Last week we posted “5 Tips for a Better Looking Butt in Jeans” that shared tips from 7 For All Mankind’s Creative Director Michele Manz.
As a reminder, this two part post was prompted by a bunch of tweets where people responded to an unofficial survey saying that they thought most women didn’t know how to buy jeans to best compliment their body.
From butt size, to waist size to showing off your legs… Michele has provided us with some great tips for insuring you look awesome in your jeans.
Now for the tips…
Q. Is there a cut of jeans that you consider universally flattering on all women regardless of body type?
The classic bootcut. It was our very first jean when we launched, and is still one of our best sellers. A well-fitting bootcut or flare leg (like our new Kaylie, Biancha, and Jiselle styles) creates a long, lean line for the wearer. It creates the illusion of elongated legs, and the leg opening balances the thighs.
Q. What about high-waisted vs. low-waisted jeans? Which style is best for tall women and which style is best for petite women?
I think this is a matter of personal preference and also depends on the proportions of your body. Whether you are short waisted or long waisted is also key.
Generally I think petite women tend to look better in low waist styles. If you have shorter legs proportionally to the rest of your body, a high waist style can make your legs appear longer.
Tall women are lucky – either low waist or high waist styles look great, again depending on the proportion of your legs to your body overall.
Q. Should girls with larger behinds steer clear of white jeans and lighter-colored pants?
More important are the details on the jeans and elements of the rest of the outfit as opposed to the color or wash of the jeans themselves. While the ultimate butt minimizer is a simple, dark jean there are other options that work. Choose styles without fussy embroidery and with flat, well-placed pockets. Especially if you combine longer layers on top, white or light jeans are definitely an option for anyone.
Q. What style/cut of jeans should a woman wear if she…
…loves her legs and wants to show them off?
Skinny jeans that hug the legs are great if you want to show off. Crops also draw attention to the legs.
…is not crazy about her legs and doesn’t want to draw attention to them?
Look for classic trouser styles or bootcut styles. Choose a jean that has details at the top to draw your eye upwards.
…has “cankles”?
No crops! Any regular length jean will work, but crops will draw attention to your problem area.
…has long legs and a short torso or short legs and a long torso?
Long legs look great in a skinny style. For short legs, a bootcut or low-breaking flare like our Kaylie style – worn long so it covers your heels – gives the appearance of extra inches.
…has muscular calves?
Try a straight leg. The straight line from top to bottom will camouflage any problem areas. A flare or trouser style would be great too; just avoid a crop as this will highlight the calves.
…has super-skinny legs and feels they are too skinny?
Wide leg trouser styles are great. They add volume and hide thin legs.
Q. Can skinny jeans really work on all women regardless of their size?
Yes, as long as they fit properly! Ignore the size on the label. Don’t be afraid to go up or down a size – size is just a number on a tag. Each pair is cut and washed a little differently, so they can vary in size. What’s most important is getting the perfect pair for you, not the size on the label.
Q. What style/cut of jeans should a woman wear if she…
…loves her curvy hips and wants to show them off?
A low waist style with a contoured waistband. A contoured waistband – one that is curved and is higher in the back than it is in the front – will hug your body and eliminate gapping at the back. The key is to make sure the waist, hip, and thigh area of the jean is perfectly hugging your curves.
…feels the opposite and wants to appear slimmer in her hips and thighs?
Look for a fit that is straighter at the waist and hips. The back rise should be slightly higher. Also avoid styles with extreme whiskering or abrasion at the thigh as this will trick the eye into thinking the hips are wider.
Q. What mistakes do women with big hips make when selecting what to wear?
Wearing jeans that are too small. Choose what is most comfortable and flattering, which is not necessarily based on size alone. Also pair your jeans with tops that are the correct proportion – it’s all about balance! You don’t want to wear cropped tops with low waist jeans, for example.
Q. Are dark, solid colors the way to go versus lighter colors and patterns if you don’t love your hips or thighs?
In general dark, solid jeans flatter everyone and can be worn year round. Women who don’t love their hips can still have fun with fashion by wearing lighter jeans or even patterned jeans, just make sure you’re wearing the most flattering top for your body.
Q. How does the placement—or the very presence—of front or side pockets affect how big a woman’s hips and thighs appear?
The placement of side pockets is very important, and is absolutely we take into consideration when designing. Women of all body types can wear denim with these details, just make sure they are fit properly.
If your jeans are too tight in the hips, the side pockets will pull open and create unwanted volume.
Side pockets are more challenging if you don’t love your hips and thighs. If you still want to wear jeans with front pockets, a dark wash is the way to go and is a more flattering choice for most people. The same rule about pocket size applies here as it does on the back – make sure the pockets aren’t too small, or it will make your thighs appear larger than they are.
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