Jeans. We have all worn a pair at some point in our lives, just as we have all loved, outgrown, torn, regretted, scuffed, and on the rare occasion even possibly fallen out with a non co-operating pair, so there need be no long introductions today. There isn’t a modern male alive – that I know of anyway – who hasn’t owned a pair of jeans at some point in their lives, and further more, there isn’t a human being alive that I know of who hasn’t had some form of dilemma when trying to find a pair to fit exactly as they should. Working as a Menswear Personal Stylist I am repeatedly confronted by men who hold a variety of on-going wardrobe issues, from never being able to find shirts with the correct sleeve length, to simply having an inability to refrain from buying ALL clothes in some form of navy blue. But hands down, the dreaded Jeans Shopping tops the list.

Now, truth be told I like to consider myself a very open minded individual, especially when anything fashion is involved. I believe that fashion has no boundaries, that we should be free to experiment within our personal style however we may wish without prejudice and that our age should have very little control over what we choose to wear. For the most part, I completely stand by and actively preach these rules. However, for the every day man – who also happens to be the man that I spend 90% of my time working with – these rules are somewhat completely void when it comes to finding that perfect jean.

What Jeans Are Right For Me?

As much as we love to think that it is only women who need to worry about body shapes, age and suitability, unfortunately they are just as relevant to us blokes. Here are a few key factors for you to bear in mind…

Age + Cut = ?

A sensitive subject for some, but a realistic one for all. Up until our late teens/early twenties, we can get away with most. However – as a general rule – the extent of the rips, studs, logos, bleach, paint, stitching and those god-awful elasticated bottoms gracing your denim should gradually decrease as the years to your age increase. Nor can we get away with the saggy bum or ill-fitting waists I’m afraid lads. When you first try your jeans on in the store you want them to feel slightly too tight – obviously not so tight that you have to severely reduce the amount of breaths you take, I really don’t need that hanging over my head.