Given that jeans have been a mainstay of fashion for decades now, you would think that we would all have perfected the art of wearing this denim wonder—buuuuut that couldn’t be further from the reality. Many of us are so eager to follow the latest trends that we often disregard the fundamentals of how to wear and style jeans according to our shape and size. So, let’s take a step back and look at some common ways we might be wearing our jeans wrong, and how to easily correct them so we always look our best in this timeless wardrobe essential.
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1. Wearing Too-Tight Jeans
We’ve all been there—squeezing into a pair of jeans that are just a little too snug for comfort. But beyond the obvious discomfort, wearing jeans that are too tight creates creases and bulges in all the wrong places (yes, the unsightly muffin top). If you have any of these telltale signs, it may be a relief to know that just by choosing the right size, you can avoid this discomfort and look your best.
The Fix:
The first option for fixing a jeans that’s too tight is to slide a hair tie through the button loop so that one side is on the outer side of the hole and the other side is on the inner side. Then you simply tie the hair tie around the button to provide a little extra give (for a better idea of how to do this, watch the video by content creator Andreina Briceno). This technique will give you at least one inch of flexibility without having to buy a new pair of jeans. All that’s left to do is cover the waistband with your top or a belt to conceal the hair bobble.
The second option for loosening the fit of your jeans is to sit in a bath of warm water after putting on the too-tight jeans. The water will stretch and loosen the threading, and after a little air-dry time, the jeans should fit more comfortably. Just be sure to avoid putting them in the dryer afterwards, as this can cause further shrinkage.
Lastly, if none of the above methods work, it’s time to think about sizing up.
2. Wearing Jeans That Are Too Loose
On the flip side, a pair of baggy jeans can be just as unflattering and uncomfortable as a pair that is too tight. If you find yourself constantly pulling up your jeans, have a gap that’s too wide at the waist, or are swimming in denim, it may be that you’ve gone a size too big. By wearing the right size, you can feel confident and comfortable in your jeans.
The Fix:
Keeping your jeans in place with a belt is the easiest way to deal with an excessively loose waist. But ultimately you should consider having your jeans tailored if the waist gap is too large.
But there are some other shrinking alternatives you can try. The experts on all things denim, Levi’s, say that you can shrink your jeans to a better fit by washing, boiling, and ironing them. You can read their article here for more details on shrinking your jeans.
And again, if all else fails, it’s time to size down to a smaller pair of jeans that will give you that perfect fit. If you’re someone who finds yourself torn between two sizes, it’s often better to opt for the smaller fit. Jeans have the tendency to stretch when worn, so if you opt for the larger size, chances are you’ll end up with a pair that is too loose after a few wears.
3. Wearing Your Jeans Too Long
While styles like puddle jeans and baggy jeans are definitely in right now, there’s a fine line between intentionally oversized and just plain too long. If your jeans are collecting dirt on the ground or have you tripping over them, it may be a sign that they are too long for you. In general, skinny jeans look best when they sit at the ankle (ideally just above or below the ankle), whereas straight-leg jeans should hit your foot just below the ankle, around where the top of your shoes sit. As for wide legs and flares, they should be at least half an inch off the ground.
The Fix:
Consider having a tailor hem your jeans to a more appropriate length. They should be able to determine the ideal length for a figure-flattering fit.
Of course, there are always those instances where there’s just not enough time to tailor your jeans. In that case, try cuffing or rolling them up for a temporary fix until you can get them properly hemmed. To make sure the cuffs on both legs are the same length, you can measure with your thumb.
Another option is to watch this useful video by style blogger Jean Wang, which shows you how to temporarily hem your jeans without sewing them.
4. Your Jeans Are Too Short
On the contrary, jeans that cut off at an awkward length on your legs can be just as unflattering. This will give the impression that your legs are shorter and make your entire outfit appear sloppy. To avoid this fashion blunder, check out the recommended lengths for various denim styles above.
The Fix:
A tailor can trim the hem of a pair of jeans that are too short, or you can do it yourself if you know how to use a sewing machine. You can also add a cuff to the bottom of the jeans for a stylish touch.
5. Wearing The Wrong Rise
Similar to length, your ensemble’s overall feel and appearance are greatly influenced by the rise of your jeans. It’s essential to pay attention to the jean rise as it indicates where your jeans will sit on your body. The rise might be advantageous or disadvantageous for you, depending on your body type. Just choosing the wrong type of rise could make you look disproportionate.
