Great jeans are a wardrobe workhorse. Understanding rises, cuts and fabric makes finding a pair that fits much easier.
Quick take
- Rise is the distance from the crotch seam to the waistband; it decides where jeans sit on your body.
- Cuts such as straight, slim, bootcut and wide-leg change the shape from hip to hem.
- Stretch denim is comfortable but can loosen with wear; rigid denim starts stiff and softens over time.
- Wash jeans less often, inside out and in cold water to keep their colour.
Shopping for jeans can be frustrating, but knowing a few terms makes it much easier to find a pair that fits.
Rise: where they sit
| Rise | Where it sits | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Low | Below the hips | Less common now; can slip when sitting |
| Mid | Just below the navel | A comfortable everyday choice |
| High | At or above the navel | Easy to tuck tops into; lengthens the leg line |
Cut: the shape of the leg
- Skinny: close-fitting all the way down.
- Slim: fitted, with a little more room than skinny.
- Straight: the same width from knee to hem; very versatile.
- Bootcut: slight flare from the knee, made to sit over boots.
- Wide-leg and flare: fuller below the knee or from the hip.
- Relaxed and tapered: roomy at the top, narrowing toward the ankle.
Checking the fit
- Sit, squat and walk in the fitting room.
- Check the waistband doesn’t gap at the back or dig in at the front.
- Look for pulling lines across the hips or thighs, a sign they’re too tight.
- Check the length with the shoes you’ll wear most.
Style tip
Try the same size in two or three cuts. Sizes vary between styles and brands, so the number on the tag is only a starting point.
Fabric and stretch
Jeans with stretch fibres such as elastane are comfortable and move with you, but they can loosen with wear. Rigid, all-cotton denim starts stiffer and softens over time. Check the fibre content on the label; our clothing label guide explains what it tells you.
Make them last
- Wash less often, and turn jeans inside out.
- Use cold water and hang to dry to reduce fading and shrinking.
- Repair small holes early, before they spread.
Keep this in mind
Dark denim can transfer dye onto light upholstery and bags, especially when new. Wash new dark jeans separately the first few times.
Building outfits
A dark straight-leg pair works with almost everything. Our guides to smart casual outfits and wardrobe essentials show how to build them into your wardrobe.
Your style questions
Should jeans feel tight when I buy them?
Stretch jeans often loosen a little with wear, so a snug (not uncomfortable) fit is usually right. Rigid jeans change less, so buy them in the size that fits now.
What’s the most versatile wash?
A dark, even wash without heavy fading or rips works for the most occasions, from weekends to smart casual.
How should I hem jeans?
Have them hemmed while wearing the shoes you’ll wear most often with them. For a casual look, a simple turn-up also works.
