How to Shop for Jeans That Flatter You

Jeans are a staple of most wardrobes for good reason. They're ideal for casual settings, but they're also easy to dress up for a night out -- and if you choose the right pair, they can also be pretty comfortable. However, when you're shopping for jeans, the sheer number of style options can make it difficult to find the most flattering pair. If you understand your body type, though, you can identify features in jeans that are most likely to flatter your shape so you know which type to look for when you hit the stores.

Pay Attention to Leg

When you head to the store to shop for jeans, the first thing to consider is the leg style. Jeans are available in a variety of cuts, including skinny, straight, boot cut and flared legs. If youre short, avoid flared styles that will cut off your legs and make you look even more petite. Instead, opt for a straight leg, skinny or slight boot cut style. However, flared jeans are an ideal option for women with a large bottom since the wider leg opening balances your silhouette. Flared and boot cut jeans can also help balance a large bust.

Pay Attention to Rise

The next thing to consider when buying jeans is their rise. The rise indicates where the jeans hit on your waist or hips. Low rise jeans typically have a rise of 8-inches or less, hitting extremely low on the waist. This style of jeans usually only flatters women who are extremely thin and have a very flat stomach. However, jeans with a high rise of more than 11-inches arent particularly flattering either because they usually hit above the navel and can look very dowdy, particularly if they feature pleats along the front as well. If you prefer a high-waisted pair of jeans, make sure they have a flat front. Midrise jeans with a rise of 9- to 11-inches that hit at or just below the navel are usually the most flattering.

Pay Attention to Pockets

A pair of jeans' back pockets may seem like a minor detail, but some styles can be more flattering depending on your body type. If you have a flat backside, look for jeans with flap pockets to help make your bottom appear curvier. Embellishments like rhinestones, metal studs or embroidered patterns can also help bulk up the area. On the other hand, if you have a larger backside, flap pockets and embellishments will only make your bottom look larger. Instead, stick to a simple flat style pocket without any decorative details. Choose a style with mid-size pockets that are placed in the center to help make your backside appear smaller. If your bottom is starting to sag, look for jeans with pockets that are placed higher on the seat to give your backside a lifted appearance.

Pay Attention to Color

The final detail to consider when buying a pair of jeans is the color wash. While there are a variety of rinses to choose from, there are two main categories: dark and light wash. In most cases, dark wash jeans are the most flattering because they have a slimming effect like black clothing. Dark wash jeans also tend to have a dressier look than light wash jeans, so they can be more versatile wardrobe pieces.

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