Finding the perfect pair of jeans is a challenge for most people. You want to make sure they fit well and are stylish and comfortable. The first step is to know your body type. Then you can find the best jeans to flatter your figure.
Knowing where to focus your shopping time and money is hard with every brand. With the right tips, you can find a pair that will last — and fit! For starters, check the denim’s weight and look for details like stitching and rivets.
Fabric
When investing in jeans, the fabric is a major quality indicator. Jeans made from a weaker fabric may wear out faster and will only last for a short time, even with careful care. The best jeans for women are typically made from a strong, heavier weight of denim and should look and feel luxurious. You can check the jeans’ tag for this information or ask a sales associate about the fabric used.
The type of process used to wash jeans also greatly impacts their quality. Raw, one-wash, and washed denim all have a different effect on the color, how they break in, and their longevity. Washed jeans will typically be preshrunk, which can help them feel comfortable immediately. Raw or dry denim, on the other hand, will require a lot of time and effort to break in—and can transfer dye to furniture or light-colored clothing.
When shopping for jeans, look for brands that offer various styles and fit options. This will allow you to find a pair that looks and feels great now—and still fits a year from now. And remember to shop for jeans with a flexible return policy, too. That way, if you need to try on multiple pairs of jeans before finding your perfect match, you can return the ones that don’t work and get closer to a fit you love.
Stitching
Stitching is one of the most important aspects when assessing jeans’ quality. Many stitches per inch (SPI) create a stronger seam, making the jeans more durable and longer-lasting.
The type of fabric used is also important as it affects how the jeans feel and how they fade. Look for heavy and thicker fabrics that can withstand a lot of wear, especially since the denim will stretch out over time. The texture of the fabric will also tell you a lot about its quality. A twill weave will be stiffer and more structured, while a plain weave will be softer.
Another way to test the quality of a pair of jeans is to stretch them at the seams gently. If you hear or see threads pulling apart, that’s a sign of poor construction. You can also check for a double-stitched waistband to ensure the pants won’t fall apart.
Wash
With every big-box retailer, chain clothing store, and niche online menswear shop hawking denim jeans, finding the best pair for your money can be difficult. A few discerning criteria will help you narrow your options and choose a pair that will last.
For starters, look for a heavier weight of denim. A higher-density fabric is more durable and will retain its shape over time. This heavier denim will also take longer to break in, but it’s well worth the wait. Quality jeans should feel luxurious when you touch them, which is another way to gauge their quality.
Pay attention to the stitching, as well. A high stitch count (such as double- or chain-stitching) indicates that extra care went into making the jeans. You should also check the jeans’ seams and hems to ensure they don’t fray easily.
Depending on your preference, consider a certain weave. A selvage jean is one example of high-quality jeans with a unique weave that eliminates the need for hemming and reduces wear on the jeans’ edges.
Finally, choose a pair with a button fly rather than a zipper. Zippers can fail, and getting a hole repaired with a button is far easier. Then you can go out in style, knowing your jeans will withstand years of wear and tear.
Fit
While fabric and stitching are a big part of what denim heads like to geek out about, how a jean fits is just as important. The fit will determine whether a pair of jeans work for you, so it’s a good idea to shop in brick-and-mortar stores. If you need help getting to a physical store, try on several pairs of jeans in your size and style to find the perfect match.
While buying jeans online, look for details that indicate a high-quality pair. For example, check for jeans labeled as having “one wash,” which means they have been wet and dried once to prevent shrinkage. Look also for a mention of whether the jeans are sanforized, indicating that they’ve been preshrunk by machine or hand.
Other design details can also tell you how a jean will hold up over time. For instance, copper buttons and rivets indicate a pair of jeans made to last. You can also look for jeans lined in the back pockets or taped in the inner pocket bags, which will help them stay together over time.