Why are the perfect jeans so hard to find? While today’s offering has definitely come on in terms of style and fit for a wide range of tastes and body shapes, there’s no denying that it’s still not always an easy shopping trip. I’d wager good money that plenty of women have stood in front of a changing-room mirror despairingly and hated every angle before declaring that they can’t find their perfect pair. That said, when you’ve found your ideal style they will make you feel and look fabulous.
Personally, when I’ve found jeans I love I will wear them until they have literally worn out. My jeans bar is to find ones that genuinely make me feel and look great, rather than spending money on an item I’ll leave in my wardrobe not being worn. Another important aspect about this is that we have to be more mindful when shopping, considering the environment and sustainability. So if we’re buying pieces we won’t be wearing (and therefore throwing away), what’s the point?
So how do you find the ideal pair of jeans? Well, you have to kiss a lot of denim-clad frogs before you happen upon the right ones for you. However, I am but one woman, and not the biggest expert in the field. That’s why I reached out to some of the biggest and most knowledgable people when it comes to denim. CEOs, designers and founders of some of the most interesting and innovative brands when it comes to jeans gave me their tips on how you really go about finding the right pair.
From L’Agence and J Brand to Rag & Bone, Paige and DL1961, get ready for your ultimate guide to finding the best pair of jeans.
1. Don't Follow Seasonal Trends
"Our golden rule when finding your perfect pair of jeans is to ignore seasonal trends,” 7 for All Mankind EMEA CEO Francesca Toninato recommends. Zahra Ahmed, CEO of DL1961, reiterates this rule: "Trends in fashion come and go, and some denim styles are fun to experiment with but a pair of jeans that truly flatters your figure and hugs your body perfectly will always stay in style.”
2. Be Open to New Styles
You might have your mindset on one style you like or perhaps you don’t think another silhouette won’t suit you but put that all aside. L’Agence founder Jeff Rudes says you should be willing to try something unexpected.
Similarly, Paige Adams-Geller of her eponymous label Paige says, "you might be pleasantly surprised by trying something new and unexpected.”
Finally, Dena Bickerstaffe, J Brand’s women’s design director, also advised similar and suggests trying on several pairs.
3. Check the Quality of the Denim
Nearly all of the brands I reached out to said this was a vital factor. While the feel of it is important, "stretch and recovery” are as well, advises Rudes. Marcus Wainwright, founder and chief brand officer for Rag & Bone, put it neatly: "At the end of the day, what matters most in a jean is the quality of the denim.”
4. Comfort Is Key
Adams-Geller says it succinctly: "You have to be able to sit down and stand up in them.”
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Next up, the biggest autumn/winter 2019 trends you need to know.