Jeans just might be the hardest item of clothing to buy.
Still, we love them! They’re timeless, versatile, and – when selected carefully – undeniably comfortable. Whether you’re sticking to the beloved casual combo of jeans and a t-shirt or you’re dressing them up with a nice blouse and heels, jeans are a wardrobe staple you simply can’t go wrong with.
But before you can get the confidence that only comes with a flawlessly fitting pair of jeans, you’ll need to know how to find them. With denim, it’s often a case of what not to do … which is why we’re sharing the top 5 mistakes to avoid when buying and caring for denim. Read on to become a denim expert!
1. Getting The Wrong Size
Finding the right size in any type of clothing is probably the bane of your existence – at least when you’re shopping. Every woman knows that clothing sizes aren’t consistent across the board, which makes shopping even more difficult. That’s why it’s so important to focus on the fit rather than the number on the label. It’s easy to get caught up in those digits, but it’s how you look that really matters.
When shopping for jeans, keep in mind that denim is a fabric that shrinks and stretches. Your ideal pair of jeans will feel comfortable, especially around the waist. If you’re struggling to button or zip up the jeans, chances are they’re the wrong size. On the other side of the spectrum, denim that’s too big will look frumpy.
You’ll also need to consider the backside and fit throughout the legs (which depends on the cut of the jeans) – we know, it’s a lot! But remember that your jeans should never feel too tight or look misshapen. If you’re seeing bulges or creases throughout, they’re probably too small. If they’re gaping or sagging anywhere, they’re probably too big. It’s kind of a Goldilocks situation, but it makes all the difference when you find the right size.
Pro tip: Don’t just try jeans on – move around in them. Go for a little walk, sit down, maybe even try a squat to see how they’ll really feel in your everyday life. It can take up to an hour for jeans to mold to your body, so consider bringing them home and spending a bit of time in them before you fully commit.
2. Skipping Alterations
You might not be able to find a pair that fits perfectly off the rack, and that’s ok. If you’ve found a great pair that just needs a few tweaks, take it to a pro rather than trying to DIY it – unless you’re skilled with a sewing machine, that is. It may be tempting to try and shrink jeans down in your own washing machine and dryer, but trust us when we say leaving your denim in expert hands is the wiser choice.
From hemming your jeans to the right length to taking them in anywhere, alterations make a world of difference.
Not sure what the right length is? It really will depend on the style of denim you’re going for, but here are some helpful guidelines:
- Skinny jeans should hit just above the ankle
- Straight leg jeans should fall just below the ankle
- Wide-leg jeans should hit the top of your foot
There’s more room for interpretation with flares and bootcut jeans, depending on the look you want to go for. A lot of people love the modern feel of a cropped flare, but you also can’t go wrong with the retro vibes of a longer flare. This is something you’ll have to play around with depending on your height and body type. Taller ladies can get away with longer, fuller flares, while petite women may prefer styles that fall around the ankles.
Pro tip: Bring the shoes you’re most likely to wear with the jeans to really get a sense of where you want the length to end.
3. Ignoring The Fabric Composition
Sometimes we focus too much on how the jeans feel on the first try. Denim is definitely one of those fabrics that changes with age, which is why fabric composition is important to consider. A 100% cotton jean will have a stiffer ‘true’ denim feel, but it’ll also be more likely to shrink in the wash. If you want a bit more wiggle room, look for jeans with a small percentage of spandex or lycra (even 3% helps) for some extra stretch and comfort.
4. Washing Your Jeans Too Frequently
This is somewhat of a controversial topic, because all denim enthusiasts seem to have their own opinions of when and how to wash jeans. Some say you only need to spot clean, some recommend a more traditional but less frequent wash, while others swear by the freezer method.
Whichever camp you’re in, it all boils down to the fact that denim is an exceptionally durable material that doesn’t need to be as washed as often as other types of clothes. The golden number is often debated, but most denim companies recommend washing jeans after every 7-10 wears, or when they become visibly dirty or noticeably smelly.
Pro tip: Hot water increases fading and shrinking, so stick to cooler temperatures. Washing your jeans inside out will also help to preserve color.
5 – Putting Your Jeans In The Dryer
Tumble dryers can cause shrinking and fading, so it’s best to let your jeans air dry. You can also lay them flat to dry if that’s easier. If you’re in a time crunch and absolutely need to use a dryer, opt for the lowest heat setting possible to better maintain the denim’s shape.
And there you have it! Follow these 5 tips and your denim (and you!) will look so much better. If you ever need styling suggestions, we’re always happy to help in-store. Just come on by and we’ll take care of the rest!
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