Women's Jeans Buying Guide
from Overstock.comJeans are a clothing staple for many women, but even women who love wearing jeans may have trouble finding flattering women's jeans. The pages of denim can look like an intimidating sea of blue if you don't know what to look for when you're online shopping for women's jeans. If you're not sure how to buy women's jeans that will look great on you, then this women's jeans buying guide is for you.
Every brand and every style of jeans will fit a little differently, but knowing what to look for will help narrow down the selection to just those jeans that will look great on you. The type of fabric, the cut of the jeans and the details can all affect how jeans fit.
Denim is denim is denim--or is it?
You may have thought that all blue jeans were cut from the same cloth, but this isn't so. Variations in the weave, the fibers and the finishes all create differences in the final pair of jeans.
Weave
All denim is cotton twill--a weave that has a slight diagonal to it, but that's where the similarities end. Some denim is a left-hand twill (the diagonal on the dark side runs from lower right to the upper left), which has a very soft feel. A few types of denim have broken twill (the diagonal line changes directions). All other denim is a right-hand twill (the diagonal on the dark side runs from the lower left to the upper right), which is the most common and has a durable feel.
The cotton
The quality of the cotton the denim is made of will affect the look and feel of the jeans. Fine cotton fabric is made from longer stands of the fiber, giving the jeans a softer feeling and a smoother look. High-quality cotton also lasts longer because there are fewer small fibers to rub off--this is often what you are paying for when jeans are more expensive.
Dyes and finishes
Most jeans are made of denim that was dyed before it was woven into cloth (this is also called "yarn-dyed"); other jeans are dyed after they have been constructed into jeans. Jeans dyed after construction may have a more saturated color, but it may also fade faster. Blue jeans are dyed with the familiar indigo blue, but there are new innovations in denim dyes all the time. For example, some manufacturers layer the indigo dye with a yellow sulphur dye to gives jeans a vintage, dirty-on-purpose look.
After the jeans are constructed, many manufacturers put the jeans through finishing processes. A few terms you may see in product descriptions are:
- Stonewashed: Jeans are washed with chemicals or actual stones--usually pumice stones--to lighten and soften the denim. Occasionally, you may even find a few small pumice stones in the pockets when you first put on your new stonewashed jeans.
- Sandblasted: To give new jeans a broken-in appearance, the jeans are blasted with sand in areas where wear would occur naturally. This can sometimes lighten the denim, and lighter areas will draw attention to that body part. If you buy sandblasted jeans, make sure the light area is on a part you want to emphasize.
- Whiskered: Crease lines, called whiskers, are created across the lap to look like the jeans have been sat in many times. Whiskers are printed on, sanded on or created with lasers. They are horizontal lines, so if you are worried about your legs looking too heavy, only choose jeans with subtle whiskers.
Stretch
Many people love stretch jeans, and for women with more curves, stretch jeans can be very flattering. Women with flat rear ends will want to avoid stretch jeans, however, because the stretch will just emphasize the lack of curves.
What makes jeans fit differently?
More than just about any other type of women's clothing, finding the correct size is critical with jeans. For jeans, you need to measure your waist, hips and inseam. Then, find your measurements on the Overstock.com Clothing Sizing Chart to find your size.
Other than the size, the details of the jeans affect the way they fit. There's only one way to buy jeans online without thinking carefully about those details: buying duplicate pairs of jeans you already own. If you want something different or the brand and style you've worn before isn't available, you'll want to evaluate all the details that make jeans fit differently: the cut of the legs, the length of the rise and the shape of the seat.
Legs
Boot cut: Boot cut jeans flare slightly at the bottom, which is flattering on many women. The slight flare--not a bell-bottom flare--balances out large hips and heavy derrières.
Wide leg: With a fitted waist, wide leg jeans can be a stylish alternative to your other jeans, especially on curvy women and tall women. Remember to balance your wide leg jeans with a fitted top and heels or wedges with a round toe.
Straight leg: Straight leg jeans are not as baggy as wide leg jeans, but they share the same stovepipe shape that lacks any flare at the ankle. The straight line of straight leg jeans gives a long, lean look to your legs.
Skinny: Skinny jeans are slim-fitting jeans that are narrow all the way to the ankle, although many women give this name to the jeans they fit into when they have lost weight. You don't have to be rail-thin to wear skinny jeans, though. These are the perfect jeans to wear tucked into a pair of boots because they don't have extra fabric around the ankles.
Rise
The rise is the length from the crotch to the waistband. A standard rise is about 30 inches, while low-rise jeans--also called hipsters, hip-huggers or low-cut jeans--have about a 20-inch rise. Low-rise jeans can elongate a short torso, but on a long torso, they can be a bit too revealing in the back. Women who have a bit of a tummy won't want jeans with very low rise--this can cause what is known as "muffin tops," where a soft belly pops over the top of the waistband like the top of a muffin pops out of the pan. These women will want to stick with jeans with a more traditional rise.
