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Amy Overgaard
Good News
For almost 150 years, blue jeans have
been a casual, functional go-to for the
working man and woman. Invented by Levi
Strauss during the gold rush in California,
blue jeans were created to be comfortable
and long-lastingwork pants. Today, jeans are
styled for all occasions and in different types
of fits and cuts.
Fits that Flatter: Jeans forWomen
Finding the right pair of jeans is a
struggle formanywomen. Itmay take trying
on 20 different pairs before finding the one
that fits and flatters best. Women get so
caught up in numbers, when, really, sizing is
quite subjective and varies greatly from
brand to brand. So it’s important to take the
time to find the right fit and cut.
Overall, it is good to look for jeans that
have the slightest bit of stretch so that they
won’t get saggy or change in the way they fit
after a couple of wears. Too much elastic
stretch will make jeans little better than
leggings, but jeans with a small percentage of
spandex are good to look for.
In general, a darker wash will be more
flattering for all body types, as it is more
slimming; and a dark wash is also far more
versatile. Also very versatile, a black slim cut
jean is a classic piece that will always be
flattering. It’s hard to go wrong with such a
pant. For something on the trendy side of
things, colored or white jeans are really big at
the moment. However, when looking for a
basic blue jean, consider the occasions on
which they will be worn and look for styles
accordingly.
For example, onewouldn’t want towear
anultra-skinny jean into a formal office, even
on casual Friday. Leg-hugging jeans are best
worn for going out with friends or, at the
most, in a very casual, trendy office
environment. Amore appropriate office jean
would be a wider-leg, trouser fit. This style
gives a more professional air, but with its a
wide leg manages to stay quite comfortable.
A straight fit jean is a very classic look,
transcending the trends of the day. With the
right top, this style also works quite well in
the office.
For a casual weekend look, the
boyfriend jean is perfect (though not
everyone can pull of this look). With a
relaxed cut that tapers at the ankle, which
is generally cuffed, this style has a laid-
back vibe while looking effortlessly chic.
A skinny jean in a medium-light wash
can also give a causal vibe for hangout
times. For something a bit less trendy, a
boot cut, which fits snugly on the thighs
and flares out a bit at the ankle, offers a
traditional look.
Ultimately, when looking for the
perfect jean, the fit is most important.
Not everyone can pull off the skinny jean.
Others might be better suited to a classic
straight leg or boot cut. If you are unsure
about what flatters most, ask a sales
associate’s opinion — they are there to
help find the perfect pieces. Stop focusing
on the size, and start looking for the right
fit; be willing to try on a variety of styles
and cuts to see what works best on your
body type and with your personal style.
Transcend the Trends: Jeans for Men
For men, it is incredibly important to
know one’s measurements. Men’s pants
tend to be a lot more consistent in sizing,
since it has to do with inches around the
waist and down the leg, instead of a
subjective size like women’s pants. Many
department and specialty retail stores are
happy to take measurements if a
customer is not certain of their sizing.
As with women, dark wash jeans are
generally preferable, as they suit a large
number of occasions and prove very
versatile. When looking for the perfect
pair of jeans, focus less on the trends and
more on the cut one feels most
comfortable in and that best reflects one’s
personal style.
In any cut, make sure the waist fits
comfortably and doesn’t sit too low, and
that the hem hits just below the ankle
without dragging on the floor.
Once proper measurements have
been attained, it ultimately comes down to
the image one wants to portray. For a
tailored look, try a straight cut jean. This
style is more fitted through the leg and just
slightly narrow at the ankle. Far from being
a skinny jean (which should be left to rock
bands and adolescent boys), this look is a
bit more trendy or preppy, offering a very
put together look.
For themore traditional man, a boot cut
or even relaxed fit may be a better option.
With a wider leg opening, these styles are
looser and more casual. Be sure to try these
styles on before buying, however, as it is easy
to accidentally buy them too large. A telltale
sign that jeans are too big is if they’re baggy
beneath the seat of your pants. That look
serves no one. Even if one is more
comfortable in a looser style, there is still a
level of fit that goes into finding the right pair,
and if they don’t fit right, the wearer just
looks sloppy.
For men and women, look for quality
jeans that will last years, not months; a good
pair of jeans is an investment. Somemay find
that an off-the-rack size doesn’t quite fit.
Perhaps jeans fit perfectly around the waist
but are a couple inches too long in the leg.
Maybe the leg fits but the waist is too wide.
Don’t be afraid to bring jeans to a tailor to
attain the perfect fit. Jeans have become such
an everyday item that they should fit
perfectly and make the wearer feel great.
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FASHION
October 2012
21
www.GoodNewsFL.org
Fit & Function: Finding the Perfect Jeans