Jeans the most essential piece of any wardrobe, yet it is one of the most difficult to pieces to find even though almost every designer has their brand of denim. Trying to find the “perfect” pair of jeans can frustrate even the most seasoned shopper on her quest for jeans.

My years as a Personal stylist have taught me a few tricks when it comes to shopping for denim for both myself and my clients. For example, the amount of stretch, fit, cut and quality of denim all play a part in how denim will fit

My favorite fits of denim are the toothpick and matchstick by J.Crew. (don’t let the name fool you).  The toothpick is my year around denim; it is a very tapered leg with a  length that hits just above the ankle,  which is perfect  to length for a seamless look when wearing boots. The toothpick is also my fit to wear with my classic ballet flats, my sandals or my heels.

The Matchstick has many of the same characteristics of the toothpick with the fit and feel of the denim with the perfect amount of stretch and memory to keep it’s shape after multiple wears. The Matchstick is a classic full length jean that has the perfect length for both heels and flat

 Understand your body. I can’t tell you the number times I’ve seen women wear a brand of jeans for the sake of the name sewn in on the label. Ladies if the jeans aren’t flattering, that label mean nothing! Instead buy jeans based on fit and if you look amazing who cares who made them. One of the brands that I found to be the most flattering for women with curves is  the“sweet heart” jeans by Old Navy. This jean is designed with a smaller waist to prevent gapping and hugs your curves without being too tight.

The “boyfriend”  style denim, is more fitted in the waist and fuller throughout the leg of the pant. I have found that boyfriend style tends to have less stretch and is flattering on body types that are lacking those curves. The two brands of boyfriend denim I have found to be both comfortable and stylish are by Madewell and Old Navy. I own both and with the Old Navy brand I had to size up in order to get that boyfriend look. With Madewll, I was able to wear my normal size while maintain the look of the denim.

When shopping for denim, look for the following to have a “perfect” fit for your body type

Rise: Unless you are wearing a high-waisted denim, jeans should hit you at your natural waits or at the belly -button

Stretch: Most denim is made with at least 2% elastin; anything more  and you are wearing jeggings (more on those on a later post).

Pockets: If the pockets of your jeans are hit the curve of your buttocks, then the rise of your jeans are too short.

wash: the wash of the denim will affect the fit of your jeans

Cut: There are various styles of denim and various designers all of who have an idea of what is the “perfect jean” Try multiple pairs until you find what is comfortable.

I hope that this is able to give you a start in the right direct for your quest for jeans