Remember that if you do choose to wear low-rise jeans, you'll also want to pick up some low-rise underwear to wear underneath.
Seat
As long as the seat of your jeans fits well and is flattering, a tailor can fix just about everything else. Here are few things to consider when it comes to the seat of your jeans:
- Even if you prefer other pants with a loose fit in the seat, choose jeans with a snug seat.
- The center seam gives definition to your curves.
- Back pockets make or break a backside.
- No pockets or slash pockets: These jeans can flatten out curves. If you want to avoid that look, make sure the jeans have a yoke--a section of fabric that goes across the back just below the waistband--to add shape.
- Large pockets: Large, centered pockets are flattering on almost every woman.
- Small pockets: Small pockets and high-set pockets can make a rear look bigger and are perfect for women who need to add curves.
Risky fits: approach with caution
A few details on jeans have such a dramatic impact on how the jeans fit that you may not want to buy any online until you have tried them on. These styles go through waves of fashion, so you may be tempted to try them, but be careful: they may emphasize your figure in a way you don't like.
- High-waist: The extra-long rise of high-waist jeans goes in and out of style, but only thin women should indulge in this style. Women with tummies will only emphasize a pouch in high-waist jeans.
- Baggy: You want your casual jeans to be comfortable, but when you get into the territory of baggy jeans, you can quickly cross from comfortable into sloppy. Most women don't want to add visual weight to their hips, legs and rear--these women should avoid baggy jeans.
- Tapered: The narrow ankles of tapered jeans creates a look that can be chic and fashion-forward on some women, but when women have large hips or saddlebags, tapered jeans just emphasize the problem areas.
- Front patch pockets: Jeans with front patch pockets can be very cute, but those women with tummies need to be cautioned once again: the extra fabric will only add bulk where you don't want it.
Sure, there are risky fits, but there are a lot of jeans with flattering details, too, and there is sure to be a pair of jeans that has all of the details that will look great on you. Jeans can be frustrating to shop for, but if you take the time to think about a pair of jeans before you buy, you'll increase the chances of finding that pair of jeans you'll love wearing.
How long should my jeans be?
Jeans come in many lengths, and the most flattering length--the one that will make your legs look long and lean no matter what shoes you are wearing--is about ¼-inch from the floor. If the jeans you buy are too long, take them to a tailor who will reattach the hems instead of just turning them up; bring the shoes you plan to wear with the jeans so the tailor can get the length just right. If you have long legs, you may want to spend a bit more for designer jeans, which tend to run longer. (These guidelines can be applied to all your pants.)
I work in a casual office, but I still want to look professional. Which jeans would be best to wear there?
Here's your rule for wearing jeans to the office: the darker the jeans, the more dressed-up you look. Avoid distressed jeans, which may look like you're ready for yard work instead of office work. For an extra dash of style, try jeans in a trouser fit, which are cut like dress pants instead of the standard 5-pocket style. To keep your work jeans looking their best, you may want to have them dry cleaned. If you choose to launder them at home, wash your dark jeans inside out in cold water, and add a thimbleful of vinegar to the load to set the dye and keep the jeans dark.
How many pairs of jeans should I have in my wardrobe?
You don't need to build a second closet just for jeans, but you don't want to wear the same pair of jeans every day. As you are online shopping, be sure that you have:
- A pair of jeans you can wear when you dress up, such as a work pair.
- Casual blue jeans that you don't worry about ruining.
- A pair of jeans that you can wear when you go out on the weekend.
- One pair to wear with flats (these may also be your weekend jeans).
- One pair to wear with heels (these may also be your work jeans).
And if you love wearing jeans, you'll also want to have:
- At least one pair of colored jeans: white jeans for spring and summer, black jeans for cold weather or evenings or, if you're daring, a pair of red, purple or yellow jeans.
- A second (or third!) pair of your favorite jeans, so you'll always have a clean pair.
Tops make a multitude of outfits
Jeans can be dressed up or dressed down, and the shirts you choose will make the difference. Wear a button-down blouse with your jeans for a look that can go to the office. In the evening, swap the blouse for a camisole for a night-out look. From sweaters to tee shirts, shirts can give you many choices to wear with your jeans. You'll find all of the shirts you want to pair with your women's jeans when you're on Overstock.com.
The right shoes for the right look
Finishing your outfit with fashion and flair requires fabulous footwear. From the flats you'll wear with your blue jeans to the boots you'll wear with your skinny jeans, the women's shoes you need are on Overstock.com for up to 70 percent off the retail prices. Have your jeans and shoes shipped together and save even more with our low, flat shipping rate.
Belts: like jewelry for jeans
Most women's jeans have belt loops and that means you need belts! Whether you wear belts to cinch in your waist, add sparkle to your outfit or just to hold up your jeans, they're one of the most important accessories you can wear with jeans. Don't checkout until you've checked out the selection of women's belts on Overstock.com!