Fashion/style: JEANS: Finding the perfect fit

If there is a single fashion article that you count on finding inside the closets of most women, it would be a pair of jeans. Most of us, in fact, own several pairs; some in light denim, some in dark denim, some that are stressed, and some that are acid washed.

Saturday, March 01, 2008

If there is a single fashion article that you count on finding inside the closets of most women, it would be a pair of jeans. Most of us, in fact, own several pairs; some in light denim, some in dark denim, some that are stressed, and some that are acid washed.

Jeans are easy; they do not require constant washing and ironing and they are always in fashion. However, finding jeans that look good, and I mean really good, can be a daunting and miserable task.

Today there are hundreds of denim brands on the market. Each brand generally consists of several different cuts. There’s the skinny jean, the flared, the boot cut, the classic straight cut, low rise, high rise even mid rise…options are endless.

Where to begin?

Nyundo, the manager of ‘One Time 2020 shop’, says boot cut jeans flare ones are most popular at the moment.

"We have all styles of trousers. We give our clients the chance to choose what will flatter them most,” says Nyundo. Tall and slender, Claire Gasaro says the style of jeans you look best in depends on your body shape.

"I’ve always been a big fan of skinny jeans. I get a lot of compliments,” Gasaro said. With so much choice out there, we can all find the perfect pair of jeans. It’s just a question of knowing how.

Perfect jeans

The most important thing is to know your body shape.

The hourglass

Curvy women tend to have an hourglass figure which tends to have an average to ample sized bust, full hips, a rounded bottom, and a defined waist.

The jeans for you: You will want to look for jeans that have a smooth fit. Avoid extra pockets, especially in the back, and heavy denims that tend to be bulky particularly in the thigh area.

Think about choosing stretch denim that will hug your natural curves and make the most of your womanly form. Seek out jean cuts that tend to be fuller in the hips and narrower in the waist in order to avoid an unsightly gap in the back area.

Mid-rise jeans look best on women with average to longer legs while low-risers are better for those with a short waist. Avoid jeans that are too big or baggy as well as those that are too tight. Medium to dark washed denim best suits the hourglass figure.

Pear shaped

An amazing number of women, particularly those over the age of 50, fall into the pear shaped category. The overall figure looks just like its name suggests. It is that of a pear; smaller on top and bigger on the bottom.

Women who fall into this category generally have a smaller than average bust size, a well-defined waist, exaggerated hips, and a full rounded bottom.

The jeans for you: Choose softly flared or boot cut jeans for a long, lean look. Avoid anything that is too tight as they will likely result in an ugly muffin top effect.

Also avoid extra pockets, especially those on the backside that will accent the negative. Low-rise jeans that fit properly will make this body type’s torso appear longer.

Stay away from pleating of any kind and quickly move away from horizontal detailing, particularly in the hip area. In fact, embellishment on the whole doesn’t work well on this body type. Choose dark shades of denim in stretch fabrics that fit well.

Boyish figure

A common body type today is rectangular in shape with an average bust size, flat bottom, and waist that is barely defined.

The jeans for you: If your body type is rectangular, look for straight-legged jeans or those with a slightly flared leg. You can generally wear gentle relaxed cuts but don’t think about jeans that are baggy.

This body type can pull off the skinny jeans in some instances. If your waist is short, you can easily wear low-rise jeans while long waisted figures can choose a higher waist.

Look for jeans that emphasize your curves, particularly in the hips. A contoured waistband can create additional curves for those who want them.

Back pockets with flaps or embellishment can make the butt look fuller and add some often-needed bulk. Stone or acid washed jeans or those with fades along the legs also help to add shape to this figure type.

The inverted triangle

Although there are some similarities between this and the pear shaped body type, there are also decided differences. Women in this category tend to have a medium to ample sized bust, an average waist, and narrow hips. Bottoms can be average with a shape that is flat or slightly rounded.

The jeans for you: Inverted triangular body types should choose boot cut or flared leg jeans in order to promote a long, lean look. Avoid tapered and straight-legged jeans, which aren’t flattering on this body type.

Women in this category want styles that enhance their backside without giving off any appearance of sagging. Unusually slender figures should choose jeans with side pockets to give the illusion of a fuller thigh area.

Jeans with back yokes will also add much needed fullness to the backside. Low-rise jeans with contoured waists look wonderful on women in this category.

Embellishments and fancy washes are also perfect for this body type. Lighter wash colours and jeans that fade along the legs add shape to the thighs while darker washes will make hips look smaller.

So ladies, remember, know your body and you’re sure to find the perfect fit.

Contact: lindaonly2005@yahoo.com