We've all been there, right? Sweating in a changing room as we struggle and wriggle around, desperate to pull up those super skinny jeans. And then, just as we finally pull the zip up (still not daring to breathe out), we turn around, examine ourselves in the 360 degrees mirrors and want to cry.
Just when did my bum get that wobbly?! And what happened to my thighs?!
Finding the perfect jeans to suit your body shape is one of life's most traumatic experiences (and, believe me, I don't think I'm exaggerating that either). Yet, despite it being such a hard slog full of tears, I guarantee that once you find your dream jeans, they can change your life.
I never used to think I could wear jeans. I thought they made me look fat, and most pairs tended to hang off my waist and cling to my bum in a horrific way. But then I discovered Goldsign - a brand of jeans to fit women with a booty, hips and a waist!
Anyway, if you're still struggling to find your dream denims, then look no further! We have a brilliant guest post from Sam Remer, who runs super jeans emporium www.ilovejeans.com. In this post, Sam will be give you some fab tips to pick out your ideal fit, whether you're a a peachy pear, an amorous apple, lusciously long and leggy, fabulously fuller figured or pretty petite.
I was amazed at how much I learned from reading this post (who knew rise was so important? I just knew to avoid low rise on me), and I hope you do too!
Over to Sam...
Finding Your Perfect Jeans by Body Shape
The key to perfect fitting jeans is recognising your own unique body shape. But before we start, you need to do a little exercise that gives us the foundation of finding the best jean for your shape - Which rise is good for me?What is the rise?
The rise is the measurement from the top of the waistband, down to the bottom of the crotch seam. With your jeans on, take a tape measure and measure from the crotch seam up to two fingers below your belly button. This will help you find the measurement of the rise which is ideal for you - take the tape measure with you when shopping and use it as a guide when picking jeans out. It's a great way of eliminating jeans before you even get into the changing room.
So, now you know your unique rise measurement, it's time to Know Your Body Shape - you can use our tool as a guide if you're not sure! The reality of finding perfect fitting jeans is keeping true to your body shape, rather than buying for the latest denim trend of brand. You may be lucky enough to have it all, but keep an open mind!
If you're an....
Hourglass / Pear
We often include both of these body shapes in the same category, purely because when it comes to dressing the bottom half of a pear or hourglass in jeans, the formula is the same. It's what going on at the top which defines the shape (bigger boobs = hourglass, small boobs = pear)As an hourglass or a pear, you're lucky enough to be able to pull off most styles of jeans - bootcut, straight leg, wide leg, flare leg, boyfriend, crop, skinny. But whatever you do, be sure to stay true to your rise measurement! Nothing is worse than spillage, or the dreaded muffin top, which is caused by the rise being too low. So, for you, you need to go for a jean with nine inch rise or higher.
Here are some jeans which are perfect for you...
These midnight blue jeans are made from mid-weight, stretch-denim and flared from the knee down. They are a great jean to balance our your curves, elongate your legs and smooth your tummy area, thanks to the rise measuring 9.5inches.
These Secret 'Push-In' jeans from Salsa have a built-in tummy panel to slim your abdominal area, as well as a high waist line to shape your silhouette and a stretch denim to hug your seat curves. These bootcut jeans have a classic shape that's ideal for both smart and casual wear, in a chic dark wash denim.
Relax in these casual jeans from Not Your Daughter's Jeans. They have a contemporary 'boyfriend' fit - a straight leg in a relaxed cut, with ankle length turn-ups. These jeans are designed to have a snug fit to fell the benefits of the built-on 'lift and tuck' technology - but be sure to go down a size as they come up large!
Apple
If you have identified with the apple body shape, then you hold most of your weight in the upper body area, tummy and bust. The good news is that your slim legs are your best assets, with a small flat bottom.As an apple, you can enjoy wearing most styles, such as straight leg, skinny (but not too skinny), crop and baby bootcut. Again, the rise measurements are key - and, as an apple shape myself, I make sure my jeans always sit between an 8 inch to a 9 inch rise.
