Ten Style Tips to Find the Perfect Fitting Jeans

Denims to Flatter your Body Shape

Oct 10, 2009 Gill Hart

Whether short, pear-shaped, big stomached, petite or plus-sized, there are jeans to flatter every shape. Knowing a few fashion tricks can make all the difference.

Jeans and fashion have a life-long partnership. Denims can be stylish as well as comfortable and are seasonless, providing they are free from on-trend embellishments (sequins, patchwork, fabric trimmed etc) or high-fashion cuts.

If ever proof was needed just how much women love their jeans, findings of recent study featured in the UK’s Daily Mail ("It’s in the Jeans," October 6, 2009), reveals that the average British woman owns 5 pairs of jeans and around 2 million of them hold onto their beloved denims for up to 40 years.

Jeans as an Investment

Buying jeans is one of the best investments a woman can make and so the quest for a perfect pair of jeans should not be taken lightly. Such is the gamut of styles, cuts, leg-lengths, waist-types and fabrics that finding a pair to fit and flatter can prove demanding.

Jeans to Flatter Your Body Shape

The first rule is to learn some tips and tricks for what suits a particular body shape. The second, is take time trying a number of styles and cuts. According to Karen Homer, in her book Things a Woman Should Know about Style" (Prion 2003), a bad pair of jeans is the least flattering piece of clothing in the world.”

1. Be mindful of pockets. Big pockets, set closely together, will give the illusion of a small, pert butt, so are ideal for women who want to make their behind appear smaller. Pockets set far apart or jeans with no pockets at all will visually widen the bum and hip area.
2. To create the appearance of longer legs a straight-cut or mid-rise slight boot-cut jean is the most flattering. Wide flares or extreme boot-cuts can actually shorten the leg, so should be worn with heels.
3. To elongate legs further, jeans should hit the bottom of the ankle or just below, and be worn with a heel.
4. To avoid gaping at the waist (aka “Builder’s Bum”) go for a waistband that is slightly curved, cut higher at the back.
5. Darker washed denim will slim, making the lower body look longer and leaner. Pale, faded denim will accentuate hips and thighs.
6. Jeans with a hint of stretch (up to 5% lycra) will give support and hold without being clingy. Ideal for curvy and plus-sized women.
7. A mid-rise waistband (2 finger widths below the navel) will cut across a large stomach and hold it in, rather than fasten underneath as in a low-rise waistband, causing the dreaded muffin top.
8. Embellishments and decorative trims on hems such as beading, sequins and embroidery will shorten the leg. Heavy detailing on pockets or the hip area will serve to widen the bum and hips.
9. Low-slung jeans need to be worn with care. They widen the behind and can make legs look shorter. They also elongate the torso, which puts focus on the stomach.
10. Women who want to minimize their stomach should avoid skinny-legged jeans, as the leg width will only serve to draw more attention to the tummy. A side zip or fastening will add less bulk to a large stomach than front fastening jeans. Avoid front pockets and other detailing as they will bring attention to the midriff.

Denim is one fabric that completely transcends gender, age, class and race. It is timeless and can prove a good investment; one that can last up to 40 years!

The copyright of the article Ten Style Tips to Find the Perfect Fitting Jeans in Women’s Fashion is owned by Gill Hart. Permission to republish Ten Style Tips to Find the Perfect Fitting Jeans in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Be Mindful of Pockets on Jeans

Exaggerated boot-cuts can shorten the leg

Skinny Leg Jeans do not flatter large stomachs