Jeans 101
Tips For Finding Jeans That Fit
By Garry Gamber
Wearing jeans that fit properly is important, whether you are using utility jeans for working around the house or wearing jeans for being seen in public and impressing those who see you. If there was such a thing as a universal fit chart, selecting jeans that fit would simply be a matter of consulting the chart, but unfortunately it's not that easy.
Now, fitting jeans for men is almost as easy as consulting a chart. Men's jeans tend to be a looser fit than women's jeans which makes them more forgiving, and inseam and waist sizes listed on the label are generally accurate. A man can usually buy jeans without trying them on, unless he is buying low risers or skinnies, in which case a try-on is recommended.
On the other hand, women's jeans sizes tend not to be very accurate, which can make jeans sizing a bit of a guessing game. Not surprisingly, there is about a 36% return rate on clothing due to fit problems.
A Consumer Reports article in 2002 showed that among various manufacturers the waist sizes could vary by more than 2 inches for the same listed size and by more than 1 inch in length. That means that jeans may be listed on the label as a size 10 when it really is a size 12. That's very flattering of course, but it's an example of the phenomenon called "vanity sizes."
It's a good idea to always try on a new pair of jeans. Pull them up as high as they go naturally and crouch down in them. They should not bind, feel too tight, or allow your rear end to peek out. Walk around in them and assure that they feel snug and comfortable. After all, you will be wearing the jeans for numerous hours during the day.
Here are a few fitting checkpoints to look for in a new pair of jeans.
• Jeans should rest just on top of the shoes that you will wear with them.
• With high heels the jeans should fall an inch to a half inch above the floor at your heel.
• They should be pre-shrunk and even then should be just a little longer than you need.
• The waist of the jeans should conform to your waist and not gape open.
• They should not wrinkle or fold excessively.
• The fly covering the zipper or buttons should lie flat.
• The waist button or snap should close easily without having to lie down to do it.
• The pockets should lie flat.
• They should be comfortably snug in the seat and around the thighs, not too baggy or too tight.
Jeans can always be hemmed if they are way too long. Take them to a good tailor for hemming, but be sure to wash them at least once prior to doing so. Make sure that the last bit of shrinkage has been removed before they are hemmed. Ask the tailor to retain the original hem or at least duplicate it. The original hem retains the original look and styling of the jeans and normally contains abrasions and frays that give the jeans some character.
Wash the jeans carefully the first time, even washing them alone, because some of the dye may bleed. Follow the manufacturer's care and washing instructions that should be printed on a tag. It is best to turn the jeans inside out before washing them to protect them against fading and against damage to special details such as embroidering.
Finally, here are a few tips regarding the fit of low riser jeans and skinny jeans. Standard jeans have a rise of 10 to 12 inches, but low risers have a moderate rise of about 7 inches or an adventurous rise of only 3 or 4 inches. However, the rise in the back of the jeans may be 3 or 4 inches higher than in front in order to avoid exposure problems. Give the low risers the crouch test before committing to them. Skinny jeans have come back into fashion because they create a long, lean, and leggy silhouette. They should hug the calves and thighs comfortably by relying on the natural stretch characteristics of the denim fabric. Figures with heavier thighs and hips should probably avoid this style. Skinny jeans look great with heels, in which case their length should be just below the ankles, and with boots where they can be tucked inside comfortably to show off the details of the boots.
Use these fitting tips to help you find a great pair of jeans. After all, jeans are fun and flattering and you're going to own many pairs in your lifetime.
Garry Gamber is a public school teacher and entrepreneur. He writes articles about politics, real estate, health and nutrition. He is a charter member of the podcast network Yaktivate.com, and he is the National Director for Good Politics Radio.com.
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