Jeans are a basic and essential part of the average man or woman's wardrobe. However, regardless of size, not every man or woman shares the same body type. With a wide range of styles and cuts available, often finding popular pants that are most flattering to your shape can be a daunting task. Not to mention that trying on literally dozens of pairs of jeans during a shopping outing can quickly frustrate and exhaust even the most enthusiastic shopper! So how do you narrow down your search before you head for the dressing room? Here are a few tips to consider:
1. Try a straight leg or boot-cut style first. As opposed to the tapered style which makes your hips and rear look wider, a straight or boot-cut leg is very slimming and gives the perception of added height. If you have generous hips, beware of the boot-cut that narrows too much at the knee. This style can exaggerate the width of your hips.
2. Look for styles that are medium to low rise. While the ultra-low waist jeans should be left to the teenagers, the average person isn't restricted to wearing those 'mummy' pants. Avoid waistlines that come all the way up to the naval as these can make your lower half look pear-shaped.
3. Bigger is better, at least when it comes to pockets. Small pockets make your backside look bigger! Also, darker washes are more slimming and figure-flattering. Plus, with the right accessories, a darker pair of pants can be dressy or casual.
4. A little stretch goes a long way. Denim with a bit of Lycra or spandex is not always a bad thing. The stretch fabric will hug your curves in the right places and be more comfortable too, since it moves with your body instead of being stiff and pulling tight.
With these tips in mind, you are ready to grab a handful of denim and head to the dressing room! Remember that you should always target the 'problem area' of your body first -- whether it's your hips, thighs, or tummy. Once you find the right fit there, finding the perfect pair of jeans should be a breeze!
