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What To Look For In A Pair Of Jeans

How They Fit

As is the case with any piece of clothing, fit is the most important aspect when it comes to parting with your hard-earned cash. If you like the way something fits, or if it complements your personal style – i.e. you might want to wear wide leg trousers if you like a mid-century aesthetic – then you can move on to other details like fabric choice, colour and so on. The point is, if it doesn’t fit, don’t buy it.

But how should a pair of jeans fit? There is no one answer and fit is more subjective today than ever. Yes, skinny jeans have been popular seemingly forever, but in the last few years brands have been slowly moving into more relaxed cuts that flatter rather than shrink-wrap the body. Nudie Jeans for example released two new relaxed styles alone in the last couple of years, to accompany its extensive line up of slim and skinny jeans – there’s more choice than ever before.

The Denim

The type of denim you choose for your jeans will dictate when they’re appropriate to wear. Something lightweight (under 12oz) is ideal for summer; middleweight (between 12 – 16oz) is good for three seasons and heavyweight (16oz +) should be reserved for colder climes. It’s also worth noting that the heavier the denim the longer it’ll take to break in, and the more uncomfortable it’ll be until it softens, but you’ll also get more extreme fades so there’s a tradeoff. Heavyweight denim is typically valued by enthusiasts for this very reason. No pain, no gain. if you’re looking for extra warmth, consider a pair of flannel lined jeans.

Heavier denim doesn’t necessarily equate to better quality either, although it is a good marker because it’s more difficult to produce. Many would argue the denim needs to be raw, including Danny Hodgson, owner and founder of Rivet & Hide: “Raw denim will mould to the wearer’s body shape over time creating natural crease lines and fade patterns.