Let's Talk Denim
I think it’s safe to most of us own at least one pair of jeans. They really are at the top of the essential wardobe list. They are not just for casual wear or working the farm. There are so many styles, cuts, and colors to choose from now days, making it so easy to find the perfect pair.
Before we jump into the different types of jeans I thought it would be fun to talk about the history of denim.
It is believed that denim was first invented in Genoa, Italy, as far back as the 1500s. It was made for the Italian navy to wear while on duty.
The word jeans comes from the word Genes, which is the French word for the city of Genoa but, they weren’t known as ‘jeans’ until the 1950s – up until this point, they were referred to more commonly as overalls.
Denim was first seen in the 16th century, but Levi Strauss Jacob Davis, who invented the blue jean, popularised the material in the 1870s. Levi Strauss & Co made clothes for miners and other working class people since the material was inexpensive. Levi Levi Strauss himself, actually never wore a pair of his own jeans. He was a wealthy businessman and jeans were made for the poorer people.
In 1951, popular singer Bing Crosby was refused a hotel room for wearing jeans. In response to this, Levi’s designed a denim jacket especially for him.
In the 1960s, they took on another life and people began to see jeans as a sign of rebellion among young people. Establishments began refusing entry to people in jeans as they were worried they were part of a protest. They represented freedom and the anti establishment. I love fun facts some things to think about when putting on your jeans!
Okay so let’s jump in and break down the different styles of jeans. A great fitting pair of blue jeans is a must for every wardrobe. A Whichever style you die for, the most important thing is fit. You want to find a pair that is comfortable to wear and feels good to wear.
When choosing a style pick what works perfect for you not just what's trending at the moment. The good thing about jeans is you can always find the style you want regardless of what is trending These a few notes to think about. What's your lifestyle? When and how often you will wear them? What style works perfect for your body?
Invest in the best quality you can. A well made pair of jeans will last for many many moons with the right care. To hopefully make your denim shopping experience better I have put together a measuring guide and breakdown of the different styles.
What Are The Different Styles
There are lot’s of different styles and types of jeans to choose from for women? And the best part is jeans are such a staple in the wardrobe you can always find the style that you prefer every season even if they are not trending at the moment. For example wide leg is all of the rage right now but, you can always find skinny jeans if your not a fan of the wider leg. Try different styles and rises see what feels good and compliments your body.
Wed Leg + Trouser | Flared Leg | Straight + Tapered | Skinny | Cropped + Capri | Culotte
How To Choose The Length Of Your Jeans
To get the perfect length of any pant you will need to take or know your inseam. It is super easy if you have another person to help and a little tricky if you don’t but, you can take this measurement yourself. The inseam is the seam in your pants the connects the crotch and inner leg seam. You want to place the measuring the in the center of your crotch and trace it down your inner thigh to exactly wear your want your hem to end. If you have a pair of pants you already own that are the perfect length you can flip them insead out and follow the the seam to get the measurement.
Cropped Length | Inseam that measures 26" or shorter and typically stop about one to two inches above your ankle.
Ankle Length | Inseam that measures 27"-29" and typically fall right at the ankle or just above.
Regular-Length | Inseam that measures 30"-31" and, depending on your height, will fall between your ankle and the ground when you're barefoot.
Tall Length | Inseam of 32" or longer. This length is perfect for tall women with long gams or if you are shorter and like to wear high heels.
Finding Your Rise
The rise is the measurement of your crotch from front to back. If you have ever had a pair of pants that was to loose or snug in the crotch area it is most likely not the correct measurement for your body. Unless of course you are wearing a style such as harem or drop crotch.
Low Rise have a 5"-8" rise and typically land a few inches below your bellybutton. If you have a shorter torso this is your jam. There is less fabric, so they're more comfortable for this body type.
Mid Rise have a 8"-9" rise and will sit right at your hips, about an inch below your bellybutton.
High Rise have a 9.5"-10.5" rise and depending on your torso will sit at your belly button or just below.
The is most universally flattering rise! It defines your waist and gives the illusion of longer legs.
Ultrahigh Rise have a higher at 11"-12" and sits right above the belly button. Again very flattering to the waist.
How to Measure
The easiest way to get your measurements is to measure a pair that you already own. Your favorite pairs that fit you like they should. If you like to wear multiple styles then pull them out and measure them all. This way when you are shopping online you will have all of your measurements at a glance. I personally think it is good idea to have all of your measurements on hand.
