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You love to wear jeans, but finding the perfect pair that look amazing on you can feel as challenging as finding your soulmate on a dating app. So what happens? There are just WAY too many options to choose from, but not enough quality choices. So like anything, you know it's easier to find "The One," both in your love life and in denim.
These seven golden rules for finding your ideal pair of jeans should make the process easier.
- Go for thicker materials and heavy stitching - Looking great in jeans starts with finding a quality pair, so look for heavy stitching around hems, pockets and side panels, which shows that seams won’t pull or split. Well-constructed zippers and heavier fabrics are signs your jeans will last and fit you better.
- Stick to the law of proportions - As far as we’re concerned, you look great just the way you are, but if you’re trying to draw attention away from a part of your body, play with proportions. Boot cuts will elongate your figure if you don’t love your thick thighs and for those on the shorter side, a fitted, cropped pair makes you look taller.
- Pick a pair with a little stretch - For a more form-fitting look that shows off your curves, try jeans that are a little bit stretchy, but not too much. A good rule of thumb is to stick with styles with no more than 2% Lycra or Spandex so they last but aren’t so tight they give you the dreaded visible panty line.
- Buy the same pair in multiple washes - When you do find jeans that fit great and you love, save the stress of shopping more and get them in all the colors and washes they come in.
- When in doubt, go darker - Dark rinses offer an instant slimming effect and are more professional looking as well.
- Pair with heels, unless you’re sporting skinnies - The right pair of high heels will elevate your look and elongate your legs, so they’re a great choice with jeans. The one exception? When you’re wearing ankle-length skinnies, which tend to look better with flats or boots.
- Tailor for length, not fit - If you find jeans that fit perfectly aside from being too long, buy them and take them to be altered. A tailor can always help with length, but if jeans don’t fit well through the hips and thighs, keep shopping because a tailor may not be able to work their magic there.