How to choose clothes that fit: jeans

Get this right and you stand above the crowd

Now that you’re ready to being your fashion journey it’s time to dig into the details. The first stop is getting the fit right on jeans. Nail this and you’ll be well past the halfway mark in your journey to dress better.

Let’s start with jeans

First invented by Jacob W. Davis and Levi Strauss in 1871, jeans have taken over the world. Step outside, go around the world, look in your own closet and you’re bound to spot a pair of jeans.

Jeans can be worn out on a date, hanging with friends, to some office environments and a nice dark pair can be used for formal events.

There are so many options for jeans it can be overwhelming. Let’s go over the basics of the terminology:

1. Skinny fit — Look to the name for a hint. If you’re not considered skinny then these jeans are not for you. Move on.
2. Slim — Sometimes these are mistaken for skinny jeans and some manufactures make their slim fits feel like skinny fits. A true slim fit is stitched so that the material gets closer to the legs showing the shape of your body (this is called tapering). Consider these if you’re in good shape and want a modern fit.
3. Regular — These jeans have a straight leg and hides your form. Regular jeans as the name would imply is the average pair of jeans. A good pair of regular fitted jeans are perfect for a night out with the guys and can fit into most social settings.
4. Relaxed — In general these jeans will not really hug any part of your body. Along with the loose fit, this is better for bigger guys who need the room.
5. Loose —The baggiest of fits. These jeans will leave a significant amount of extra material.

All of the fits lined up. From http://themansworkshop.com

Now that you know all of the fits which one do you choose? If you’re just starting out you’ll want to start off with slim or regular. Relaxed and loose fits won’t flatter your profile at all. Go with relaxed or loose only if you need the extra space. As mentioned earlier stay way from skinny unless your grandma is always trying to feed you to fatten you up.

Whatever pair you choose they should not need a belt to stay on your hips. The jean should to feel like it is cutting off circulation on your legs and neither should it be flapping in the wind. The following images are well fitted jeans.

For your first pair of jeans go for a darker indigo blue color. Darker colors will give you more versatility from date night, hanging with friends or even to formal events. Avoid jeans with any factory done fading, tears or rips. Stay away from any prints, pattered stitching or patches on the jeans. Also say no to anything with flaps on the back pocket.

Just say no to anything that looks like this.

For a more in depth look at what jeans you should choose based on your body shape Real Men Real Style has an excellent guide.

Bonus tip: When it comes to chinos, follow the same rules as jeans and make sure they are flat front chinos.