For some reason, most women find it incredibly difficult to find the perfect pair of blue jeans. Hey, I’ll admit I’m one of them – and I am the queen of denim (fancy way of saying I love me some blue jeans!). If you click over to my “About” page, you will discover that I’ve even listed a “great fitting pair of blue jeans” as one of my interests. So why is finding them so difficult?!
In a former life (read: college) I worked at the GAP. After spending lots of time re-folding shirts and cleaning out dressing rooms, my manager noticed my knack for outfitting even the most desperate woman with a pair of GAP blue jeans that would make her grin like she had just won the lottery. I was quickly given some additional training, the cutesy title of “Denim Specialist”, and permanently stationed by the denim wall (that would be the place where there are blue jeans as far as the eye can see) with a headset. I knew the details of every fit, the fancy names for each wash (color) like “Sandstone”, but more importantly, I had a natural eye for figuring out what jeans would look best on a woman based on how she was built. This made the GAP happy because they made sales, and it made me happy to have a woman hug me on her way out and gush that she has “never owned a pair of jeans that she was comfortable in” before.
I rocked. I mean, duh. Can’t you see the headset?
Fast forward 8 years with me. (Wow, writing that almost hurt – it feels like yesterday.) I’m married, a mom, a professional, and I still love my denim, but WOW. The choices have really expanded now – designer denim is mainstream and oh-so-worth-it if you can afford to spend your precious economy-conscious dollars on it. Or, if you choose to. I mean, really, the days of spending in the single digits for a pair of jeans are well over, and and even the most thrifty have come to realize that it’s true. After all, a great pair of jeans really can speak volumes about your personality, not to mention what they’re saying about your body. And hey – if my jeans are speaking for me, I sure hope they’re calling me hot!
This fashionista is ready to move into the world of designer denim – but when I started shopping I quickly became overwhelmed. Where do I start? What fits are best for my curvy, longer-legged shape? The options are endless – 7 for All Mankind, True Religion, Citizens of Humanity, Rock and Republic, Hudson, Paige, I mean wow – the list just goes on. I want a pair of jeans (or 3 or 4 if I can afford it!) that make me feel fantastic. Where do I start?
So, I decided to turn to you for advice! This “Denim Specialist” needs to grab her title back, and fast! What jeans do you love? What fits you best? Have you tried any of these brands above? Why or why not? What jeans or brand of jeans can’t you live without – which ones will you never buy again? Share with me in the comments box – I want to hear your denim stories and learn so I can end up feeling great in a pair of blue jeans again!
So that’s it, you’ve witnessed it first hand. I’m on a quest to find the perfect pair of blue jeans for every occasion, and to learn about them all along the way. I want the perfect pair of skinny jeans, the perfect dark wash jeans, the perfect pair to wear at night, and the perfect pair to wear all day. Yes, it may be greedy, but I want to find them all. And don’t worry – I’ll let you know what I come up with. Maybe I’ll even vlog it. ;)
If one has long legs go to http://www.revolveclothing.com. I believe they have a catagory for long leg jeans. yes, expensive but there is usually a 15% off coupon or more for this site. check out http://www.retailmenot.com for coupons for revolve and other sites. the brand 7forallmankind is a well made brand and the basic high waist (not so high really but no thong showing in the back when one bends over) boot cut is a good fit for almost all. Joe’s (brand name) jeans (honey/style) tend to run long anyway so what may be long on me will fit a long leg girl just perfect for a pair of flats or flip flops. revolveclothing.com has free shipping to you and back to them if whatever you buy doesn’t work out. It is easier to go to a store and try on dozens of pairs of jeans but not all live someplace where this is possible. Another good tip is to go to http://www.zafu.com. it’s a site that helps one pick out the perfect fit in jeans and bras and basic pants. check it out, it’s pretty decent. just fill in a few questions and they give you many pairs to try in all price ranges from Walmart to high dollar.
oh my gosh. so many who don’t spend on jeans. I live in them or yoga pants. I recently bought 3 new pair. Joe’s 9brand)Honey in new ripped style, Hudson 9brand) tight leg, and 7forallmankind (brand) high waist boot cut. love, love, love each pair and tried on many pairs to get to these 3 styles. I am curvy. I did get 20% off. Saks has 25% off this upcoming week end for “friends and family.” and Macys will have 20% off in November for their “friend and family” deal. most other stores will honor a low price if they have same style and size.
