The cut of a pair of jeans refers to the shape and width of the leg, and there are a few basic styles you should be familiar with. Straight-leg jeans have the same width through the entire leg and can be relaxed-fit or slim-fit. Skinny jeans are typically made with stretch denim and fit like leggings, tight from thigh to ankle. Bootcut jeans, as their name suggests, have a slight flare at the ankle, making them suitable to wear with short boots. Bell-bottom and wide-leg jeans have a flare cut, too, but wide-leg jeans have a more gradual flare throughout the leg, while bell-bottom jeans are fitted through the thigh and knee before flaring out dramatically.

Like rise trends, cut trends change frequently — but don’t worry too much about what’s “in” at the moment. If you find a cut you like, go with it. Chances are, it’ll come back in style eventually anyway.

Factor in Other Details 

When choosing the perfect pair of jeans, finding the right combination of rise and cut should come first. Once you’ve done that, though, you can consider  other details — such as color and embellishments, which can transform a pair of jeans into a unique style statement. Traditional blue jeans come in different washes, including dark, medium, and light, but if blue isn’t your color, you can find jeans in just about any hue you like. Dark washes, from deep blue to black, are more appropriate for evening or work, while light washes, from pale blue to white, are perfect for summer or a more casual look. 

Whether you like your jeans to look worn-in, with rips and soft, distressed fabric, or just-made, with rigid denim in the darkest blue, there’s a perfect pair of jeans out there with your name on them. (Literally, even.) It can be fun to try something new, but keep in mind how and when you’ll wear your jeans before you opt for a trendy element or eye-catching detail.

When in Doubt, Go for a Classic Look

If you’re overwhelmed by choices (and really, who isn’t?), it’s completely fine to opt for a classic pair of jeans. They’re classic for a reason, after all — they’ll look as fashionable a decade from now as they do when you first try them on.  

So, what makes a pair of jeans “classic”? They’re usually a mid- or high-rise in a medium blue wash with a straight or slightly tapered leg. Whether you pair them with a T-shirt and sneakers or heels and a blazer, they’re suitable for any jeans-wearing occasion. Almost every brand has a variation on the classic style, but thrifting a pair of vintage denim jeans is sustainable and economical, too.