Buying a pair of jeans is just as likely to illicit a response similar to that of shopping for swimwear. And by response, I mean a feeling of intense dislike, the kind of feeling best expressed via a non-ladylike audible groaning.
It’s the very thought of jeans shopping that sees us putting up with – and wearing – jeans that do absolutely nothing for our body shape. We’ll put up with jeans that are way too tight; or way to baggy and saggy just to avoid the process of shopping for more.
But because we’re not all blessed with the Duchess of Cambridge’s petite loveliness, I’m here to tell you that you need to bite the bullet and invest some time in finding a pair that fits and flatters. It’s a wardrobe essential. You hear me?
Key styling suggestions
1. Jeans need to fit snuggly. And by snuggly, I mean super tight at first try on. They will stretch as your body heats up the fabric and it expands. If you can get two fingers in the waistband, then they are going to be too big within hours. Not a pretty look.
2. Not all women are created equally. Especially so when it comes to the shape of their bottoms, hips, thighs and tummies. You might have a flat butt but wide hips; your bum may be bootilicious but your waist super tiny. Don’t be harsh on yourself. Accept this is your shape. You CAN find a pair of jeans to suit.
3. NYDJ jeans are perfect for women who are wanting jeans to suck them in and still retain the comfort factor of a pair of trackies. Umm, that would be me!
4. Also Check out the Levis Curve ID, Bettina Liano O and Jeanswest’s Curve Embracer collections for fashion jeans that accommodate curves and work to minimise the gape at the back of your jeans that happens in regular jeans if your waist is smaller than your butt.
5. Shop at a jeans’ specialist outlet. Staff are trained to fit jeans on their customers and they have a comprehensive range in store to help you find a pair that is a match made in denim heaven.
Shopping suggestions
1. Jeanswest Curve Embracer Mia slim straight jeans $79.99
2. Not Your Daughter’s Jeans Marilyn straight jeans @ Birds Nest $199
3. Levis Bold Curve skinny rinse jeans @ Just Jeans $119.95
4. Bettina Liano curvy fit skinny jean $249
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It’s Jeans for Genes Day next Friday, so you’ve got a week to get shopping and wear your jeans with pride. My blogging friend, Kelly over at Be a Fun Mum, is hosting a Jeans for Genes Day promotion that could win you a $250 JeansWest voucher. Head on over and enter. It closes tomorrow.
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Have you found a dream pair of jeans to suit your body shape? Spill. I want all the details of your quest to find the Holy Grail of denim.
Comments 29
I absolutely love my pair of Curve Embracer Slim jeans – for the first time I feel comfortable and sexy whenever I put these bad boys on…and I actually thrash them (not just give in and let them collect dust halfway through the season). My only disappointment- they only come in black!
I need a pair of jeans that fit the same way (on a size 16 with small waist but big hips, thighs and bum) but in a dark blue wash – so thanks for your article – I will go and try on the Levis Curve range at Just Jeans now! Fingers crossed.
Author
Good luck! And try NYDJs as well – I love mine.
I finally got around to trying on some Levi Curve ID jeans. I’m a Demi Curve and the Demi straights work best for me. Classic mid rise but definitely not mum jeans!
However, I had the worst experience. I asked for help and got some popsy who, quite frankly, looked absolutely terrible in the jeans she was wearing. Proudly told me they were Just Jeans jeans, which didn’t fill me with confidence.
We briefly discussed the different “Curve IDs”. I said I thought I was probably a Demi as because I don’t go out much at the hip, I don’t have much of a waist. She said “Yes, that’s blocky”. Um, thanks. She then discussed my butt. I have a butt and proud of it. It goes straight back, not sideways, which I’m told is a good thing. Apparently, that is called a “duck butt”. Que? “Because you look like a duck at the back, you know, when they waddle along with their tails sticking straight out?” Nope, actually, I don’t!
She asked me if I wanted to try the bootleg. No thanks, I don’t like them. “But they’re great for girls with big thighs”. Um, didn’t realise I had big thighs but there you go.
I then asked for a size 29 or 30. She said “You know what, hon, do me a favour and try on the 31. I’d hate for you to be disappointed”. What the?
29 were my perfect size. When I went up to pay for them, she expressed surprise that I was fitting into the 29, (Actually, the 28 fitted too, but I didn’t want them skin tight) because they were the size she wore.
It took all my reserve not to say “That can’t be right, because you’re fat”. But I’m a lady, and a lady who believes in karma!
To cut a long story (whinge!) short, I love the Levis Curve ID but be very careful of the rinse and wash (the new whiskery one is heinous – they look like stretchmarks!) and for the love of jeans, do not shop at Pitt Street Mall Just Jeans. Or at least, avoid the rude girl. 🙂
Author
Oh, dear, Kim-Marie … glad at the end of that you actually got a pair of jeans after all that!
Thanks so much for this. I have been living with only one pair of (ill-fitting) jeans all winter. Just got back from the shops and am the proud owner of a pair of Curve Embracer jeans and they fit perfectly. So excited!
Author
Karen, that’s so good to hear – glad you’ve found your perfect fit!
I’m planning to check out the Levis curve id too. I’m another skinny pear. AND I’m also heading to NYC at the end of the year. Unfortunately(?) we arrive in New York right on black friday sales, which I’ve been advised to avoid due to it being a life risking activity, so will have to wait a few days before I hit the shops!
