Looking for the perfect pair? We consulted the denim experts to uncover the secret to shopping for jeans.
From the throw-on-and-go, to the effortlessly-elevated, denim jeans are one of the most versatile pieces in your wardrobe. A mainstay in the fashion world and loved by all, denim jeans are always in high rotation and have earned their place in our wardrobes. However, when it comes to shopping for jeans, things can be a little tricky. To help you understand this timeless essential and what to look for in denim jeans, we decided to go straight to the experts. By following these six simple steps from our very own denim buyer, finding your perfect pair of forever jeans has never been easier.
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How To Find The Perfect Jeans
We spoke with Danielle Santin, Denim Buyer at David Jones, to understand how to shop for the perfect pair of jeans to last for seasons to come.
What kind of fabric should I look for when shopping for jeans?
If you want a classic-looking jean opt for rigid denim. This commonly will appear with a fabric composition of 100% cotton and will have the highest durability. In time, this will mould to your body, however, initially will feel a little tougher. This can be in variations of leg silhouettes and washes but will be the composition that is most classic, structured in shape and will hold you in. The most famous fit here is the Levi’s 501.
If you are opting for a more of a comfort fit, look for styles that have 1% + elastane in the fabric composition. The higher the elastane percentage in general the higher stretch the jean will have. This will be softer on your body and have more give across the waist and in the leg but will have less structure long-term in the jeans.
How much will jeans stretch over time? Should I size up or down when shopping for jeans?
Jeans that are 100% cotton will stretch naturally to your body as you wear them in. Jeans with elastane in them won’t stretch as much, however, will not look as structured on the body given the nature of the fabric.
What size to buy depends on many factors so always read the measurements. Size will depend on how you want the jeans to fit on your body. If you want a more relaxed fit on the body size up – I often size up for jeans that I want to wear a little more ‘low slung’ on my body given I have a shorter torso. Jeans that I want a more classic everyday fit I tend to buy true to size. I want the fit to be more structured on my body and be able to make outfits more polished.
There’s no one-style-suit-all rule for jeans, but what are the key styles you think are timeless?
A classic straight fit will be the hardest working and most worn jeans you can buy. This fit works best with a flat or sneaker, however can also be dressed up with a heel. If you are shorter in height and want this to hit at the top of your shoe/ ankle rather than to your heel I recommend 28 for the in-seam. If you want a fuller leg that also looks great with a heel I recommend a 30” in-seam or 32” inseam depending on your height.
For a more relaxed fit, buy into the wide leg or a baggy fit. Buying a longer inseam here to make this more versatile and wearable. A 30” or 32” inch looks great puddled with a ballet flat or with a heel. The longer in-seam will elongate the leg and ensure your jeans are wearable casually or dressed up. If opting for a longer in-seam you can also cuff your jeans which is a huge trend this season – or buy this done for you in the Citizens of Humanity Ayla Cuffed Jeans.
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What kind of denim washes do you think are essential?
A classic mid-blue will be your most wearable wash and surpass all trends. For an essential everyday pair of jeans, I tend to buy into cleaner-looking washes without abrasions for everyday wear. These won’t date and can be both elevated and casual.
For a more polished look, a rinse dark denim wash is also great. Particularly in a trouser jean or wide leg fit this will be a classic and can be dressed up easily to be more of an evening jeans. I think it’s important to have this wash in your wardrobe for a more polished look when you still want to wear your jeans.
Do different denim washes require different care?
In manufacturing the denim, lighter-washed jeans have gone through a longer wash period of the fabric to achieve the level of colour. Raw denim has been untouched and unwashed, as with dark denim which has gone through a shortened wash period to retain the level of colour. If in doubt for raw or dark denim I would do a hand wash for the first time and use a natural detergent to ensure no colour loss. Distressed denim should be washed with care to ensure the abrasions do not grow in size by accident.
Following this I would recommend treating all jeans with care when washing to ensure they last as long as they are designed to in your wardrobe.
What’s the best way to keep my denim looking fresh?
Investing in high-quality denim is the starting point – this will ensure your jeans retain colour, shape and fit for years to come.
Limit how often you wash your jeans, they will mould to your body and have the perfect worn-in look the less you wash. If you have a small stain try to spot-clean before opting for a hand wash or machine wash. As a rule, always wash on cold wash – this will retain the wash and colour in your jeans best. I recommend washing your jeans inside out with the button done up. Do not tumble dry and where possible try to dry your jeans flat.
Still looking for the perfect pair? Book a style consultation at your closest David Jones store and let our experts help you find your dream jeans. Best of all, it’s completely complimentary.