Denim, not just for skinny people, is one of the most challenging and intimidating things to shop for. Consistently topping the polls, charts and reports, plus denim size is the hardest thing to buy! Many times you’ll find yourself buying 10-20 pairs of jeans that never fit and that’s totally insane!
“I often say that I wish I had invented blue jeans: the most spectacular, the most practical, the most comfortable and the most casual. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, casual – everything I hope for in my outfit.”
Yves Saint-Laurent
However, equipping yourself with the right tools when shopping will only ease anxiety and sometimes create more confidence, helping you to be more confident in shopping for your figure!
Here are some tips for buying plus size denim…
Everything to know about finding Denim Plus Size
Cut
Let’s talk about different shapes of jeans. In general, there are usually four/five styles, with variations to those, depending on what’s trending at the moment.
The main cuts you can find on plus size denim:
- Boot Cut– this common cut glides over the thigh, with a slight cleft, breaking at the knee
- Thin– this front denim fashion glides over the thighs, and remains fitted over the calves and ankles
- Leg width– commonly known as trouser jeans, this denim is worn at the waist and over the saddle, and begins to flare out at the top of your thighs, and continues to flare throughout
- Flared legs– this type of denim usually fits well past the thighs and flares out considerably, more than a boot cut.
- Straight leg– these jeans have a straight cut from top to bottom through the leg, from waist to hem. Once the trend has hit, this style is seen in boyfriend jeans or slim fit jeans.
Rise
This refers to where the denim touches your waist. This is the length of the fabric from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband. Knowing the rise of denim will help denim impact your waistline, comfort level, lengthen your legs, and elevate your back.
- Natural RiseRegular high-waisted jeans are 9 to 11 inches long. The waistband is located just below or below the navel.
- Low rise– Can change about eight inches, but change one inch up or down. Expect these jeans to be about 3cm below the navel.
- Super low gain– Do not grow more than seven inches and change from there, possibly down to three inches below the crotch
- Higher– Over 11 inches, these jeans usually cover the navel
Wash
Washing denim refers to the texture and color of jeans, which affects their appearance. Washing can affect the wear, build, and lifespan of the denim fabric, in addition to finishing the overall look.
Spandex and Lycra
The magic of denim and its ability to hug your curves is a blend of both Spandex and Lycra. Using either of these is what gives denim its stretch.
Know that:
- The optimal spandex level should be between 1 and 4 percent
- 100% cotton denim takes less time than stretch denim
- The higher the spandex or Lycra ratio, the more prone the denim is to lose its shape.
- Regular denim will last longer because the elastic fibers break more easily
Denim designer plus size
If you’re looking to score plus size denim for your curves, don’t worry, we’re here to help. We’ve amassed a list of plus size denim brands and designers we know and love.
Here are the big denim designers, brands and retailers to know:
If your favorite brands aren’t here, don’t worry, leave us a comment and we’ll add them to our list!
Want to keep your jeans big for as long as possible?
Well, here are a few tips for taking care of your plus size jeans:
Madewell denim pro Mary Pierson, share some tips on the site and we had to share those tips here!
- Wear often, wash sparingly. “Don’t wash your jeans too often. The less they are exposed to water, the longer the color will stay. I know people who are very stubborn, and have worn jeans for two years without washing. This may frighten clean lovers, but natural elements like ozone in the air, a little dirt, and body oils all add beauty and character to jeans. Just like the side parting and dirty hair are a bit sexy — so are jeans. “
- Wash them inside and out. Mary goes on to share HOW to wash them: “Wash them inside out, in cold water and mild detergent to preserve color. Don’t use bleach — whenever bleach touches the eczema, it will fade. “
- Hang dry or air-dry them. “It’s best to let them air-dry, and if they’re a bit hard, you can put them in the dryer on low heat for a few minutes to soften them.”
Does this help you out? Do you feel that you can score your next pair of jeans with these tips? Let us know what you think and where you score your favorite jeans from!
Happy shopping!
