Women's jeans buying guide

 

In an array of washes, fits and styles, denim can take you from an office meeting to an evening out, and everywhere in-between. Finding that perfect pair can be tricky but persevere because once you find them, you'll be lost without them. So, where to start? Take a look at our guide to decipher which style suits you best and then browse our jeans collection here.

Choosing a style

Flare, skinny or bootcut? There are denim trends on the catwalks every season but these are the classic shapes that you'll see every year.

Bootcut

  • Gently fitted over the thighs with a slight flare from the knee to the ankle.
  • A really flattering style for most body shapes, especially those with a curvier figure as the slight flare will balance out your hips.

Flared

  • Fitted at the thigh with a dramatic flare from the knee to the ankle.
  • Flares are especially flattering if you're curvy as they skim your silhouette and balance out your proportions.

Straight

  • Straight from the hip to the ankle.
  • Perfect for petite figures as the straight leg flatters your shape and a great style to emphasise long legs.

Skinny

  • Figure-hugging from the hip to the ankle. Super skinny jeans are really fitted and hug the ankle.
  • A great shape for petite and slender figures. If you are curvier then try a pair of jeans with stretch to ensure you get a good fit.

Measure for success

Jeans are generally sized by waist and leg length in inches (eg W28/L32) so it's important to know your measurements. To get the best fit you'll need to honestly measure yourself and understand what the jeans measurements refer to.

You

  • Waist (A) Wrap the tape around the slimmest part of your natural waist.
  • Hips (B) Stand with your feet together and measure around the fullest part of your hips and behind.

Your jeans

  • Inside leg / Inseam (C) The measurement from the crotch to the hem.
  • Rise (D) The distance from the bottom of the crotch to the top of the waistband.
  • Leg opening The circumference of the hem.

Where to measure

Choosing a colour

Jeans come in a variety of colours and washes. Here's our guide to the main three: dark, mid and light.

Dark

Jeans in a dark colour have a smarter look that you can wear anywhere. This colour is flattering on all body shapes.

Light

From a barely-there blue to light grey, jeans in a light wash have a soft, faded and worn-in look.

Mid

Evolving from American workwear, jeans in this colour are highly versatile and can be worn with anything.

Choosing a rise

The rise of a pair of jeans refers to where the waistband sits on your body.

Low-rise

  • Sits on the hips roughly 2" or more below the naval and should measure 7.5" or less.
  • Great for a more dressed-up look, be sure the waistband follows your natural contours and covers your underwear.

High-rise

  • The high-rise will sit at or above the naval and is likely to be 9.5" or more.
  • Offering the most coverage, the high rise is perfect for holding you in and smoothing the silhouette.

Mid-rise

  • Perching on the hip bone just below the naval, a mid-rise should measure 8" to 9".
  • Generally the most flattering and popular choice, a mid-rise suits all jean styles.

Caring for your jeans

Looking after your jeans properly will help them last for years. Keep them in the best condition possible by following our care tips.

  • Wash jeans inside out to help reduce fade.
  • If possible, hang them upside down and away from sunlight to dry to help prevent them losing their shape and colour.
  • Try to avoid tumble drying.
  • If you're worried about the dye leaking, put them on a quick wash before you wear them for the first time.
  • Only wash your jeans when absolutely necessary to help keep the denim as fresh as possible.

Points to remember

Here are some key points to remember when shopping for your jeans.

  • If you're going to wear your jeans with heels, make sure you try them on with heels.
  • Sizes will vary from brand to brand so don't be disheartened if yours fluctuates, too. It doesn't matter what size you buy as long as it fits properly.
  • Always choose a waist size that corresponds with your own waist measurement even if you're going for a style that falls low on your hips.
  • Big back pockets, a darker wash and curved seams all make for super flattering jeans.
  • If gaping is a problem, then look for a waistband that's higher at the back.
  • When trying on, take into account that your jeans are likely to give after the first few wears. Don't be afraid to go a size smaller than the one that fits comfortably particularly with skinny jeans.
 

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