Finding a good pair of jeans is a great feeling; a pair of jeans that fit you well can quickly become your go-to piece of clothing on many occasions. Jeans should be present in any man’s wardrobe, providing a staple foundation for everything else. They are stylish, versatile and neutral, which means that you can incorporate them in a wide variety of outfits. Therefore, it can be said that you’d be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t have a favorite pair of jeans.
However, with so many different styles out there, shopping for a pair of jeans can be a tricky affair. From finding the right fit, to choosing the right shade, shopping for men’s jeans can be a tough one at times. So, if you’re hoping for some guidance, here is a guide to finding the right pair of jeans for you.
Finding the right fit
This is the most important aspect of your new pair of jeans and it can make a huge difference on their appearance. After all, you don’t want to invest in a pair of jeans and find that they are too loose or too tight. Once you know your size, you can choose from a number of different fits.
Slim fit is one of the most popular; jeans of this type are made to fit snugly around your thighs, knees and calves but loosen up around your ankles for a comfortable fit. To take that a step further, skinny fit jeans fit a lot tighter, enhancing the silhouette of your legs much more prominently.
Straight leg jeans are a more forgiving style, with the cut of the denim the same all the way down. These are great for a regular fit. If you prefer a looser fit, look for relaxed jeans that offer more room.
Look for details
It’s important to take a closer look at your potential pair of jeans and look at the details that have gone into creating them. Consider the appearance and quality of the stitching; do you prefer blue thread that appears invisible on the jeans, or the classic golden yellow stitching that adds more detail to the design?
You should also look at the pockets; simple is sometimes better. Some jeans may include branding on the back pockets, so decide how subtle or bold you’d like it to look while you’re walking around in them. Sometimes, jeans will feature accent fabrics around the pockets.
Another interesting detail to consider is the distressed or ripped design. This can look great for contemporary take on the classic jeans, and work well during the summer months when your legs need a little more breathability.
Getting the waist right
As mentioned earlier, you really need to know your size before you start shopping for jeans. Most men and women are never sure on their jeans size, resulting in a quick guess before clicking purchase. Jeans should slide up with ease, without much difficulty for a comfortable fit around your waist.
If you find that you an in-between size, it’s best to choose the bigger size and invest in a quality belt to keep them up around your waist.
As a quick tip, you can measure your waist – the number you have in inches will most likely be size of pants you need.
Also, you can check pants by inserting your arm in them: the length from your fist to your elbow should fit in the jeans when kept in a closed state.
Choosing your favorite wash
The wash of a jean refers to how the jeans are rinsed or bleached during the production process. You’ll find that most jeans have a classic wash, which gives you the traditional medium blue color. This is the dressiest wash.
There are other options if you’re looking for variety in your jeans.
A vintage wash provides a pre-distressed, slightly faded appearance. This gives the appearance of worn-in jeans, which in reality can take years to achieve naturally. You can also choose a dark rinse, which gives a much darker, inky blue which can often look much smarter than your usual blue jeans.
When going shopping, remember that it takes about 20 tries until you find a good pair of jeans, so don’t feel discouraged if you can’t find the right pair from the start. And, if you still can’t find a good one after 30 tries or more, consider purchasing a larger one and have it altered by your tailor. The investment will be worth it, as quality jeans can last for a long time and, as said, be incorporated in a wide variety of outfits.
Fraquoh and Franchomme
Further reading:
The different types of jeans cuts
The guide to wearing a blazer with jeans
The jeans and t-shirt combination done right
Style checklist: What to look for when buying pants
Bringing denim into your everyday style
5 fashion staples that don’t go out of style
Would you wear women’s jeans?
P.S. We want to hear from you! What is your main criterion when picking out jeans? What is your favorite wash? Why? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!