Women’s Jeans 101: Everything to Find the Perfect Pair for You

Jeans are a wardrobe staple, but that doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed to like how you look in them. That’s because there are so many different unique body shapes, and so many different jean types. You have different shapes, different rises, different materials and even different construction.

A straight leg jean from one brand can look very different on you than a pair from another brand.

Now, you can of course simply try on all the jeans in the world and walk away with the best fit. You can go to a higher-end brand that makes jeans to size. Both of these options, however, aren’t available to most people.

To help you find a great pair of jeans for you without breaking the bank or wasting your time, use these tips:

To Start, Understand the Fabric

The fabric used in jeans can vary drastically. Traditional, 100% cotton denim comes in different thread thickness, which is why you can have very stiff jeans and options that are thin. You can have jeans with Spandex in them. You can have corduroy jeans, distressed jeans, and so much more.

You can even have jeans that aren’t even technically jeans. Just have a look at this collection of boyfriend jeans and pants. The collection includes traditional denim all the way to boyfriend-shaped pants made of different fabrics. They’re all the same shape, but sit on the body differently and offer a different look for your wardrobe.

What’s Spandex Doing in Your Jeans?

One big addition you’ll likely see in your jeans is the inclusion of Spandex. Fear not, as a small amount (between 1% and 2%) can actually be very beneficial for you. Spandex, after all, helps jeans shape your body. It gives them that little bit of stretch, so not only will they fit your curves better, but they’ll also be easier to get off and on.

Organic Cotton vs Conventional Cotton

One other big difference you may notice between jeans is the type of cotton used. While going for organic cotton doesn’t necessarily mean that the jeans are made of higher-quality cotton, it does mean you don’t need to worry about any pesticide residue, and that you’re supporting better farming initiatives.

How Shapes Impact Your Look

Jeans come in many different shapes, and knowing what you want your jeans to do visually can help you understand which shapes to shop for:

Shapes to Lengthen the Legs: Straight leg, boot-cut.

Shapes to Define the Legs: Skinny, skim, flares.

Shapes to Hide the Legs: Boyfriend, wide-leg, mom, loose.

How Rise Impacts Your Look

The last big consideration is going to be the rise. There’s ultra-low, low, mid and high-rise jeans (sometimes even higher, known as ribcage jeans).

In general, this is how each rise affects your aesthetic:

Low rise: elongates your torso, which can be used to define the midsection if you wear tight or short tops.
Mid-rise: a middle-ground option that provides more coverage without cutting into your stomach if you sit down. Great for those with balanced proportions.
High-rise: shortens the torso and elongates the legs, but can cut into your midsection. This option is great for those with longer upper bodies than legs.

With all that in mind, it’s time to experiment. Knowing more about the fabric, the shape, and the rise can help you find a pair that fits you the way you’ve always dreamed. Just remember to buy a few, since brands differ from one to another.