Jeans.
Quite possibly the staple of staples. Perhaps rivaled only by the white t-shirt. Levi Strauss could not have imagined the long way they have come since the birth of the blue jean in 1873.
They have seen it all and been through it all — they’ve been stoned, washed in acid, overdyed, waxed, relaxed, distressed, shredded, embroidered, beaded, painted. They’ve been without stretch, with stretch, straight, bootcut, flare, skinny, baggy, low-rise, mid-rise, high-rise…
In their different shapes and forms, denim jeans have effortlessly ridden through fashion history managing to convey the pulse of the times; simultaneously embodying what the wearer needed them to be at that particular moment and place — a cultural self-expression in sturdy, cotton twill fabric.
In the past few years, the most fitting styles to emerge in this high-stress environment are the ones that by their very names (and design) evoke a sense of comfort and ease — the Boyfriend, Girlfriend and Mom — reassuring and forgiving pieces of clothing that their current wearers seem to desperately need hanging in their wardrobes.
So what exactly are they? And why do you need one in yours? Let’s break it down.
But first, a brief discussion on body shapes:
Which one are you?
The Apple body shape (typically described as possessing a round torso — full to average bust, full midsection, narrow hips), the Hourglass (curvy — proportioned full bust and hips, narrow waist), the Column (tall and lean — also known as the rectangle shape), Pear (bottom-heavy, narrow shoulders), or Athletic (broad shoulders, narrow hips — also known as the Inverted Triangle).
Now that you know what your body shape is…let’s dive into the jean pool and find out which of these three popular jean styles suits you best.
The Boyfriend Jean
What are they? Slouchy and relaxed. These jeans sit at the hip or somewhere midway between the waist and the hips. And have a loose, straight leg.
Built for women but designed to look as if they belong to the boys, boyfriend jeans are slouchy and relaxed. These jeans sit at the hip or somewhere midway between the waist and the hips. They fit looser all over compared to mom jeans and can cross over from comfortable to sloppy, if you aren’t careful. But a belt to cinch in the loose waist can add shape to this otherwise shapeless jean.
Ideal for: Apple, Column and Athletic body shapes.
The Mom Jean
What are they? High-waisted. These jeans sit at the waist and have a relaxed fit around the belly, hips, butt and thighs, and a tapered leg.
Mom jeans are high-waisted jeans that first became fashionable in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In the late 1990s and 2000s, they were worn mainly by middle-aged women and considered unhip by trendy younger women. Well, mom jeans are back and are spotted on the middle-aged as well as on the hip and the trendy. I have mixed feelings about mom jeans — though they tend to be flattering on most body types and are generally kinder to those of us blessed with bellies — ill-fitting pairs can actually highlight rather than minimize the tummy.
Ideal for: Athletic, Column, Pear and Hourglass body shapes
The Girlfriend Jean
What are they? The happy medium — they fit closer to and higher at the hip and have a tapered slim straight leg.
Girlfriend jeans could very well be Goldilocks’ pick of jeans. Think of them as the happy medium. These are more of a classic fit and if you find boyfriend jeans too baggy for your frame or your liking, and mom jeans are just too, well, mom, girlfriend jeans could be your best friend.
Ideal for: all body types
TIPS BEFORE TAKING THE PLUNGE:
Whatever style you choose, fit is key. You really have to try them on. I tend to think that cuts are not just limited to certain body types. It’s more a matter of finding the pair that fits right and works for you.
- Not all styles are created equal. One brand’s boyfriend will most likely not be the same as the versions of other brands.
Just because a particular jeans style is trending doesn’t mean you have to wear it. Choose jeans that make the most of your assets and downplay the so-called flaws.
4. Don’t get hung up on supposed must-have brands. What is the point in owning a pair by a hot label if they don’t look good on you?
5. Don’t get hung up on size labels either. Sizing is so arbitrary and not only varies from one brand to the other but within the same brand as well.
6. Patience, patience, patience. Finding the right pair often takes more than a few trips to the fitting room.
7. Want to look about 10 pounds slimmer? Opt for a pair that are of a darker hue, hug the hips, have straight legs with a slight flare at the bottom, and go down to the floor covering your at least 3″ heels. Pair them with a top that fits close but isn’t tight.
8. I’m bigger than average and tend to do better with American brands. Old Navy and Gap are my go-tos. But sometimes, on really good days, I luck out at Uniqlo, too.
