TSW Tips & Tricks: Finding the Perfect Jeans

As women, finding a pair of jeans that fit like a dream is basically a myth. Each and every retailer seems to have a different interpretation of sizing; a UK10 in Topshop is the same as a UK4 in H&M which is a UK12 in Primark. Lost? Us, too. Bagging a pair of jeans that you think is your size, only to find they won’t go past your knees can be a serious mood killer! But hey, size is just a number and we’re here to share all the denim tips we’ve learnt over the years, so next time you need a new pair of jeans you’ll have some tricks up your sleeve to make sure you get the perfect fit.

Shopping for jeans online is more than likely going to lead to disappointment. Take it from someone who’s worked behind-the-scenes at some big online retailers – those pictures aren’t a true representation of the fit of the garment. More often than not, clips and pins are used to make the clothes look ~perfect~ on the model, and that’s why they never look quite the same on. If you’re sure you want to buy your jeans online, utilise payment options like Klarna and ClearPay – if you order a few sizes, you can try them all on then return any that don’t fit quite right and your bank account isn’t even touched!

Paige, a Content Manager here at TSS says: “I don’t really like shopping for jeans in store, I prefer to do it online. I order most of my jeans from either Bershka, ASOS or Nasty Gal and I have every size from a UK8 to a UK14. Wide-leg jeans are my preference but it’s difficult finding a pair that fits my waist without being too tight around my thighs! I usually buy three different sizes of the same style then pay with Klarna. When they arrive, I try them on, find my closest fit then just return the others – that means that the only money that comes out of my account is for any I keep! It makes it completely hassle free.”

Putting too much importance on the sizing of your clothes is just going to lead to negative body imagery, a lack of confidence and just a miserable time. We know, you’ve heard it time and time again, but the only person that even knows what size your jeans are, is you! And if you’re really that fussed about it, cut out the label. Realistically, you’re going to feel way more comfortable and confident if you get a size that actually fits and flatters your shape than if you stick with your “actual size” and have to pop the button after every meal. Trust us, it’s not you that’s the problem.

A TSS team member says: “I remember during lockdown numero uno I bought some new jeans in my usual size, and I couldn’t for the life of me squeeze my arse into them. I bought them from H&M (where I had never shopped denim before) and when I held them up against my Levi’s, Nasty Gal and Topshop jeans I was so shocked to see how different the waist was on them all. They were all a size 10 and the difference between some of the waists was over an inch. I felt bad about myself for a hot minute then I just thought, do you know what, this is not my problem! This is just poor craftsmanship. I sent them back, never ordered from there again and copped some joggers from ASOS. Joggers never lie, babes.”

A hack that every single team member at The Sole Supplier swears by is tailoring. It’s practically common knowledge that high-street denim brands suck, so you have to find a work-around or you’ll never wear jeans again.

For wide-leg jeans, Mom jeans or straight-leg jeans, buy a pair that’s one or two sizes up from your usual so you can pretty much guarantee they’ll be too big around the waist. When they arrive, take them down to your local tailor and they’ll fit the waist and the leg to create a bespoke pair of jeans that are tailored to you! Our Social Media Manager said: “when I buy my jeans, I tend to look in the sale at Nasty Gal or on ASOS then cop a pair of cute jeans for £15-£20 that are a couple of sizes too big. I take them to get tailored which costs anywhere between £10-£19 then I have the perfect pair that costs no more than a brand-new pair of high-street jeans! I always struggle to find jeans off the rack that fit my body proportions, so tailoring is the only way for me to feel confident and comfy in my denim.”

One thing’s for absolute certain, high-street retailers have a lot of work to do when it comes to offering consistent denim sizes! We should be able to confidently shop jeans and know for sure that our “usual size” will fit like a dream. But until then, use our tips and tricks to make sure you bag your dream pair and let us know if you have any tricks on our IG @thesolewomens!