How to Choose and Care for the Perfect Pair of Jeans
Getting a pair of jeans that fit AND flatter can be a nightmare but if you follow these simple steps you’ll ensure you get the right pair and look the business.
1) Know Your Measurements
Knowing your exact measurements will go a long way to getting you the perfect pair of jeans and save you time in the process. Get your waist size and your inside leg measurements and you can choose your jeans off the shelf far better. If you’re buying online this will ensure you get just the right size.
2) Choose The Best Cut
Jeans come in a number of different cuts. For men these include straight leg, boot cut, flared, carrot fit, skinny and many more. Decide what style you feel more comfortable and look best in and stick to that, but also consider what you’ll be wearing on your feet. For most men this will either be straight leg or boot cut either way but if you want to experiment then choose a different cut and try them on.
3) Stick To The Classic Jeans Styles
Just because jeans are now available in a wide range of colours and washes doesn’t mean you have to buy them. Stick to blue, stick to stonewash, stick to makes like Levi’s and you’ll have a pair of jeans that flatter and will remain fashionable. Go for a darker shade if you want to look a bit slimmer. If you think you can pull of a different colour, give it a try.
4) Make Sure They’re Comfortable EVERYWHERE
Knowing your waist size and inside leg is one thing, but not all jeans are equal. That is why trying them on is essential. Ideally you should be able to fit your thumb between the waistband and your waist – this will provide comfort and allow for a little shrinkage. The hem of the jeans should stop short of the bottom of your footwear but not be too any higher than the sole. Buy them a little longer, again to allow for shrinkage. Also consider the crotch area and your thighs – do you feel comfortable here too? If not, look for a different pair, as you’ll only suffer for it later if you don’t!
5) Reproduce Your Wearing Conditions
When trying your jeans on, put your belt and shoes on too and fill the pockets with your everyday items such as keys and wallet. Walk around the shop and sit down. Then you’ll know that the jeans you want can handle what you’re going to throw at them!
6) Buy Pre-Shrunk Jeans
A little shrinkage when you wash your jeans is ok…a lot will be a disaster! Choosing pre-shrunk jeans ensures your perfect pair of jeans remain perfect, even after washing.
7) Wash Your Jeans Inside Out
First of all, the first time you wash your new jeans wash them on their own to prevent any colour running. After that, wash them inside out as this will help them retain their colour and look.
8) Dry Your Jeans Naturally
Do NOT put your jeans in the dryer, this is the fastest way to ruin them! Instead, lay them flat on a towel to dry naturally or better yet, hang them up straight. Either way, dry them so no part of the jeans are folded over.
Author Bio: Trevor Richards is writing on behalf of Room 14 Menswear, retailer of Levi’s jeans.
Category: Advice
Keywords: fashion, menswear, clothing, jeans, shopping, style