The Fix:
Trying on various styles and determining which one fits your waist and hips comfortably is the best way to correct wearing jeans with the wrong rise. As a general rule, though, people with shorter legs or those who are shorter than average should avoid wearing low-rise jeans because they can make your legs appear even shorter. Choose high-rise or mid-rise jeans to elongate your legs and achieve a more balanced silhouette. However, athletic body types tend to look great in low-rise jeans because they don’t have the obvious curves at their hips. That said, a mid-rise is a classic style that tends to fit a wide range of body shapes. So, when in doubt, opt for a mid-rise.
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6. Not Considering The View From Behind
We commonly focus more on how jeans look from the front, but we often neglect to check how they fit and flatter the rear. Saggy pockets or a drooping rear end can completely detract from your overall look. So, before choosing a pair of jeans, make sure to examine their shape and fit from every angle.
The Fix:
Try doing a squat test to make sure the jeans you purchase won’t sag. To check whether your jeans hold their shape, squat, bend, and sit down for at least 60 seconds in the dressing room before purchasing them. You could also take them home and wear them around the house while the tags are still on. This should give you the best indication of whether they will maintain their shape. It’s generally advised to try to purchase jeans with at least a small amount of stretch (2% elastane and spandex are good choices) to ensure they keep their shape throughout wear. Goodbye saggy bottoms.
As for pockets, placement is key—make sure they are flattering to your figure and do not add unnecessary bulk. As a rule of thumb, all back pockets should be placed above the buttock curve and in the middle of the fullest area of your behind. When the pockets are positioned too low, your booty will appear saggy, but it will also appear wider than it is if they are spaced further apart. Of course, if you have a smaller rear and want to create the illusion of a fuller behind, having them further apart can help achieve that look.
7. Not Balancing The Proportions Of Your Outfit
Jeans are a versatile item of clothing, but that doesn’t mean you can always throw on any top or shoes in any old way and just expect it to look good. The proportions of your ensemble should be taken into account to guarantee a well-balanced and flattering look.
The Fix:
To guarantee a unified look from top to bottom, always take into account the length of your top in relation to the rise of your jeans. One useful tip to remember is the rule of thirds. Make sure your ensemble is arranged in visual thirds, with your top taking up one-third and your bottom two-thirds. This will contribute to a harmoniously stylish look.
8. Wearing The Wrong Shoe
Certain shoe styles can either enhance or detract from the look of your jeans. Not every pair in your closet will complement your denim of choice. So, make sure to choose shoes that flatter the cut and style of your jeans to complete your outfit seamlessly.
The Fix:
When selecting shoes to pair with jeans, it’s crucial to consider your outfit’s overall proportions. For example, choose a platform shoe or a chunky heel to balance out the volume of your wide-leg jeans. Conversely, skinny jeans look great with sleek stilettos or knee-high boots. Use these easy shoe and jeans combinations from Instyle to achieve the ideal look. For more advice, see our post on how to pair various kinds of jeans with sneakers.
9. Tucking Jeans That Are Too Wide Into Your Boots
Always pay attention to the fit and silhouette of jeans because not all styles are suitable for tucking into boots. Jeans that are too wide or baggy are particularly difficult to tuck into boots. However, that doesn’t mean this trend doesn’t have a knick.
The Fix:
If you tuck the hem of your wide-leg jeans into your socks and fasten them with a rubber band, you can wear them with mid-high boots. Allow some of the jeans to bunch up at the top of the boots for a more stylish appearance. This will make you look more put together and effortless. Check out Fashion Stylist Liz Teich’s video for a step-by-step tutorial on how to pull off the ideal tuck with wide-leg jeans and mid-high boots.
10. Wearing Overly Distressed Jeans
Torn and frayed jeans have long been a popular trend, but let’s be honest—wearing jeans with too many rips and fraying can look sloppy and unkempt. There’s a fine balance between trendy and messy when it comes to distressed jeans.
The Fix:
Choose jeans with minor distressing, like a few tiny tears or subtly frayed hems for a more polished look. Consider taking them to a tailor to have some patches sewn on or to give them new life if your distressing and rips have gotten out of control.
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