How To Get The Best Fit From Your Denim
Shopping for the perfect pair of jeans is really a Iife time quest. It seems everyone had a faithful pair of Levi's in their 20's and we are forever on a mission to find that perfect fit again. Trends change from season to season, and we are often tempted to have a style update, to move away from the faithful high waisted skinny jeans that are tucking away all of our sins; so off we trot to the the change room with the latest rigid cut denim that is a hybrid 90's mum jean cross ex boyfriend anti-fit jean, only to be left deflated, or going back to some safe elastane content. From watching this scenario play out multiple times of day, I have decided to pass on a few tips from our team in store at Eclectic House. We are here to help you navigate new styles as well as classic cuts to help you find the right pair.....
#1: Sizing
When it comes to buying denim, it's important to find the right size - this sounds basic, but....... All brands have their own sizing variations but a quality label will provide you with a size guide for at least your waist and hip measurements, then there's leg length to take into account. If you're trying on in store, the best idea is to try a few sizes, just to make sure your measurements correspond with the correct size for you. I would love to stress here not to be hung up on numbers, with certain denims everyone has to go up a size or two.
With wear, denim can loosen to up to half a size, so it's best to make sure it fits comfortably snug, but without being too tight or too loose. If you're between sizes, we recommend you go for the smaller size. That will ensure that your jeans fit comfortably and won't fall down over time.
All denim goes through a break-in period. This is the time when the fabric and the fit loosen up and conform to your body. How long this takes depends on the quality of the denim and how tight you like your jeans. High-quality denim will break in faster and will feel better against your skin. Low-quality denim will take longer to break in and may not feel as good against your skin. The break-in process for denim is essential for the jeans to mold to the shape of your body and for the fabric to soften. Being a sturdy and heavy fabric, denim can take a little time to loosen up.
#2 The Shape of The Leg
There are five main shapes of the leg: straight, skinny, bootcut, tapered and flared.
Straight Leg: A straight leg jean has a leg shape that is fitted from the thigh to the ankle, the most iconic (and a true favourite at Eclectic House) would have to be the Levi's 501 Originals.
Skinny Leg: These usually have a high elastane content and are molded to the leg like a legging. Slim also fits into the skinny category but is more relaxed in the lower leg not to cling to the calf. For a true skinny leg jean, try the Levi's 721 High-rise Skinny Jeans available in a variety of colours.
Bootcut Leg: A bootcut leg jean has a leg shape that is wider than a straight leg, but narrower than a flared leg. The bootcut is designed to fit over boots.
Tapered Leg: This is a style we are seeing more and more of. It can also be referred to as a balloon, where the leg curves or taperers in below the knee. One of our favourites in store at the moment is the Kowtow Form Jeans in black denim.
Flared Leg: A flared leg jean has a leg shape that is widest from the knees down forming a bell like shape of the pant leg (think 70's bell bottoms).
#2: The Rise
The rise of your jeans is how high they sit on your waist. Most people prefer a high-rise or mid-rise fit, as they provide more coverage and are more comfortable to wear. Low-rise jeans are on the rise (pun intended) but they may not be the best fit for everyone (yes shock horror, the 90's low rise look is coming back, yes cringe it isn't just a runway look but is filtering through to all labels).
To figure out your ideal rise, measure the distance from your natural waist to the top of your hipbone. Then, compare that measurement to the rise of the jeans you're considering.
#3: The Length
The length of your jeans are important for two reasons: how they looks and how they fit. When it comes to how they look, you want to make sure that the length of your jeans is in proportion to your body. If you're short, you don't want to wear jeans that are too long, and if you're tall, you don't want to wear jeans that are too short. As for how it fits, you want to make sure that the inseam of your jeans is the right length for you.
To determine the length that's right for you, first measure the inseam of your favorite pair of jeans. Then, using a tape measure, measure from your crotch to the bottom of your leg. Subtract the inseam from the measurement from your crotch to the bottom of your leg. This is the length that you should look for in a new pair of jeans.
#4: The Type of Denim
There are a few different types of denim, and each one is going to fit a little bit differently.
Rigid Denim: This is the stiffest and most formal type of denim. It's not as stretchy as other types, so it's better for people who have a smaller waist and larger hips.
Stretch Denim: This is the most popular type of denim. It's stretchy, so it's good for people who have a variety of body types.
Raw Denim: This is the most casual type of denim. It's not as stretchy as other types, so it's better for people who have a smaller waist and larger hips.
How to Know You're Buying Quality Jeans
With so many different brands and styles of jeans on the market, it can be tough to know which ones to buy. And once you do find a pair you like, how can you be sure they’ll fit well and last the distance?
Here are three key elements to look for when identifying quality jeans, as well as tips on how to get the best fit from your denim.
1. The Fabric
The quality of the fabric is one of the most important factors to look for when choosing a pair of jeans. Good-quality denim is durable, yet soft and comfortable to wear. It should also be resistant to stretching and fading, so it will last long and look good wash after wash.
2. The Construction
Good-quality jeans are made with strong, durable stitching that will hold up over time. Look for seams that are evenly spaced and well-finished, and avoid jeans with loose or sloppy stitching.
3. The Fit
A good fit is key to getting the most out of your investment. At Eclectic House we pride ourselves on customer service and have an inclusive range of styles and sizes from size 24 waist to size 38 waist (roughly size 4 to size 24). We support some amazing denim labels like Outland Denim who work to liberate and offer meaningful employment to women who have been involved in human trafficking. Outland denim is also leading the industry with more sustainable production practices and environmental responsibility.