Shopping for jeans can be a daunting task, but there are a few ways to make it easier, and the most important thing is to know your ideal measurements.
As we look forward to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, which starts in just a few weeks, I thought it would be helpful to have this information so you can shop more strategically and successfully!
FRAME Le Easy Flare Jeans (29) // similar hoodie // VEJA Esplar Sneakers (39)
I often list the rise, inseam, and leg opening measurements when I’m reviewing jeans here on the blog, and I use those measurements when shopping online to rule out jeans that won’t work for me.
But as I talk with friends and the ladies here in the blog comments, I’ve come to realize that most women don’t even know what their ideal measurements are. In fact, some don’t even know what I’m referring to when I talk about rise, inseam, and leg opening. So, let’s break it down.
Key Denim Measurements
Rise: The front rise is the distance from the middle of the crotch seam (right between your legs) to the top of the front of the waistband. High rise jeans are around 11-12″, mid-rise jeans are in the 9-10″ range, and low rise are 7-8″. These are ballpark numbers, but that’s the gist.
Your body type (hourglass/pear/straight/carrot), whether you are long or short-waisted, and general comfort level will determine the ideal rise for you.
Gap Factory High Rise Wide-Leg Utility Crop Jeans sold out, option // similar sweater tank // similar sandals // raffia clutch // love knot earrings // Tom Ford sunnies
I’ve learned that I’m happiest with something in that 10″ range. I can go up to an 11″ rise, and sometimes I’ll settle for a 9.5″ rise, but no higher or lower than those numbers, and 10.5″ is my happy place.
The best way to figure out your ideal rise is simply to measure the rise on your favorite jeans. And most websites provide that info, so if your favorite jeans are still available online, you can look it up that way.
Inseam: The inseam is the distance from the middle of the crotch seam (right between your legs) to the bottom of the pant leg. You take this measurement on the inside of the pant leg. Lay them out flat, folded in half, to get the most accurate measurement.
Once again, to determine which inseam length you want, it’s best to measure a pair of jeans you like. And you may want a few different options, depending on what shoes you are wearing or what style you’re going for. I keep several different lengths in my closet.
MOTHER Weekender Flare (29) // Evereve James Pullover old (S) // Birks (39)
Leg Opening: This is simply the width of the bottom of the hem of the jeans, but before it’s sewn together.
To measure the leg opening, lay the bottom cuff flat and measure from one seam to the other. Then take that measurement and double it. For example, most skinny jeans have a 10″ leg opening, and when you lay them flat, they will measure 5″ across at the hem.
The knee measurement is sometimes listed, but it isn’t important unless you’re comparing flare or bootcut jeans, and then it’s nice to have so you can compare it to the leg opening.
Guide to Denim Fabric Composition
Denim is a strong cotton fabric made using a twill weave, which creates a subtle diagonal ribbing pattern. Historically, denim was 100% cotton, which makes them very rigid. These days, most denim is made with a certain percentage of Tencel, Spandex, elastane, etc. to give them a stretchier, more comfortable fit and feel.
PAIGE Anessa Wide Leg Ankle Jeans (29) // old bobi Utility Tee (M) // Sam Edelman Bambi Slides (8) // similar Dragon Diffusion tote // Tom Ford sunnies
My favorite denim composition is 98% cotton/2% spandex or elastane. In my opinion, that 2% is just enough to give them some stretch, but they still have the integrity of denim and they usually hold their shape quite well.
I do have some with more of the stretchy stuff in them, especially white and other colored denim, but I always look at the fabric content and try to go for that 98% cotton/2% elastane when I can.
Shop My Favorite Jeans
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14 Responses
Excellent! Thank you!
Great info! Thanks!
Love those Naot sandals you linked in the email, btw. Very tempted.
Don’t they look good? I can’t believe I haven’t seen them before. My experience with that brand is that they are verrrry comfortable and supportive.
Great and timely post. I recently lost a lot of weight, a bit too fast, but need jeans for the fall. Right now most of the stores in my area don’t have jeans in stock to try on except summery items.
You do so good at teaching. I remember awhile ago, you did a similar post and it was so helpful to me and now I can order jeans online much easier, especially if I even know what brands fit my body type best. I’m really not sure what body type I have to be honest. I’m pretty proportioned from head to toe, so would that be straight or hourglass? Probably a dumb question, but I’m here to learn. LOL
There are no dumb questions. (Says the former 3rd grade teacher.) lol – I am not a body type expert, but if you want to pursue it, I think Jen at Everyday Style School has a free online body type quiz.
I had major stomach surgery last year and can no longer stand anything pressing, or seams rubbing against the scars area. So high rise are my friend. Thank you for this instructional post. No idea why I never thought to go look at my favorite jeans and check out the measurements. Duh!
By the way, what does the Website mean when signing name and email on comments?
That is if you have your own website you want to link. I need to get my developer to delete that.
This is so helpful! Thank you! Can’t wait to see your picks for the Nordstrom Sale.
This article is SO helpful! I’m also really excited about the Naot slides. I have a couple of their sandals and they’re so comfortable!
Absolutely brilliant post! Thank you!
Great content!
I wear a size 8 or sometimes a 10 in jeans. When I see jeans sized like 28, 29, 30….I have always avoided them because of those measurements. My waist exceeds 30″, yet an 8 or 10 fits fine. Is that 28, 30, etc. the true measure of the waistband in those jeans? Some really appeal to me, but I have not tried them.
That number will not directly correlate to your waist measurement. You should definitely try them. Typically, size 8 = Size 29, size 10 = Size 30, etc.