Author
Or you could just jump on in and enjoy the “experience”!
I am a size 9-10 in jeans, and am 5 foot 1.
I have hips and a bum.
This is turning into a poem, so um,
Jeans are a challenge for everyone!
Hahah in seriousness, I have difficulties trying on jeans due to the tight and sometimes scratchy denim hurting my skin. Sometimes I wear stockings under my jeans but I cant when I try them on as the fit wont be the same later after washes. I almost need a stunt double for trying on jeans!
Do you have recs for softer jeans that still look good – NOT pyjama jeans!
Author
Hi Carly … beautiful poetry. LOL. Do you know, I think it may be worth a try of the NYDJ leggings style jeans. Because of the double stretch, you don’t get any scratchiness – they have a zip so definitely not pyjama jeans!
One thing that will help with your jeans is a mini belt. Clips on to the middle belt loops and keeps your jeans from saggy button syndrome, without having to wear a belt. From the people who sell Hollywood Fashion Tape. About $15, I think?
I’m going to try the Levis Curve ID. General Pants do a personalised fitting service, which I’m keen to try.
My current favourites are my Seed Femme skinny cargo pocket with slant front pockets and a medium high waist. Stupidly bought them fitting well, so they’re too big by the end of the day, but they still work a little too big.
Author
Good tips – thanks so much! No General Pants store where I live but good to know!
You’ll love my jean story then.
I am defintely of the curvy bum brigade (I even had a random woman passing by me in Chicago last week, tell me ‘that’s what a white woman’s bum should look like’ LOL).
Anyway, I have been coveting a pair of J brand jeans, since I read about them in a weekend magazine earlier this year and planned to buy a pair while I was in the states this month. Imagine my disappointment when the Bloomingdales sales assistant tells me that they don’t stock the Bombshell style anymore. Luckily the friend I was travelling with, thought to ask if there might be a few odd pairs on one of the clearance racks. After searching through 7 racks of jeans, we only found 2 pairs of J Brand and thankfully the first pair I picked tried on were a perfect fit. They look amazing!!
If the fact that they actually fit, wasn’t enough, on July 4th, Bloomingdales NYC had a one day sale with 65% already reduced stock. So by the time the original dicount, plus the sale dicount, plus an overseas visitor discount was applied, this $160 pair of jeans cost me a total of $USD29.50!!!!! (So even less with the exchange rate). Pity they only had the one pair!
Author
OH MY GOD!!! I love this story.
Hey Nikki,
Is there anywhere that sells NYDJ on the Sunny Coast? I would love a pair but refuse to buy any that I haven’t tried on. Another helpful post by the way
Kerri
Author
Zambezee at Mooloolaba – they have stocked NYDJ since they arrived in Australia.
Hooray….guess where I am going on the weekend!!
I’m a skinny pear with an 8 to 10 waist and a 10 to 12 hip area. I’ve been wearing Mavi jeans the last few years in bootleg and skinny low rise. I haven’t loved jeans on me for years until I found these. They’re rather affordable too at around $150, which is always a good thing.
Author
That’s great to share with us – thanks! So pumped you found your perfect jean fit.
Being 6’2 and curvy, buying any sort of pants is tricky, but I have found that Dorothy Perkins tall jeans fit me perfectly including length. Can be a bit tricky first time around but if you use their size chart it shouldn’t be a problem. I discovered them when I lived in London so imagine my delight when they first started shipping to Oz. The quality is not amazing but I overlook that for the fit.
I’ve tried the Jeanswest extra tall unhemmed option but I find it a nuisance to have to get them hemmed post purchase.
Author
I always have to get my jeans hemmed! Glad you’ve found a brand that works for you.
yeah me too! and they have to cut off a good 6 inches. I could probably make a cute little bag with the cut off bits ;-p
Great post, I hate jean shopping and have been struggling to find the perfect fit since having my second child. I have recently hit gold with the Levi Bold Curve. I hadn’t worn Levi’s since 501’s in the early 90’s but in desperation tried some on and to my surprise they fit me like a glove. I have them in both skinny and boot leg. I am thinking of heading off to New York at the end of the year so would be interested in others recommendations on jeans. I definitely want to try NYDJ they look great.
Author
I’ve had great success with that range with clients too – glad you’ve hit gold. And I’m just a teeny jealous about your planned NY trip 😉
Stylers, have you got any jeans buying suggestions for Tan in the US?
I’m going to the USA soon & hoping to buy up big on jeans! Any suggestions for brands over there? I’ve got a size 14 that’s too big & a 13 that’s too tight, that are my go-to jeans at the moment. I’ve just been making do until I hit the shops in New York & LA! Great tips, thanks Nikki!
Author
Not Your Daughter’s Jeans, Jen. Great pricing in the US. My sister-in-law stocked up on True Religion jeans too. Beyond the brands, it’s about taking the time to find a style that suits you. You will get bargains though!
JUST what I needed! Last week I was asking fellow twitters what I should look for when buying jeans! Thanks for supporting my giveaway Nikki. xx
Author
No probs, Kelly. Jeanswest is a great starting place for buying jeans because of the range – their maternity jeans are the best around in regards to value for money and style.