Womens Jeans Buying Guide, Stores, and Prices

Women's Jeans

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It's no secret jeans  are a fickle master in the world of pants . Somewhere between James Dean, Marlon Brando, Brooke Shields, and Kate Moss almost all women began trading in skirts  for the comfort and style of jeans. In fact, there's a veritable denim boom in our midst, with designer jeans costing you hundreds of dollars. Some years you're "supposed" to wear high waists  (those years were in the mid-1980s); some years you're supposed to soak in a bathtub to get them super tight  (also the '80s and today); some years jeans were capri length, right below the knees (1950s); and some days they're supposed to be low-waisted and baggy (1990s). Today, skinny jeans  are very popular in both classic colors and bright colors. In response to the restrictions of skinny jeans, many companies, such as Old Navy, have made a looser, more comfortable pair of jeans referred to as boyfriend jeans. So, how do you know which trends to follow? Regardless of trends, if your jeans don't fit, you'll look bad whether it's trendy or not. That's why it's important to decide what you want to wear for yourself. Luckily, many jeans styles are timeless, flattering, and the industry is opening up more and more options for ladies to look good in their denim.

Have no fear, denim novices, here is a guide to your basic terms and styles. Check out the instructions, the pictures, and then your fine fine silhouette in the mirror.

New Arrivals

What's all this high style going to cost you?  Find a good sale at Target or another department store and you could score a pair of jeans for $9.99 or less. Designer denim--think Seven for all Mankind  or Acne --could run around $200.  Embellished denim (with beads, sequins or diamonds) can cost around $600. A vintage pair of denim can go for $1,000.  So it seems the sky's the limit for this fashion staple. Here's a sample of what's hot this season.

J Brand 912 Low Rise Pencil Leg 

J. Crew Ankle Stretch Toothpick Jeans 

Free People Skinny Military Jeans 

Banana Republic Dark Wash Boot-Cut Jeans 

What Size Should You Get?

The most important part of wearing jeans is making sure they fit. As with all clothing, size varies greatly from designer to designer. If the size you think you are doesn't fit in a certain brand, try on another size because it's much more important to have your pants fit you than to have the tag say some arbitrary number. No one can see the size tag.

Jeans should fit snugly from the inseam to the waist, without any extra fabric in the area, keeping you looking trim and streamlined. The current trend is towards jeans with a trace of spandex in them. This gives you just enough flexibility and fits your form just a bit more. According to IndigoFan.com, 100% cotton jeans will shrink approximately 2-3 centimeters after the first washing. It's also a good idea to simply ask for help when looking for the right size. Many sales associates are required to be knowledgeable about which brands come smaller than others and which types of denim shrink or expand over time. Never shorten or alter your jeans before they have been washed at least one time.

Women of all shapes have trouble finding jeans that flatter them. If you find a brand or two that works for you, buy several pairs. Just remember the shelf life of the über-trendy jeans is fairly short. For those on a limited clothing budget, classic, flattering styles are most practical.

What Fits Your Body Type?

  • Slim: Flares , low rises, and fitted waists will give you more shape and also show off your lean silhouette.
  • Curvy: Flares and bootlegs show off your curves.
  • Athletic: Low rises and contoured waists, skinny legs make your hips wider and flared legs make you look curvier.
  • Full Figure: Dark washes, boot cut , and stretch denim will slim, curve, and accentuate your assets. Avoid heavy back-pocket embellishments if you have a larger behind.
  • Short: Get your jeans hemmed rather than resorting to rolling or cuffing, which will just make you look shorter. Dark washes will elongate your legs. Also, cropped jeans have the tendency to make your legs look even shorter so think about purchasing one in a dark wash if you must.
    • JC Penney has an extensive selection at for styles for the under 5'3" lady.
    • Read the Size Guide for Petite Women for more shopping ideas for you statuesque beauties.
  • Long: Find a brand that works and stick with it.

Cut

The shape or cut of a pair of jeans makes all the difference when you pull them on.

