Lately, I’ve been on a mission to find the perfect pair of dark jeans that work for both casual and semi-formal settings. In the past, I wasn’t too picky about it - I’d just grab whatever jeans caught my eye, head to the fitting room, and if they fit over my legs and weren’t too loose, I’d buy them. But, as you can guess, this didn’t always lead to the best results. Some pairs were too baggy around the thighs, others were so tight I could barely move. Needless to say, I ended up wasting money on jeans that didn’t quite fit right.
I’m guessing many of you can relate - unsure about your measurements, what sizes to choose, and what exactly to look for when shopping for jeans. So, I decided to break down the process to make it easier for both myself and you. Trust me, it’s not as complicated as it sounds.
This article is a bit on the longer side, so if you're short on time, feel free to scroll down to the end for the essentials!
Know Your Measurements
The key to getting the right jeans is understanding your measurements. Once you have them, you won’t need to remeasure unless your body changes significantly. Here’s what you need to know:
Waist: Measure around the narrowest part of your waist. This is the most important measurement when it comes to jeans sizing. If you don’t feel like measuring everything, just knowing your waist size will often be enough.
Hips: Measure around the widest part of your hips. If you’re not sure how to measure, you can always check a pair of jeans you already own that fits well.
Thighs: Measure around the thigh, starting about 2 inches below the crotch. Alternatively, you can measure a well-fitting pair of pants for this too.
Inseam: This is the inside leg measurement. The best way to measure it is from the crotch down to the hem of a pair of pants that fit you well.
Once you’ve got these measurements, convert them from centimeters to inches (since most brands use inches). For example, my waist measures 80cm, which is around 31 inches.
Understanding Jean Sizes
Jean sizes can be a bit confusing because there are different sizing systems around the world - American, European, and Japanese being the most common. However, mastering the American sizing system will usually cover most brands, especially since many brands clearly show their size using inches.
In the American sizing system, jean sizes are based on your waist measurement in inches. So, with a 31-inch waist, I would typically wear a size 31.
But here’s the thing: not all brands stick to the “true” sizing. Many brands will make the size slightly larger to give the illusion of a slimmer fit. That means a size 31 might actually fit a waist that’s closer to 32 inches. It’s a little psychological trick to make you feel better about yourself.
Don’t worry though, the sizing system still works if you know a few things. If you’re shopping in-store, you might need to go a size up to find the perfect fit. If you're buying online, use the size guide! Most online stores have one that converts your measurements to their sizing.
Some brands even provide inseam measurements (the length of the pants), so make sure to check that as well.
This is a size guide. Note that size 31 actually has a waist measurement of 33 1/2 inches.
Finding the Right Fit
Now that you’ve got the waist size sorted, the next step is figuring out the fit. The fit of your jeans affects your overall look and comfort, so it’s crucial to find the one that works best for your body type. Here’s a rundown of some common fits:
Regular Fit (Classic Fit): This is the traditional style - comfortable without being too tight. Not the most popular among younger folks, but it’s a solid option for those who like a relaxed look.
Slim Fit: This one is snug but not too tight, making it the most popular option these days. It’s form-fitting, yet still comfortable enough for daily wear.
Skinny Fit: These jeans are designed to hug every curve, especially around the calves and thighs. If you’ve got slim legs like mine, they might be a bit too tight for comfort, but many people love the sleek look.
Tapered Fit: Perfect for those with muscular thighs but normal calves. These jeans offer more room in the thighs but gradually taper down to a slimmer fit at the ankle.
Skinny, Slim, and Regular. Can you spot the difference?
Choosing the Right Rise
You may have heard terms like low-rise, mid-rise, or high-rise when it comes to jeans. These terms refer to where the waistband sits on your body in relation to your belly button. The “rise” is important because it can affect how your legs look, so consider your body type when choosing.
Low Rise: These jeans sit near your hips and are often the most comfortable and youthful style. However, they can make your legs appear shorter.
Mid Rise: These are a good middle ground. The waistband sits around your natural waist, providing a bit more structure without being too high. I prefer this style, especially since I’m on the shorter side (about 1.7 meters).
High Rise: Rare for men’s jeans today, but these were the norm back in the day. They usually sit well above your waistline. You won’t find many of these unless you're shopping in vintage shops or want that retro look.
A super high waist, right here!
Quick Tips for Lazy Readers
If you don’t want to read everything, here’s a quick cheat sheet:
Waist: Measure around the slimmest part of your waist (in inches).
Fit: Slim fit is the most popular; skinny for tighter styles; tapered for larger thighs and normal calves.
Rise: Go for low-rise for a relaxed look, or mid-rise if you're shorter or have shorter legs.
Alright, now it’s time for me to grab my perfect pair of jeans!
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