Here are your best jeans:
These Secret 'Push-In' jeans from Salsa have a built-in tummy panel to slim your abdominal area, a high waistline to shape your silhouette, and a stretch denim to hug your seat curves (great for perking up a flat bottom!) These dark ssh jeans are perfect for day or evening wear, and look great with both flats and heels.
The James Jeans Twiggy Skinny Jean in Lisbon is a dark wash denim with a mid-rise and slim fit. With 2% elastane, this jean has a lovely soft, stretchy feel to them to really hold you in place. The rise measures 8.5inches.
This style is a pale-blue, lightweight stretch-denim in a mid-rise, straight-leg cropped style. The jet front pockets smooth the tummy area, while the rise is 8.5 inches. A perfect crop jean for the summer!
Long and Leggy
If you're long and leggy, then lucky you! You are in proportion from head-to-toe, with long legs and a small bust. Although you can pretty much wear any style you want, you may find it tricky to find a long enough leg length for those lovely pins! It is possible to get up to a 38 inch leg for the tall girl who loves heels. Again, let your unique rise measurement be your guide.
Finally, a long length jean for all you long-legged beauties! These are perfect for both day and evening, while the supermodel bootcut comes in a clean, dark blue in Hudson's signature low-rise for a classic and ultra flattering fit. The rise is 7.5 inches and leg length 38 inches.
The Goldsign Unique 4 Pocket Flare jeans are a mid-rise white flare, with an 8 inch rise and 20 inch leg opening. They are slim-fitting to the knee, with Goldsign's soft and luxurious denim and have large front pockets in a retro style. Leg length 36 inches.
J Brand Martini Flares, Pure, £185
Look tall and slim with this chic, skinny flare. Pair these jeans with ankle boots or stiletto heels for added height. The rise measures 10.5 inches, with a leg length of 35 inches.
Fuller Figure
A fuller figure has a voluptuous shape and tends to put on weight all over. Embrace your fuller figure by stepping away from baggy jeans - stretch denim is a must-have to give you the comfort, as well as holding you in. Bootcut and wide leg styles are the most flattering for your shape. Let you rise be your guide when it comes to slimmer leg styles and opt for a higher rise (9 inch or upwards)
Deep indigo rinse wash ankle-length jeans, with turn-ups. These jeans are trimmed with Karen Millen's branded metal work for a more luxurious feel. Sizes 6-16.
Get a classic jeans look with all the comfort of super-stretch with jeggings, from Not Your Daughter's Jeans. Leg length for the NYDJ jeggings is 31 inches. These jeans are designed to have a snug fit so that you can really feel the benefits of their 'lift and tuck' technology - just be sure to go down a size. Sizes 8-18, with a rise of 10 inches.
The NYDJs skinny jean is a high-rise skinny, with a slim-fit and an ankle-grazing 27.5 inch inseam. NYDJs are generous in size, so go down one size for a snug fit. Rise measurement is 9 inches Sizes 6-18.
Petite
The petite body shape comes in many different sizes. You may be slim or curvaceous, but you will still be 5'2" or below. The key to dressing a petite person is to keep the proportions small. Use your unique rise measurement as your guide. Skinny, straight leg, crop and baby bootcut are perfect styles for your petite shape.
These versatile jeans from CC Petite have a comfortable stretch cotton for a snug fit, with a classic straight-leg shape and a light denim wash that's perfect for casual outfits. Leg length is 27 inches.
Petite MOTO printed chintz floral Leigh jeans, with a leg length of 28 inches.
Petite grey snake-printed jean, with a leg length of 28 inches.
I hope that's helped you to find your perfect jeans! Sam Remer is the denim expert for www.ilovejeans.com. If you're looking for a bit more help with finding those jeans, then Sam offers a denim shopping experience for both men and women - http://www.fitqueens.me/the-denim-stylist/