Straight Leg 

Sometimes jeans are too tight or too loose, but thankfully there are regular fit jeans -- a happy medium. You will be able to move around, but still look long and lean. Straight leg jeans can be worn with sneakers, sandals, heels, or just about any shoe.

Wide Leg 

Wide leg jeans are fitted at the hips, but features leg openings that are roomy and stylish. These jeans are synonymous with trouser cuts, and look great on tall or curvy ladies. They are also perfect to wear with a fitted top or jacket .

Skinny Leg 

Whether you call them slim-fit, cigarette pants, or skinny jeans, this cut is a classic. Skinny jeans gained popularity in the 1950s and has remained a staple in closets everywhere. From ankle length to acid wash to destroyed, you can pair slim fit jeans with a cardigan  for a great anytime look.

Boyfriend 

The ever-popular boyfriend jean looks like your significant other's pants, but is made for a woman's body. With a slightly higher waist than most jeans it has roomy thighs and leg openings. Best of all, boyfriend jeans can be worn by women of all sizes!

Boot Cut 

You can't go wrong with a pair of boot cut jeans -- it's infamous for flattering all body types. The boot cut jean has a slight modern flare that isn't reminiscent of those disco days. Plus, they can we worn with just about any type of shoe, outerwear , or shirt.

Denim Difference

It's no secret that denim has different textures and levels of softness. Jeans made with lightweight denim  are perfect for warm weather while heavier denim material keep your legs toasty when it's freezing out. Now, all denim is a type of cotton twill, but the way this fabric is created differs from other popular materials.

  • Cotton: The type of cotton used to make a pair of jeans has a direct effect on its price, look, and feel. A fine cotton is comprised of long fiber threads that provide a soft touch and fluid look. Jeans made with fine cotton are generally inexpensive. Premium a.k.a expensive jeans are made from short cotton fibers; they don't rub off as easily as their longer counterparts, giving the denim the ability to last longer.
  • Construction: Although denim and cotton twill are the same, the way in which the twill is woven puts denim in it's own category; the diagonal weave's path varies. Most denim is made with a right-hand twill, or dark side's diagonal component flows from the lower left to the upper right. Some denim fabric will have a broken twill -- the fabric's diagonal lines runs in different directions -- while a left-hand twill travels from the lower right to the upper left.
  • Finish: You might think all jeans go through the same dyeing process, but it isn't true. Denim can be dyed before it's woven, or after it's made into a pair of jeans. The latter option will contain more color, but fades quicker. While blue jeans will always be around, colored jeans  very popular. Jeans may also have a yellow or dirty tint , which is created with yellow sulphur dye.

Wash

The tint or color of jeans will either accentuate your legs and curves for better or for worse. Knowing what color is best for you is very important.

Whiskered 

Jeans with lines around the hip or knee areas are known as whiskered jeans. They can be created with lasers, a printing machine, or through sanding. Just remember the whiskered effect may not bode well for all body types.

Stonewashed 

Back in the day, jeans were washed with stones as a way to lighten and soften denim. While stones, specifically pumice, are still used in this process, chemicals are now another option.

Sandblasted 

Sometimes you want a pair of jeans to look worn, and that's where sandblasting comes in. This method uses blasts of sand to lighten the sections affected by wear. Keep in mind sandblasted areas tend to drawn attention to that part of the leg.

Acid Wash 

Believe it or not, but acid wash jeans are still around. Unlike the heavily patterned acid wash prints of the 80s, today's jeans are sprayed with a chemical, then removed for a more fashion friendly effect. Acid wash jeans look great with t-shirts  for a little edge.

Length

Jeans are typically available in three lengths, which not only help you look slimmer and taller, but may also keep you cool on hot days.

Regular 

The average height of the American woman is approximately five-foot four inches. This means the regular inseam for jeans is currently 32 inches.

Ankle 

For a cute look, ankle length jeans do not extend all the way down the leg. Instead, it stops at or just above the ankle. With an inseam of 29 inches, these jeans will look good on women of any height.

Capris 

When it's warm out, a pair of full length jeans can be bothersome and hot. Capri pants may hit either above or just below the knee. this style has been around since the 1950s and managed to remain trendy. They are also known as clam diggers.

