Denim Dilemmas
Denim Dilemmas
After working in retail for almost 8 years now, I have heard this complaint so many times: “I can never find jeans that fit me”, and from as many different body types as there are people. In this lays the problem: we women want jeans that hug our curves just right, and we are all so different from one another, and denim cotton can only accommodate so much. So what are we to do? Well here are few things that I hope can make your next denim shopping experience a little easier.
Jeans are made from denim cotton, which varies in quality, and lately, of some sort of elastic product such as elastin, spandex, or even polyester. The breakdown is usually about 97-99% denim and 1-3 % the other. This is what allows your jeans to stretch to fit your curves better, but it is also what makes them bag out. The better the quality of the denim is, the less the jeans will lose their form, which is what you are (usually) paying for when you are purchasing premium denim (any jeans over $150).
ON top of the ones you already know like Brand, Color, and size, Jeans are usually described with the following 3 attributes, which can really help narrow down what works best for you.
Leg Opening: If the leg opening is the same as the knee, the jean is a straight cut. If slightly bigger, it is a bootcut, and if a lot bigger, it is a flare. If the leg opening is smaller than the knee opening, it is called a slim or skinny, and if it is much smaller AKA hugging the leg totally, it is called a super skinny, or jegging ( this one must also be made of a certain thin and soft material that makes it feel like you are wearing leggings)
Front Rise: this is the measure (usually in inches) from the cross seam between the legs and the top of the front of the jeans, just above where the bottom is. Basically, 7 “ is super low rise and 9” is high rise. However, it is important to remember that, depending on the length of your torso, a high rise on someone with a short trunk can easily be a low rise on someone with a long torso. Dont get too hung up on this one, and keep trying some from all varieties.
Back Rise: also in inches, from same spot as front rise to the back top of the buttocks. 12” is low and 13.5” will usually not show undesirables, but again, it is merely a guideline and depends on your body type.
Most jeans brands have 2 branches of styles: core and fashion. Core styles come out every Spring and Fall, in various washes and leg openings. So if you find a brand and style you like (just liking a brand may not be helpful as each brand puts out tons of different styles, all unlike one another), and it is a core style, remember its name. It’ll make your life much easier. For example, should you like the style called SUKI from Silver jeans, each season they make 16-20 different SUKIS, in different colors, and with different leg opening, and even in skirts, shorts and capris!!! The fit will be the same where it matters so you are good to go.
Now for you men, I believe the dilemma to be much less problematic. Most brands have about 4-8 different styles, usually all centered on leg opening, front rise and general overall tightness. The size has more to do with where you like it to sit on your hips (or legs for them hip hoppers….). But for you as well, find a core style you like and you are good to go.
Last words of advice? Don’t zero in on size: you could be a 26 for one style and a 31 for another: Fit is the key. Do not go shopping with any specifics in mind: pale low rise skinny with gold buttons….. Fit is everything. Take your time, try lots on, and never, ever think that it is you who has the problem finding jeans, everyone does. Enjoy the process and remember to blame the jeans, never you.
Mattie Gildenhuys is the owner/operator of HABIT clothing store and is proud to call herself and her staff denimists.
