How to get the perfect fit when you're buying jeans online
We all know that feeling - eagerly ripping open the parcel, trying on your new jeans, and... ugh, they don’t fit! So annoying! But don’t worry, there are a few tricks to get your online clothes shopping right first time without having to order a bunch of sizes and styles.
First, have a look at the size chart on the retailer’s website and compare it with your own measurements. If you've got jeans you already love, measure the waist, hips, and inner leg (a.k.a. the inseam) of this pair to figure out the perfect fit. Just remember that denim can shrink or stretch over time, so the label size might not be spot on.
Next, dive into the item description. Many fashion sites tell you the height of the model and the size they're wearing, which can give you a decent idea of how the cut and rise might look on you.
Check the nature of the fabric listed in the product description. Jeans with a higher percentage of elastane or spandex will be stretchier and therefore more flexible to fit your figure. But if you’re into that classic denim feel and fit, aim for 100% cotton.
Scan through customer reviews to see what other buyers have said about the sizing, stretch, and overall fit. ‘Keep an eye out for 'TTS'. It stands for 'true to size', which is ideally what you want. If buyers have commented that the jeans are a generous fit, you may want to size down. Vice versa if people are saying they come up small.
You may already have an idea of the rise and fit of jeans that suits your body shape best, so you can use this to inform your decisions. Typically flares, bootcut and wide-leg jeans are most universally flattering across all body shapes. If you want to find out for sure the best fits for you (for trousers, dress, tops, outerwear to name a few), check out Inspired Styling’s Body Shape Styling service. It can be combined with Seasonal Colour Analysis too, so you can be sure to pick the best shade of denim to flatter your appearance.
I hope that helps, and happy shopping!