From trending jean shapes to washes that will see you through the seasons, here’s how to buy a good pair of jeans to suit you - plus the essential styling tips.
Trends come and go. We’ve seen everything from high rise, low rise, and everything in between, so you need to decide which rise you feel most comfortable in and what suits your body type the best.
Low-rise - Sits five centimetres below the navel.
If you want to show off your curves, low-rise jeans are a great option, you just have to make sure they fit snugly to avoid the waist-gap problem.
Mid-rise – Sits just below the navel.
This rise will suit most body shapes and is the most figure-friendly rise. Great if you want more structure around the mid-section, they are compatible with just about any top length which makes them a good all-rounder.
High-rise – Sits at or above the navel.
While this rise is often viewed as ‘retro’, it is a classic. Athletic body types with smaller waists will love this fit. If you are more of an hourglass but slender, this rise will look fantastic with a bit of stretch. A perfect style to wear with cropped tops and tuck-ins.
The fit of your jeans depends on your style, the occasion, and what you feel like wearing. Boyfriend cuts are more relaxed, so good for when you’re in that slouchy weekend mood, whereas wide fits look great with a blazer and loafers for the office.
A classic fit, straight-leg jeans are more laid back, the less body-conscious cousin of skinny jeans where the legs go straight down with little variation in width from thigh to ankle. If you are an hourglass, apple, or athletic body shape the straight leg style will be great for you.
Always wash jeans as infrequently as you can and in cold water to help to keep the colour you love. Turn your jeans inside out pre-wash to keep them looking fresh for longer. This will also help to cut down on friction created during the wash cycle and prevent fading. Always line dry as tumble dryers or heated drying rooms are the natural enemy of jeans.
Tapered fit jeans are designed to narrow or ‘taper’ down towards the ankle providing a sleek silhouette that bridges the gap between casual and polished. They can subtly enhance your figure without the constraints of a skinny fit making them incredibly versatile, and suitable for a range of body types and personal styles.
Like flared jeans but with a more subtle wide leg they are a more modern take than the 60s version. Cut very specifically, the upper leg tapers slightly to fit from thigh to knee but widens a bit from the knee down to the ankle. Hourglass or pear-shaped figures look great in this style.
This style usually consists of a high waist rising above the tummy with wide-cut hips. Mom jeans usually have excess space in the zipper, crotch, and leg areas, have straight-cut legs, and sometimes an elasticized waist.
Typically fitted at the hips and in the seat with a more generous, relaxed cut through the legs, this type of fit looks great on athletic and apple body shapes. Known for its comfortable and loose fit they are effortless with a touch of boyish charm.
Wash is down to your personal preference but bear in mind that darker washes are best for smarter occasions, while lighter washes are a great choice for summertime.
Dark wash
– Universally appealing for all shapes and sizes and wears over time like a dream, every wardrobe should have a pair of dark wash denim jeans.
Light to medium wash
– Whatever the occasion or season, this wash is always appropriate. However, these washes tend to be more on the casual side.
Coloured denim
– Bright colours are great for the warmer months, whereas darker hues elevate the basic jean and t-shirt look and are more appropriate for colder weather and even more formal occasions.