Inseam
Measure from the bottom of the crotch seam to the bottom of the hem along the inside seam. This length can vary depending on what style of pant you are wearing. If you are measuring yourself it is doable but, you can’t bend your legs. You must hold the tape in the center of your crotch to wear you want the hem. If you bend your knees it will distort the measurement.
Hip Size
Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your hips and rear. If you are measuring your pants you want to measure the front (widest part) seam to seam and the same for the back and then you can add them together to get your circumference.
The Rise
For the front rise, place your tape at the top of the inseam and measure the distance to the top of the waistband on the front of the jeans. For the back rise, place your tape at the top of the inseam again, but this time, measure the distance to the top of the waistband on the back of the jeans.
If you are measuring yourself you place the tape on your stomach where your want your waistband to sit and making a u shape following your crotch over your bum and place the end of the tape on your back to the edge of the waistband (or where you want it to sit).
Tips For Curves
Choose a High Rise | It is the most comfortable and flattering rise, it hugs curves and cinches in your waist without a corset.
Look for Stretch | Stretch denim contours, accentuates curves and moves with you. All stretch is not created equally so take note of the percentage of stretch used in the fabric that you like.
Contoured Waistband
A contoured waistband means that the back of the jeans is higher than the front. This design element keeps your backside contained. No more spillage when bending over or constantly pulling your pants up.
Click any style below to shop directly.
This style jean gives you a lot of bang for your buck. The trouser style adds a lot of options to your wardrobe.
They give you a polished look with the comfort of denim making them easy to wear to style for work or casual barbecue.
Brand | Brunello Cucinelli
Bootcut style is cut slimmer in the hips and thighs. This type of jean widens a little below the knee (to accommodate boots) and then flares a bit more at the hem.
This style looks great on all body types and can create curves on straight rectangle body shapes. It will balance your curves if you have a hourglass or a pear body shape
If you are an inverted triangle or rectangle shape with narrow hips this is your jam.
Brand | Rag & Bone
A straight cut jean is cut straight from the hip and thigh to the hem.
The leg can sometimes have a slight taper to it.
The fit is relaxed through the hip and thigh. In between the skinny and boyfriend fit.
Brand | DL1961
I think this is a pretty universally flattering cut. It is a nice roomy full leg without adding to much bulk.
I think they give you that trouser look and feel making it easier to style for different occasions.
Brand | Mother
Skinny jeans have a snug fit through the hip, thigh and all the way to the hem. The silhouette narrows from the hip to the ankle. They are usually made with stretch denim which makes them possible to get on and off lol.
This style is also called the pencil cut.
Brand | Paige
Culottes
One of my favorites styles the culotte which means divided skirt.
You get all of the twirl and flow of a skirt with the coverage of pants.
Another great double duty option to have in your closet to style many different ways.
Brand | Stella McCartney
Cuffed jeans have the hem turned up to expose the underside of the denim material.
You can experiment with different styles to play around with the width and length of the cuff.
If you are going for a temporary look use the double stick tape or small safety pins if the fabric is really heavy.
Brand | P.A.R.O.S.H
Cigarette or stove pipe pants have a slightly wider leg opening then skinny jeans.
The silhouette of the skinny narrows from the hip towards the ankle, but the cigarette hug the hip and thigh and then are cut straighter from the knee to the hem.
Brand | L'AGENCE
Boyfriend jeans are cut straight in the hip and thigh and have a loose, baggy cut that sits low on the hips.
Brand | AG Jeans
These are usually a slim or tapered fit style pant where the hem is rolled.
You can buy them with the hems pre-rolled or do it with any slim or tapered jeans you already own.
You can use double stick fabric tape to assure they won’t roll out of place through out the day.
Brand | DL1961
Flared jeans are similar to bootcut jeans in that they are fitted at the hips and thigh but there is a greater flare from the knee.
Depending on the look you are going for you have options with this style. If you want choose narrow flare such as this which is a smidge wider then bootcut or if you are wanting a more dramatic look choose a wide flare or bell bottom.
Brand | Frame
The slimmer version of the boyfriend style. Still sits lower on the hips but, less roomy in the hips.
Brand | Rag & Bone