Almost everyone has a pair of jeans in their wardrobe, with this popular style of trouser dating all the way back to 1973, when it was invented by Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis. Since then, jeans have become a fashion icon that never quite falls out of favour, shape-shifting and colour-changing through the ages to offer us a whole host of new-season trends and proving themselves to be far more versatile than we first thought.
From skinny to ‘mom’, slim-fit to bootcut, we’ve seen a multitude of different styles come and go, with some sticking around for the long-haul. But while now, it’s possible to buy jeans in just about every colour you could imagine – from bright red to mint green – it’s classic blue denim that has remained timeless, and that has maintained a constant place in our wardrobes, year in, year out.
But while this casual staple might seem like an effortless garment, finding the right pair to flatter your figure is essential, and a quality, designer pair will last you for many years to come, so it’s always worth investing a little more to get the best.
From shape and wash to fit and fabric, there are plenty of factors to consider when shopping for your dream pair of jeans, and while you generally can’t go wrong with jogg jeans for men or a simple pair of skinnies for women, the plethora of options available today can often feel overwhelming. So, if you’re unsure where to start, then look no further, because we’ve broken down exactly how to find the perfect pair.
Strength
Strength might not be the first thing that comes to mind when shopping for a pair of jeans, but it should be. A quality pair of well-made jeans will age gracefully, so look for robust materials that will retain their shape and that won’t show the strain at the seams after wearing. When choosing a pair of jeans that fit you like a glove, you’ll want to ensure that they stay that way – so be prepared to splurge on a designer pair that is guaranteed to last the distance.
Shape
Most of us tend to stick with the same jean shape year in, year out, but by shying away from experimentation, you could be missing out. Next time you’re out shopping, head to your favourite designer boutique and try on a few different styles – you might be surprised how some high-waisted ‘mom’ jeans can lengthen your legs, or how a bootcut pair helps to balance out wider hips. Of course, it can be tempting to go the other way and splurge on the latest shape to be seen on the catwalk without trying it on first, but remember – jeans are supposed to be flattering, so find a style that suits your figure, and go with it.
Wash
Each year brings a different flurry of denim-related trends come fashion week, with coral jeans for women, khaki jeans for men and a whole host of other colours for both, each having enjoyed their moment in recent years. Don’t be afraid to try out new colours to mix up your look a bit, but also bear in mind that you simply can’t go wrong with a pair of classic blue jeans, so be sure to always have one in your wardrobe, no matter what.
Of course, it’s not as simple as just choosing a ‘blue’ pair, as even within this colour, there are many different washes to choose from. The latest to be seen in tends to change with the seasons, but as a general rule of thumb, a pair of stone-washed or mid-washed jeans will see you through relaxed occasions and exude off-duty cool, while a darker, inkier pair is perfect for smarter get-togethers and events.
