Sharyn GreensteinThis spring, faded blue denim is everywhere and is a fresh alternative to white jeans. Finding the perfect fit in denim is complicated, however, especially when buying online. There is so much to consider – the cut (skinny, straight, wide-leg,) the rise (mid-rise, high-rise, super-high,) the inseam, the amount of stretch, and the wash. While skinny jeans will never fully go out of style, right now straight and wider leg styles are more fashionable. Which means many of us will be looking for some new pairs, and I am here to guide you!
To help minimize returns when buying jeans, I suggest that you find your favorite pair in your closet, take note of the cut, and measure the rise and inseam. Write those numbers down (I keep mine in Notes in my phone) for future reference. Carefully read the fine print on retailer’s websites, since the fit model rarely looks like us! Cropped styles, popular during the warmer months, may be full length for shorter women. Personally, when I find a style that fits and flatters my body type, I buy it in several washes. I may also purchase the same pair in different lengths so I can have a cropped version for summer and an ankle length to wear with booties. Retailers like Madewell, Levi’s and GAP offer their denim in several size ranges, which is very helpful. Happy browsing!
These 11″ High Rise Cigarette Jeans with Secret Smoothing Pockets from GAP are my new obsession (and I haven’t worn GAP denim in years.) Wider than a skinny fit, but narrower than a straight fit, hitting above the ankle. This pair is a bit distressed, with a touch of stretch. Available in 5 size ranges! Short (what I buy at 5’3″), petite (body will also be smaller), regular, tall (body will be larger) and long. Size up for best fit. Great for straight body shapes.
An influencer favorite, the Riley High Rise Straight Jean from red-hot brand AGOLDE has a cropped 26″ length and a high 11.5″ rise. Non-stretch denim. Looks good on most body types.
The Perfect Fit Jeans from Madewell have been their #1 fit for 5 years in a row. With their waist-accentuating 11 inch high rise and tapered legs, they look good on almost everyone. 28″ inseam in regular length, but also available in petite, tall and plus for the perfect fit.
These sleek and timeless mid-rise straight-leg jeans are made with DL1961’s Instasculpt technology for a smooth, sleek fit that conforms to your body. 10″ rise, 27″ inseam. Cotton blend with stretch. A friend of mine raves about this brand!
In a not-too-faded denim, these ankle flare jeans from Kut from the Kloth are made from a stretchy jean and a not-too-high waist (10″) and 27″ inseam. Highly rated.
An influencer favorite and inspired by vintage Levi’s, these faded jeans have a super-high waist that showcases your curves to greatest effect. Ideal for curvy BA50’s. 27.5″ cropped inseam and 11.5″ rise.
The Hepburn cut from DL1961 is a vintage high-rise (11.5) that is fitted through the waist and seat, tapering outward from the thigh for a wide leg that hits above the ankle (26″). In fresh, light indigo with subtle grinding at pockets and back hem. Some stretch. Great for taller women.
Madewell’s signature boyfriend fit in a light indigo wash with rips at the knees has a slim-but-still-relaxed 27″ cropped leg and 11″ high waist. Think a vintage men’s jean cut to flatter you. Also in petite, tall and plus. I own these jeans and love them.
Ideal for tall BA50’s or those with small waists or thicker thighs, these Madewell jeans have balloon shaped legs and a narrow 11.5″ high waist. Cropped length (26″). Rigid denim with no stretch.
With a 26″ cropped length perfect for spring and summer, these cheeky straight jeans from GAP have great reviews. Best if you have a small waist.