Advice on Buying my first Pair of Jeans

This may sound unusual for most people on here but I grew up in a religious environment where women did not wear trousers or jeans.

I was well into my 30s before I gave any consideration to wanting to wear trousers. It took a lot of thought and some encouragement from a friend but I eventually bought a pair of black trousers. It felt strange wearing them at first and it took a lot of courage to start wearing them in public.

I wore them to the office in winter (imagine the gasps when people first saw me of "but you don't wear trousers!") but I reverted back to skirts during spring/summer.

I am now thinking of progressing to jeans. I did try on a pair but they felt awful - very tight and clingy around my rear. I am very self conscious of my bottom when i wear trousers in public and prefer to wear a long top or tunic in the interest of modesty.

I don't want to spend hours in changing rooms trying on unsuitable jeans and would welcome advice on brands/styles that are of a more modest fit.
I am 5'6" and size 14.

8 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I would shy away from any skinny jeans or anything low-rise, but jeans are something that you do need to try a lot on to find a good fit. The good news is that the more you try, the more used to it you will feel. Good luck!

Kristin L

In my experience, it takes a lot of trial and error to find a pair of good fitting jeans. I've had pretty good luck with Gap and J Crew Factory outlet. It's not quite as stylish, but I love my bootcut jeans. They fit a little more slim in the rear and thighs, but I feel like the help balance out my very pear shaped hips and rear. I'm not sure if you are aware of this, so if you are, please forgive me, but you can post pics while you're at the store if you want feedback on how something looks before you buy it.

One thing I always look for in my jeans is that they need to be made of at least 98% cotton. In my experience, jeans with 75% cotton or less don't last as long. It takes a little more hunting, but it's worth it.

J.Crew

Factory bootcut jean in indigo wash

View Info

Top Pick

Gap

1969 perfect boot jeans

rachylou

Boyfriend jeans are my first thought - the opposite of clingy...

Ledonna N.

Welcome to the wonderful world of jeans. I just finished looking a your website it is very bright and fun. So a size 14 hmmm Well I really like the look of trouser jeans. My first pair were from HSN from the Diane Gilman Line. The fit my curves sizes 18 but were professional enough to wear at work they were and are straight cut and Love them. I also like a line from Ashley Stewart. I 've grown fond of Highwaist wide leg trouser jeans. I am a size 18 and don't really wear cling jeans or trousers. Good luck on your journey.

Remember you may have to try on a number of jeans to get the right fit. I am a size 18 and petite short lol so usually I have things tailored to my waist and height. If they fit in the hips then I can have the rest taken in. I hope this helps.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Welcome to the forum, and I'm excited about your first pair of jeans. Do you know your body type by any chance?

Anonymous

This can be a challenge, because most jeans are designed to show off the booty. I agree with Ledonna about the trouser jeans. They are a good way to go as far as not being tight in the wrong places, and in a dark wash are very work-appropriate for most places these days. It's a very versatile style, a little dressier than the average pair of jeans, and flattering on almost everyone.

Keix

Are you looking for jeans that you can wear to work, or for casual days?

I second the suggestions of dark wash trouser jeans for work--which will visually hide your rear, but still outline it--and slouchy boyfriend jeans for casual. A defining characteristic of BF jeans is that they obscure the rear. If the waist is too large in the size you prefer, you can get it tailored.

Jane

I think I might try mail order from some one like Lands End. That way you can try in your home. I think they do quite a good range. I'm curvey and like high waisted dark colour jeans.

Ginger

Another good general place to try a bunch of things is American Eagle. I'm not a jeans person, but my only pair are from there. And I really like them. AE has a wide range of styles and sizes, and returns are free in store. FYI, Lands End has free returns at Sears.

I like my NYDJ and Diane Gilman jeans. Dark wash is best for work. What suits you largely depends on your body type, so it takes a lot of shopping and trying on.

Windchime

This is an exciting step for you! I went to a religiously conservative elementary school and remember well the first time girls were allowed to wear PANTS to school--I was in 6th grade.

I second the suggestion to try boyfriend jeans. You could check Eddie Bauer for styles you like and feel comfortable in.

Suz

Welcome to the forum! I don't have particular recommendations to make but I wanted to say hello and I know that you'll soon be sorted. I will agree with those who note that jeans take a while to fit. You have to try on many pairs before you find one that works specifically for you.

Gigi

Hello! I can't give the names of any brands that would be particularly good, but I just wanted to let you know that you might have to spend some time finding the right pair. It is not always easy! Sometimes forum members duplicate a pair of jeans when they find one they love.

My only advice is that I have found that the higher-priced brands generally have softer denim than the cheap ones. By higher-priced, I'm thinking around $80 and up. I used to buy cheaper jeans, but now that I've worn the nicer stuff, I find that the cheaper jeans are too scratchy for me.

Style Fan

Welcome to the Forum Rebecca. Your website is great. Lovely photos of flowers. Body shape is useful when looking for jeans. Angie's recommendations are so helpful.

Chris987

Welcome Rebecca! I'll give another vote for trying on different brands, and sticking with the slightly looser styles. We can give you a bunch of good advice but you will only know for sure once you try them on, and you may want/need to try quite a few to find what you like.

When I'm trying out a new type of garment I usually go with the less expensive brands until I figure out what I like, so that the inevitable mistakes aren't too costly. I agree in general with gigi that the pricier jeans are softer, but I have also found ones at lower price points that were reasonably soft.

Give yourself some time to figure it out, and have fun!

Rebecca Young

Member

Thank you for all your replies which are appreciated.

I rather like the look of trouser jeans which suit my style and will try on some boyfriend jeans.

I think it will be a bit of trial and error - but there is no rush - and I am sure i will find a pair which I will like

Beth Ann

Good luck on the jean hunt! I have had good luck with Levi's recently --- many of their styles are midrise, and the have lots of cuts and washes. A straight leg is always a good choice, and a dark wash usually comes across as more "polished."

Category