Help with jeans - YouLookFab Forum

Ok, I really need your help! I have decided that I need to invest in a pair of premium denim straight-leg or boot leg (what's the difference?) jeans.

I get overwhelmed by the choices when I look online, and I know I need to try them on, anyway. I just don't know where to start!

I'm tall (~175cm or 5'9" barefoot) and have a big difference in my hip-waist size (27" waist, 39" hips).

I can't stand jeans that are anything resembling low-rise. I'm constantly yanking on them. I like the waistband to almost touch the bottom of my belly button.

I realize that by itself doesn't give you much info. I guess I should measure a pair of pants that have a rise I like. How exactly do I measure that? Do I measure from the crotch seam up to the front?

I think I need a fairly long inseam. I asked my BoyToy to measure me, and without shoes on it is 31" from crotch to *just* below my ankle. I'm thinking I'll need at least a 33" inseam to work with most of my shoes.

So, with those things in mind, do you have a recommendation for a brand and/or shop in which to begin the search? I'm pretty desperate, so I'm willing to spend up to ... hmmm... up to $150 for something spectacular, but would feel more comfortable spending in the $75-100 range.

16 years ago

Ele

(website)

Active Member

Jenny, I'd definitely go for straight-leg if they're going to be your one pair of premium jeans. They're the most classic and versatile cut- ok for wearing with shoes/flat boots, and (depending on just how "straight" they are) tuckable into tall boots, too.

I feel like a broken record because I'm always recommending these- but I love my Citizens of Humanity Elsons. They've got a medium rise and long inseam (not that I need it), so they might work. The only possible problem is that as straight-legs go, they're on the skinnier side.

Lee Hovey

I think measuring a pair of pants you already have and like the fit of is a great idea!

Though I don't own a pair of premium denim, I really want to eventually, I just have trouble justifying the cost at the moment. From what I hear Nordstrom's carries alot of the premium brands and might be a good place to go to try a few different brands in one stop.

shana

Veteran

Well, Jenny, I'm kind of the opposite of you (petite, miniscule difference between waist & hips, totally flat bum) so I can't speak from personal experience. I have heard that Joe's (Muse, Honey) are good for those with a smaller waist-to-hip ratio.
Maybe you can look at some of the jeans that Tanya has purchased since she also has a small waist-to-hip ratio??? I'm sure others will have some more suggestions.

Nordstroms or a specialty jean retailer would have lots of selection and you would be able to try on a bunch of styles to see what fits best. You can always make note of the style/cut/wash and then stalk the online sales to get a better price.

JennyK (NC)

Macy's is having a sale today and is near me, so I got up early this morning (instead of sleeping in on a Saturday!) to trek over there.

I decided to look online again first, and to see what brands they carry. Nordstrom's seems to have a LOT more choices, but the closest one is about an hour away.

Still, I thought I might go on up there, but I wanted to look at styles first, to have a starting point.

What a mistake! I'm back to being totally overwhelmed again. Most of the jeans look so hideous on the models that I can't imagine even trying them on. I don't understand what look they're going for, but they look awful. Examples:

http://tinyurl.com/ya5cgqx

http://tinyurl.com/yaglwz4

http://tinyurl.com/ycxlfba

Ack! I'm afraid I'm going to have a full-on anxiety attack in the middle of a department store if I try to do this. I can already picture myself in the middle of a sea of denim, not knowing where to start. I'll begin to feel dizzy and confused and my heart will start racing. It's happened to me before!

I wish I had a friend to shop with me, but it would take someone with extraordinary patience.

Egads - I think I'll just stay home. Urgh.

Queen Mum

Jenny- deep breath....
Jean shopping is probably the hardest job a girl has (maybe even up there with labor- LOL) but they say it can be done. You just need to clear a day, eat a good breakfast, go to Nordstrom and start trying on jeans. Eat lunch when you get hungry, and then go back to trying on if you have to. Nordies is good about sales help too so you should be able to count on a sales girl to swap out sizes for you in the dressing room and give you suggestions. Personally, I find it easier to shop alone (sans friends) because I can think more clearly.
good luck!

Beth

Listen to Kim and get thee to a Nordstrom!

Their SAs are so knowledgeable and helpful. I spent a fair amount of time in the t.b.d. department last weekend, trying to find the perfect pair of jeans. All the SAs were very good at listening to what I wanted and explaining the options.

rute

I'm with you.. I find buying jeans the most difficult piece to buy, it takes many hours and you must test every pair on yourself, every body is different.. I found one pair I like, it's not low rise, straight leg, very, very comfy but it's a portuguese label "Salsa"

http://entremulheres.com/novid.....vo-segredo

Maya

Jenny, what is it that you don't like about that first pair of jeans (the Joe's cigarettes)? I can understand your aversion to the other two pairs. The way they are worn in the pictures is not flattering, but I guess they have to wear them that way just to show what they look like. Those super skinny ankle jeans are really for tucking into boots or wearing with long tunics.

But I think the Cigarette jeans look fine--great, actually. The dark wash is very flattering and the straight leg opening is perfect (it actually looks almost wide enough to be a bootcut). So I am wondering what you find so ugly about them because they appear to be a flop-proof option. It will help give us a better idea of what you are (or aren't) looking for.

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