Choosing Jeans

Jeans

Whilst originally designed for working, jeans have become very popular among teenagers starting in the 1950s and growing into today's wardrobe essential.

Probably the most well known brand in denim is Levi, who in the nineteenth century decided to make hard wearing trousers out of sailcloth and rivet them for extra strength and sell them to the miners during the prosperous gold rush period in America. When he ran out of material he looked for another source of hard wearing material to replace the sailcloth. This material was originally called serge de Nimes which was soon shortened to denim and that word remains today. After receiving a patent for the way Levi made jeans in the late nineteenth century the Levi brand was born.

After World War II, wearing jeans by teenagers was seen as a way of not conforming to the expected dress code of trousers. This was considered disruptive and bizarely some movie theaters and restaurants refused to admit people wearing blue jeans. During the sixties blue jeans became more acceptable and by the seventies jeans had become accepted fashion clothing.

Stone-washing was introduced in the mid fifties bringing denim to a larger market than the original dark blue jeans and now on average most people have around seven pairs of jeans.

Jeans come in a variety of different styles and designs and choosing is a matter of personal taste but here are our recommendations for differing body shapes.

1. Wide leg jeans
Fitted at the hips whilst flaring from the thigh which is perfect for hiding larger thighs. Wear with heels to lengthen your legs for maximum effect. Suitable for all body styles.

2. Skinny flare jeans
This seasons newest shape that flares from the knee downwards. Great for balancing a curvy figure.

3. Boyfriend jeans
For the ultimate in comfort head for the boyfriend style with the added bonus of hiding a not so perfect bum and thighs.

4. Skinny jeans
Great if you have a slim figure and even better with longer legs. Wear with heels of boots.

5. High Waist jeans
Because the waist is higher than normal you benefit from a corset like effect so they are good for trimming your stomach and giving the illusion of longer slender legs.

6. Straight leg jeans
Classical shape that never dates. Ensure a snug fit on your hips and thighs and let the denim fall to the floor. Good for larger hips.

7. Bootcut jeans
Flattering for those with pert bums! Also flatters and slims your hips. The perfect length for bootcut jeans is just skimming your shoes.

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