Now, I know most of you cool broads know to avoid so-called “mom jeans” like the plague, but apparently a few gals out there didn’t get the memo. So…I put together a comprehensive guide regarding how to find the “perfect” pair of jeans. Although the perfect pair will be different for everyone, there are some universal truths with respect to how you go about finding them.
mom jeans
The term “mom jeans” was coined by this hilarious Saturday Night Live skit. As the video so clearly demonstrates, “mom jeans” are typically high-waisted, tapered at the legs and may even have pleats in the front (it pains me just to type this). They are not flattering on anyone and common side effects are usually moderate to severe and can include the dreaded camel’s toe, flattened ass, and erectile dysfunction (you won’t suffer this one, but the man in your life may).
There’s absolutely no reason why every woman (yes, even those who’ve had kids and are older than 30) can’t look cool in a rockin’ pair of jeans. There are so many brands, styles, cuts and washes to choose from…the perfect jean in out there…you just have to put in the work. I guarantee that if you take heed of the following tips and trade secrets, you will find the perfect pair (you can thank me later – I accept cash and booze). But first, make sure you go shopping when you feel like trying on 3,000 pairs. If you’re not feeling it —go home—and try again another day. Patience is a virtue here. I like to go jeans shopping when I feel thin, or hungry, or at the very least, when I haven’t eaten a huge breakfast.
Stretch
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A lot of jeans have spandex or some other synthetic material to give their jeans stretch. This can be good and often gives the jeans more comfort and a better fit. However, too much stretch can make the jeans fit like leggings. As a result, they may accentuate every little bulge and make your thighs look like stuffed sausages. Some washes (usually the darker ones) require more synthetic material to hold the dye, and thus, have more stretch…so check the labels and try different washes to see which looks best on you. Also, jeans with stretch will (surprise!) stretch and often times fit much differently by the end of the day. Take that into account when you’re trying them on (the sales associate can give you brand specific info. on fit). Sometimes you'll just need to wash your jeans after ever wear to get them back to the size they were when you started.
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Nobody looks good in tapered jeans. I repeat..NOBODY. Only very thin women with straight hips look good in skinny jeans. My experience has been that the boot-cut style is the most universally flattering fit, except maybe for shorter women (below 5’4”) in which case a straighter cut might be more flattering (though I’ve seen some pretty petite women look awesome in boot cut, so make sure you try both). Boot cut jeans balance out your hips and elongate your leg. Now, I’ve seen boot cut jeans with 17” wide to 22” wide flare, so again, the key is to try them on and see what looks best on you. [Ed: I disagree...you just need to find the right cut...]
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Don’t only try on jeans of a particular size (either because you think that’s the size you are or that’s the size you want to be). Sizes vary wildly by brand and cut (I have two pairs of Lucky’s (different cuts) that are two sizes apart). Try several sizes. Also, if you feel like you’re in between sizes, or the jeans are just a smidge too big or small…try on another pair (or two, if available) in the same size. When the denim is cut in the sewing facility, it is stacked many layers high. The weight of all that fabric puts pressure on the layers on the bottom causing them to stretch. When the denim is cut stretched, it can result in a less generous cut for those layers. So, jeans of the same size may vary slightly in fit.
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Jeans look the coolest when they’re worn long. They should fall to the floor (or just about) when you have shoes on. This is an extremely common mistake. If the jeans are too long, don’t hem them!! Cut them off, wash them, and let them fray naturally (you’ll look so cowgirl chic). If the jeans are more dressy (i.e. trouser fit or dark wash) and you absolutely must hem them…use sandpaper to distress the new hems so they match the original ones. Otherwise, they'll look those back-to-school jeans our moms use to buy us (I can’t be the only one!) Because you’ll want to wear your jeans with shoes with heels and shoes without, you’ll probably end up with different jeans of different lengths for this reason. You might want to bring shoes of different heights with you when you go shopping.
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Low rise jeans tend to be the most flattering. Now, I don’t mean…gotta-shave-your-pubic-hair low, but they should sit a few fingers below your belly button. With low rise jeans, you need to make sure the waist fits and isn’t too tight or you’ll be a victim of the dreaded muffin top. I found a great pair of jeans that I loved, my ass looked great and they were nice and long… but the waist band was too tight and I spilled over…so I had to leave them at the store. Even thin women can suffer muffin top…so get jeans that fit. [Ed: Again...I disagree...Muffin top! Stick with a fit at your natural waist, there are lots out there]
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Don’t get too fancy with weird washes or lots of rhinestones ala Real Housewives of Orange County. Funky washes are more trendy and probably won't stand the test of time. Also, there’s a fine line between looking stylin’ and looking like you’re trying too hard. Cool broads are not hoochie mamas. [ED: Obviously.]
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A good pair of jeans can be expensive and I still sometimes get sticker shock. But I wear jeans every day…so if they fit right, they’re a good investment. And if I get stuck with a pair of expensive jeans that for whatever reason aren't working for me, I sell them on eBay. [ED: Yes. And yes.]
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If you haven't already…you need to incorporate squats into your workout routine. Jeff O’Connell of Men’s Fitness Magazine says that “the squat is the single most effective exercise there is, period.” The squat is considered a compound exercise which means it works more than one muscle group. “In this case, it works every major muscle in your upper leg, up to and including your quadriceps (front of the thigh) and hamstrings (back of the thigh) and gluteal muscles (fanny). Use lots of weight to build leans body tissue. The more lean body tissue you have, the higher your metabolism and the more calories you burn on a regular basis.”
So squat, ladies. Squat, squat, squat.
One last thing...if you see a pair of jeans on someone and they look great…and that person has a similar body type as you…tell her she looks great, and ask her if she minds telling you where she got them. Try on everything. You never know what’ll look good on you but the effort is worth it. I'm sure you'll agree that there’s nothing quite like the feeling you get when you find that pair of jeans that makes your butt look good. It’s priceless!
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