EFFORTLESS CHIC
Jeans for every body, and how to navigate sizing, cuts and rises
Jeans are known for being wardrobe workhorses, and that’s because they’re made from durable fabrics in so many versatile and flattering designs. We’ve got the 411 on common styles that work for different body types, plus, how to navigate sizing, cuts and rises.
“FOR ME, JEANS ARE A WARDROBE STAPLE! I ESPECIALLY LIKE THE STRAIGHT CUT BECAUSE IT’S FLATTERING AND CAN BE WORN IN DIFFERENT WAYS.” -Corinne, 49
THE CUT STRAIGHT
STRAIGHT-LEG JEANS ARE A TIMELESS, COMFORTABLE SHAPE THAT FOLLOWS THE LINE OF THE LEGS WITHOUT CLINGING TO THE BODY.
BENEFITS
• Extremely comfortable and doesn’t constrict
• Slims hips and thighs
• Easily rolls up into a casual cropped look
PERFECT PAIRING
This cut evokes rockstar power—that’s why we paired it with a vegan leather jacket and pointy pumps.
SHOPPING
1. Levi’s Wedgie Straight JEANS in Light Denim, $108, aritzia.com. 2. ZW Premium ’90s Full JEANS in Sentinel Black, $60, zara.com. 3. Contemporaine Straight Stretch JEANS in Dark Blue, $89, simons.ca. 4. Mid Rise Power Slim Straight JEANS in Medium Indigo, $45, oldnavy.ca. 5. Mom High Ankle JEANS in Light Denim Blue/washed, $40, hm.com/ca.
“I LOVE JEANS! THEY’RE EASY TO WEAR ON ANY OCCASION, AND I FEEL SEXY IN THEM WITHOUT TOO MUCH EFFORT.” -Charlotte, 31
THE CUT BOYFRIEND
THESE BOAST A LAID-BACK ATTITUDE, LIKE WEARING A PAIR OF MEN’S JEANS, BUT DESIGNED WITH A WOMAN’S BODY IN MIND.
SHOPPING
1. Kate Boyfriend JEANS in Sun Faded Ripped Basalt, $180, g-star.com. 2. High-waisted Organic Cotton Tapered JEANS in Blue, $135, cosstores.com. 3. Sky High Rise Mom JEANS in Light Indigo, $90, gapcanada.ca. 4. Mid Rise Distressed Boyfriend Straight JEANS in Kelsey, $55, oldnavy.ca. 5. Boyfriend Low JEANS in Light Denim Blue, $60, hm.com/ca.
BENEFITS
• Flattering on fuller-figured women
• Relaxed shape that shows off your hips
• Very comfortable and casual
PERFECT PAIRING
Your favourite runners and a comfy tee go hand in hand with the relaxed cut of these jeans.
RISE
THE RISE IS MEASURED FROM THE CROTCH SEAM UP THE FRONT OF YOUR PELVIS TO THE TOP OF THE WAISTBAND.
VERY HIGH RISE
Sits above the belly button, and measures 11 to 12 inches.
HIGH RISE
Sits at, or slightly above, the navel, and measures 9.5 to 10.5 inches.
MID RISE
Sits about 1 inch below the belly button, and measures 8 to 9 inches.
LOW RISE
Sits low on the hips, approximately 3 inches below the navel, and measures 5 to 8 inches.
“I’M ALMOST ALWAYS WEARING JEANS. THEY’RE A VERSATILE PIECE OF CLOTHING THAT WORKS PERFECTLY WITH MY CASUAL STYLE.” -France, 62
THE CUT FLARE
THE ICONIC CUT OF THE ’70S, FLARED JEANS ARE FORMFITTING THROUGH THE THIGHS AND BELL-SHAPED OVER THE CALVES.
SHOPPING
1. Z1975 Flared JEANS in Light Blue, $50, zara.com. 2. High Rise Flare JEANS in Dark Indigo, $80, gapcanada.ca. 3. Flared JEANS in Dark Blue, $70, mango.com. 4. High Rise Flare JEANS in Dark Indigo, $160, bananarepublic.ca. 5. Wide High JEANS in Denim Blue, $40, hm.com/ca.
BENEFITS
• Enhances the buttocks
• Lengthens the legs
• Slims the waist
PERFECT PAIRING
Wear with classic pumps or wedge heels to make your legs look even longer.
FINDING THE RIGHT SIZE
1
Measure your waist, about 2 inches above your belly button.
2
Measure the fullest part of your hips.
3
Measure the inseam, (along the inner leg from crotch to ankle.
4
Take those numbers and follow the sizing guide for each brand of jeans you try on, since they’ll all differ slightly.
“I LOVE SKINNY JEANS BECAUSE THEY SHOW OFF MY FIGURE. I OWN MANY PAIRS IN VARIOUS COLOURS! I LIKE TO WEAR THEM WITH LOOSE BLOUSES, CUTE BOOTS AND A HAT OR A SCARF, DEPENDING ON THE OCCASION.” -Janaina, 41
THE CUT SKINNY
LIKE A SECOND SKIN, THE FORM-FITTING DESIGN OF SKINNY JEANS IS MEANT TO ACCENTUATE YOUR CURVES.
SHOPPING
1. G-star Shape High Super Skinny Ankle JEANS, $190, g-star.com. 2. Boyish Jeans The Zachary High-rise Skinny JEANS in Greed, $218, altitude-sports.com. 3. YMI Sculpting High-rise JEANS in Blue, $69, simons.ca. 4. 1969 Premium Sky High Rise True Skinny Ankle JEANS in Dark Indigo 4, $138, gapcanada.ca. 5. H&M+ Shaping High JEANS in Dark Gray, $70, hm.com/ca.
BENEFITS
• Shows off your body’s natural curves
• High-waisted versions slim the tummy
• Easily tucks into boots
PERFECT PAIRING
Wear your skinnies with a loose-fitting blouse and some sleek ankle boots or a T-shirt and sneakers—these jeans are very versatile.
LENGTH
THE LENGTH OF JEANS IS MEASURED BY THE INSEAM (FROM THE CROTCH SEAM TO THE BOTTOM, ALONG THE INNER THIGH) AND MAY DIFFER SLIGHTLY DEPENDING ON THE CUT.
SHORT
ANKLE
REGULAR
TALL
Sits about 2 inches above the ankle with a maximum inseam length of 26 inches
Sits right at the ankle with an inseam length of 27 to 29 inches.
Sits below the ankle with an inseam length of 30 to 31 inches.
Designed for those with long legs, these will sit below the ankle with a minimum inseam length of 32 inches.