The Elements of Jeans: What to Consider When You're Looking for New Jeans
Finding the perfect pair of women's jeans is not something that happens instantaneously. In the rare cases that it does, it's probably an incredible stroke of good luck–one of those once-in-a-lifetime things. When you're shopping for new jeans, it's helpful to remember that everyone is different. People have different body types and style preferences. For these reasons and more, it's important to take your time when finding the right pair of jeans. To make the process easier for you, we've come up with a few questions you can ask yourself when considering the various elements of jeans that you will love.
How Do They Feel?
Be honest with yourself about this one. You may try them on for a minute or two and think they're just fine, but take the time to imagine yourself wearing them for several hours or all day long. Try sitting down in them, standing up, bending over. You don’t want a pair of jeans that cuts into your sides or won’t allow you a full range of motion. Are they still just as comfortable? Don't settle for jeans that don't feel good when you're wearing them–how your jeans feel when you wear them will affect how you feel when you wear them! It is possible to find stylish jeans that are also basically as comfortable as sweatpants, so there's no reason to suffer. With all of that said, it's important to always try on a pair of jeans before committing to a purchase.
High Rise? Low Rise? Mid Rise? All Rise?
Do you like high-rise jeans, the ones that come up to your waist? Or do you prefer low-rise jeans? Something that hangs on the hips? Maybe something in the middle? Or maybe all three? Just as you will only know if jeans are comfortable by trying them on, you'll only know if you like high, low, or mid-rise jeans by trying them on. Some women find that only a certain rise looks flattering on them, while others like the look and feel of all three. Whatever your situation, it's always important to determine your preference regarding this element.
How Important Are Pockets?
Most jeans come with pockets. The size of the pocket, however, is what we are bringing into question. Do you need jeans with plenty of pocket space, or are pockets a non-issue? If pockets aren't a priority, then you probably won't have a problem with skinny jeans, a style notorious for having tiny pockets or no pockets at all. If you absolutely cannot have a pair of jeans without proper pockets, you may want to stick to styles like boyfriend jeans or trousers.
What About Color?
Blue jeans. Black jeans. White jeans. Pink jeans. Gone are the days when jeans came only in classic blue. When it comes to finding a color you'll love, don't limit yourself! Different colors of jeans work for different outfits. On a day when you feel like giving yourself an extra edge, you could wear black jeans with a black tee and a black leather jacket to rock an ultra-cool all-black outfit. Other days, you may feel like sticking to classic high-rise blue jeans with a crisp white tee. Or maybe you're feeling adventurous and want to try an unconventional jean color like green or pink to pair with an equally adventurous top. The main rule of thumb here is, don't limit yourself. You can have several pairs of jeans in several different colors–one for every occasion.
Legs Matter
If you want a fit that accentuates your natural body type, there are a few things to keep in mind. If you have long legs, low and mid-rise jeans will look best on you, because they keep the waist right where it should be. If you are shorter with a more petite build, your best bet is high-rise jeans. This style will create a flattering look for your waist while making your legs appear longer.
Also, make sure you have your jeans tailored if they are too long. No one wants to be walking around in ill-fitting jeans. They can also drag on the ground and make you trip or collect water from puddles, creating a huge mess.
Black Jeans Should be in Every Woman's Closet
Women's black jeans are basically as iconic as blue jeans. They are a classic staple that you should have in your closet. Why? Because black jeans are incredibly versatile, and they make it easy to put a polished outfit together effortlessly. You can wear black jeans with a black top, a white tee, a print shirt, a blouse … you get the picture. Plus, black jeans are slightly dressier than blue jeans, so many people can wear them to work by pairing them with a professional top, and they're definitely a good pick for brunch with your girlfriends. If you’re not ready for black jeans, consider trying a lighter color like gray, and see how you like them.
How Do You Feel About Yourself When you Wear Them?
While comfort, color, style, etc all matter when it comes to buying jeans, arguably what matters most is how you feel when you’re wearing them. When you try them on, do they make you feel good? Are you trying to make yourself like them because they’re what’s in style? You want to feel like a million bucks when you get dressed in the morning. So, make sure you feel amazing and are completely in love with a pair of jeans before you buy them. Otherwise, they’ll probably sit in a drawer unused.