Finding The Perfect Jeans

I had a call for help from a friend of mine.  She needed some new jeans and couldn’t find any.  I love jeans and am currently down to 3 pairs (well I have had up to 8 pairs at one time). So I was keen to join in the search.  Here is the run-down of what is currently in store.

Because I was looking for my perfect jeans I decided to wear my current best jeans.  They are the ‘Push In’ jeans in black denim from K & K.  I also wore a black tank top.  This shows my body shape but makes the eye focus on the bottom half and the fit of the jeans.  I recommend you wear a simple t-shirt in a flattering colour and cut so you can focus on the jeans you are trying on.  And don’t forget your ballet flats (easy to slip on and off and comfortable to walk in).

My shopping outfit.

I love my butt in these jeans.

Levis Curve ID’s are available from Just Jeans and Route 66.  They retail for around $130.  The good news is you have a choice of the amount of curve from the hip to the waist: slight, demi and bold curves.  In these curves they are also available in a straight, bootleg and skinny leg.  There was also a variety of washes, darker and lighter.  The bad news is they are only available up to a size 14.  I needed a size 14 bold curve and therefore I only had 1 option a bootleg in a lighter wash (didn’t tick any of my boxes).   The higher the size and more curve seemed to mean less options.  Maybe I need to try back in a couple of months when they restock the shelves.  To be honest I was a bit disappointed as size 14 is the average New Zealand clothing size so I would have hoped they would have offered bigger sizes.

I tried on Mavi jeans at Route 66 and I thought I had hit the jackpot.  Although they retailed at $160 I am prepared to pay this for the perfect jeans (but nothing less).  They were available in a size 14 straight leg, midrise.  There were only a couple of other options in a size 14 but they were low rise and wouldn’t even cover my butt.  The fabric was a great feel and the dark colour made them versatile.  Unfortunately when I did the sit test they failed, no builders crack for me.

I was impressed with the Jeans West Core Denim Range.  In the past I have not bothered with their jeans because the rise has been too low for me causing muffin top and builders crack.  So when I received an email about their new core denim range catering for different body shapes I was interested.  They have the tummy trimmer, curve embracer, buttlifter and they are available in slim leg skinny leg and bootleg.  Check out the Jeans West website to work out what fit is best for your body shape.   I liked the denim quality soft and it had stretch which is important for comfort.  The size range is 8 – 20 (a large variety) and they even had longer leg length option.  I tried on all the cuts in a size 14 and they all fitted me very differently which is great.  This means there is more options available for different body shapes. The best for me were the curve embracer, straight leg and bootleg.  The problem we had with these jeans was the excess fabric around the front rise; maybe it needed a bigger belly to fill it out?  I also loved the ‘Butt Cam’ and I think every shop should have one.  You stand in front of a large mirror with a tv screen above that showed the back view.   The price $69 or 2 for $109, was also great.  I would recommend you check them out if you are looking for jeans.

I dragged myself into Jay Jays and was pleasantly surprised.  I’m 37 and Jay Jay’s is for the young ones right?  There range was mostly a midrise and available up to a size 16.  They had a skinny leg a straight leg (more like a skinny leg), a bootleg and a flare.  They were available in a variety of washes and loved they didn’t have the fading at the thighs and butt so many have. The denim was a winter weight and had stretch which is important for my comfort. I fell in love with the flared jean in a dark wash size 14 and they were only $50.  Unfortunately it only just failed the sit test.  If you are an average height they would be great. 

My next stop was Ezibuy.  They great news is their size range is more diverse.  They have an ‘essentials’ range which has a variety of leg shapes up to a size 20 for around $50.  The mid-rise was good for me, and there was a high rise available. Most styles were available in a lighter and darker wash.  Unfortunately the lean jean showed off my thighs too much.  But if you have proportional thighs I would recommend giving them ago.

My friend and I are still on the lookout for the perfect jeans.  Lucky our last stop was for a glass of wine and tapas.

Shopping for the perfect jeans is difficult.  As you can see it can take a lot of trying on before you find the perfect match. Don't take it to heart if you don't find them easily.  Remember your body is unique and chain stores try to make to an 'average body shape'. Know what you are looking for, a list can be helpful.  Start with what you need.  According to most stylists the straight leg jean is the most flattering for most body shapes.  But I am amazed at the variety of cuts between the different brands.   I obviously have more research to do in this department and will keep you updated.  If you have found your perfect jeans let me know where you got them from.