I am noting your suggestions for the jean for the curvy longer legged shape but can’t help you. Its actually been so long since I’ve worn jeans – though I wore my husband’s when pregnant. When I was much younger I had found the perfect jeans – Lee Jeans, they went in on my small 24 inch waist ( not so small anymore!) and flared on my curvier hips and they were long enough! I am short when I sit down but my legs equal those of guys who are 6’2 -6’4.
I HATE trying to find jeans. I am the pear shape & nothing fits me well. I used to be able to wear anything in high school & college, now I’d rather just wear velour than jeans because they look so terrible on me. I hope to find the perfect pair of jeans one day!
Thanks!
ericbrooks75(at)yahoo(dot)com
i really don’t want to spend over $20 on jeans. i did find a PERFECT pair of DKNY jeans once at Value Village for $20. however, they no longer fit, post pregnancy! :( I also have some Levis “slouch” 504 jeans that came from the juniors section at Marshalls (I guess juniors are larger these days….)
old navy are ok, but they tend to gape at the waist on me. PZI look to be the best for my body shape but i’m not willing to pay anywhere near their price, so I guess I’ll have to wait for a really great sale.
I don’t have a certain brand I love but have found some great deals on designer jeans at Nordstrom Rack.
I am so right there with you, need some new denim bad! And remember you are educating us readers not being gready:) Can’t wait to see what you come up with!
I have no good jeans. I never have. Part of the problem is that I am cheap and am reluctant to spend more than $30 on a pair. I suppose I should change that!
I love Old Navy and Gap jeans…they seem to be cut with a wider leg, which I need for my giant thighs! I haven’t tried anything fancier, though.
I’m pretty cheap when it comes to buying jeans and finding the right fit is sooo hard for me because of the way my backside is built. I use to wear only Old Navy jeans but it seems they aren’t really cut for some junk in the trunk.
Ive never paid more than $20 for a pair of Jeans,my teenager has spent a bit more but not too much,how do people afford too? I guess I cant miss what I dont have
I love me some Joe’s jeans. AND, you can snag some great designer jeans at affordable prices at Nordstrom Rack (if you have one close to you). I also frequent consignment shops that are located in high-end areas – I can usually snag a good pair of jeans there, too.
7s are nice, but PZI are cheaper and the fit is great for any woman who has any kind of curviness going on in her hips and butt.
I long for the day when I can actually wear normal jeans again! Maternity jeans just aren’t the same. *sigh*
I haven’t tried any of these : ( And i’m still in search of the perfect pair of jeans. Nothing fits me!
Paying those high prices for designer jeans is ridiculous. No wonder people don’t have any savings and are losing their homes.
Hahaha – well I think it’s all in how you look at it. For me a great pair of jeans does wonders for my self-confidence. Not that you aren’t entitled to your opinion, but FYI I max out my savings each month and would never sacrifice paying my mortgage for a pair of “designer jeans.” Obviously, priorities should play a role!
No way! 7’s they’re the best and there’s no fit like them! Plus they hip and young, and the stitching is always beautiful.
I wouldn’t buy anything else. Then again I wear Uggs with skirts, I have no fashion sense. ha! :D
Wow Erika – I think you just hit on a topic that women of every age and size obsess over!
Right now I’m digging Svoboda and Abby Z. jeans for the great fit on my curves.
Both brands go from size 10-24, and the cut and fit is great! I especially love the no-gap waist. I’m wearing dark wash, with a straight line from hip to ankle to make me look taller and leaner, but both brands have multiple styles and colors.
Full disclosure – the links are to my store, but I carry the brands because I love the fit!
One word: diesel.
I don’t think will help you find the perfect pair of jeans, but I have stuck with the same brand/style since high school (talk about a rut!). I can not get over Levi’s 501s. No other jean feels right to me. Good luck.