Rise Up

Accentuate your hips, stomach, and waist with the perfect rise.

Low Rise 

When you want to show off your abs or just feel sexy, low rise jeans are cut to sit on the waist. For the daredevils out there, ultra low rise jeans provide an incredibly risque look.

Mid-Rise 

Mid-rise jeans sit at the hips, which allow women of all ages to feel cool without revealing too much skin. The typical mid-rise jean falls between eight and 10 inches. Remember, this varies by height.

High Waist 

There's a debate over whether or not high-waisted jeans are flattering. While they are somewhat of a trend, these jeans come with reputation -- they're mom jeans. Don't let this deter you. If you have a slim figure, high-waisted jeans look great when paired with a flowy top  or cropped jacket .

Embellishments

Add a little life and fun into your jeans with cool designs, a little deconstruction, and some bling!

Rhinestones 

Make your jeans dazzle with rhinestones. These crystal beads may be shaped into cool patterns or you can do-it-yourself. Just don't go overboard.

Patchwork 

Whether it's different colors of denim or a various prints, patchwork jeans are a great way to express your personality.

Deconstructed 

For the rough and tough women out there, deconstructed jeans come with holes and other signs of wear and tear.

Embroidery 

Although it has a similar look to patchwork, embroidered jeans feature hand or machine sewn thread designs. Various types of stitches are used to create these patterns and pictures.

Bad Ideas

From washes to styles to cuts, wearing the wrong pair of jeans can be a tragedy! We've put together a few "don'ts" every woman should follow.

  • Curvy women should be wary of elastic waists, pleats, and light washes.
  • Just say no extremely tight jeans. They will create bulges known as the "muffin top."
  • Invest in a low rise thong  if you intend to wear tight low-rise jeans.
  • Big, washed out spots where pockets should be that make your rear look giant.
  • Avoid pockets that are incongruous with your proportions.
  • Stay away from embellishments gone wild.
  • Distressing draws attention, so make sure they do not highlight your problem areas

Caring for Your Jeans

After you've plunked down good money for a well-fitting and fashionable pair of jeans, you'll want to make sure they last.  Here are a few ideas for denim care:

  • Cold wash will keep the color darker, longer. Cold water also prevents shrinkage.
  • Warm water will shrink jeans, but often removes tough stains. BEWARE: Don't wash jeans with light colors unless you want to turn all your clothes blue!
  • Line dry  jeans for the least shrinkage and the least fading.
  • Use a warm clothing iron  to get out wrinkles.
  • The Laundress recommends the following:
    • Turn jeans inside out to preserve the dark color.
    • To keep white denim looking brand new wash in warm or hot water. Pre-treat stains  and re-wash if stains are still visible before the drying cycle.
    • Wash and dry your denim before hemming or altering.
  • Consider dry cleaning very expensive jeans. The process will remove dirt but won't effect the wash as much as a machine.

Hot Designers

According to The Style Group these are the top jean designers right now:

Classic Designers

Top Sellers

Levi's 515 Women's Mid Rise Classic Boot Cut Jean 

These classic boot cut jeans are made from cotton and spandex for a little stretch. It is fitted through the thighs and features a button closure.

Lee's Women's Relaxed Fit Jean 

Feel comfortable in Lee's relaxed fit jeans. It's straight leg and has five pockets.

Gloria Vanderbilt Women's Five Pocket Amanda Jean 

Keep your style fun and stylish with these Gloria Vanderbilt jeans. They're great for women of all ages, and features a classic fit with a tapered leg.

7 For All Mankind Women's Petite Dojo Trouser Jean in New York Dark 

For petite women everywhere, these trouser jeans fit around the hips and thighs, then widens for a flared look. Features a little distress and fading.

Levi's 542 Women's Low Rise Tilted Flare Jean 

Forget about space between you and waistbands because Levi's 542 jeans were created to prevent this problem. It also has an angled inseam and bowed leg, so your legs will look flattering all the time.

Related Products

Jean Skirts 

Jean Jackets 

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T-Shirts 

Accessories

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