Jeans Guide
Size Guide
Many people avoid buying jeans online as size guides and conversions are as varied as the individual brands. But if you take the time to take your measurements and know which jeans fit you well, buying jeans online can easily be a success.
The different fits and measurements vary from brand to brand and we suggest that you should refer to the brand's own size guide for the most accurate sizing. Some use international size indicators, while others use European sizes or inches. However, we have compiled a general standard size guide and size conversion below to give you a hint as to which size you should choose.
When taking your measurements, it's important to be precise and preferably measure yourself without big trousers or thick leggings. Get help from a second party if you want to get precise measurements. It's important to relax your posture so that your new jeans fit well in day-to-day life, both when you're sitting down and moving around.
Waist
Measure the narrowest part of the waist. This is especially relevant if you choose high waist or mid waist jeans, as they should fit snugly around the waist.
Hips
Measure the widest part of your hips. It's important that you don't tighten the measuring tape here, as this can result in your jeans being too tight.
Legs
Measure around the widest part of your thigh. Not many brands provide these measurements, but it can be relevant if you buy jeans without stretch, as it can be uncomfortable to sit down in jeans that tighten around the thigh.
Inseam
Measure from the inner thigh down to the ankle. It's important that you stand up in a relaxed position so you can get an idea of how long the jeans are on your body. It's a good idea to get a helping hand here.
Waist height
High waist, low waist or somewhere in between? It's not always easy to navigate the different waist heights when it comes to jeans. To a large extent, it's a matter of personal preference.
Although the waist height of jeans is often determined by trends, it's important to choose the fit you feel most comfortable in and feel is flattering on your body type. However, they can also have different styles and some waist heights work better with certain tops and shirts.
Materials
The comfort of a pair of jeans is not only determined by their fit and style, but also their material composition. The materials that make up your jeans are crucial to comfort and how they fit your body, so pay attention to this when buying trousers.
True denim trousers as we know them are usually made of 100% cotton. These jeans don't offer much stretch and can be uncomfortable at first, but once a pair of true denim jeans is fitted, they hold their shape for many years and are without a doubt the best investment.
If you prefer a pair of jeans with a little stretch that are comfortable from day one and fit perfectly, you should find a pair of jeans where part of the material is elastane. The stretchy material composition gives you more room to move, but can eventually become deformed or weak in the elastic.
Jeans Styles
Straight fit jeans
Characterised by being as wide at the thighs as at the ankles. Straight fit jeans have a straight and neutral fit that suits most body types and creates a classic silhouette. This style is most commonly available as high waist or mid waist, but is available in many different widths when it comes to the pant legs.
Bootcut & flared jeans
Characterised by being fitted at the waist and around the thighs with width at the bottom of the trouser leg. Bootcut fit jeans are similar to straight fit jeans, but with a bit more width at the bottom of the trouser legs so you can easily wear a boot underneath. Flared fit jeans have the same fit, but with even more width in the trouser legs a la the 70s. These styles give a feminine silhouette that emphasises the elegant contours of the body. This is a classic high waist style, but is also seen in both mid waist and low waist styles.
Skinny & slim fit jeans
Characterised by being tight-fitting throughout the leg and waist. Skinny jeans and slim fit jeans have a classic look that emphasises the contours of the body. Most people prefer slim fit jeans in a stretchy material, both for comfort and because it's often the most flattering material for this tight style.
Wide leg jeans
Characterised by being significantly wider at the bottom of the trouser leg and fitted at the waist. Wide leg jeans have a more modern fit and a unisex look, as they are available in very oversized styles and more feminine fitted styles. The width of the trouser leg creates the illusion of a longer leg and creates a nice harmonious silhouette. This style is especially popular in low waist and mid waist styles that complement the often long trouser legs
Boyfriend fit jeans
Characterised by a loose oversized fit that sits low on the waist and is cropped at the ankle. Boyfriend jeans have a unisex look that should look like you stole a pair of men's jeans. Therefore, they are often baggy and sit low on the waist for a cool menswear look. This model is often seen with worn details and is often rolled up a bit in the trouser legs so you can see the ankles.
Cropped jeans
Characterised by short trouser legs that go above the ankle, but can vary in fit. Cropped jeans are not so much a fit as they are a detail. Cropped jeans often come in the form of straight jeans, boyfriend jeans or mom jeans, but most often the trouser legs can simply be rolled up on any pair of jeans if you want a cropped look. This style gives the illusion of a shorter leg, but is popular in the summer when the bare ankle provides air to the leg.