Finding the Right Jeans

Let’s face it, jeans are an essential part of everybody’s wardrobe and are a necessity to own, but we can all agree that shopping for jeans can be stressful! Going from store to store and through countless fitting rooms isn’t just a hassle- it’s flat out exhausting! But finding those perfect pair of jeans that fit just right and look even better on you is a great feeling! To get this feeling without all of the hassle, let’s talk about how to choose the right color/wash and fit that matches your style. We’ll even clue you in on your one-stop-shop for great jeans. Hint: it rhymes with “Funnings.”Let’s face it, jeans are an essential part of everybody’s wardrobe and are a necessity to own, but we can all agree that shopping for jeans can be stressful! Going from store to store and through countless fitting rooms isn’t just a hassle- it’s flat out exhausting! But finding those perfect pair of jeans that fit just right and look even better on you is a great feeling! To get this feeling without all of the hassle, let’s talk about how to choose the right color/wash and fit that matches your style. We’ll even clue you in on your one-stop-shop for great jeans. Hint: it rhymes with “Funnings.”

Everyone should have a light wash, medium wash, and dark wash pair of jeans in their closets. These three washes allow you to go anywhere and do anything with confidence in your appearance. This is because each of these colors brings something different to the table in terms of formality- giving you options no matter where you’re headed.

THE LIGHT WASH

The light wash is definitely the most casual wash in the bunch. You wouldn’t wear this jean out on a date Friday night or at a meeting with your boss. But for the Saturday morning errand run, a day at the lake with your friends, or a football BBQ with your family, your light wash jeans are a great way to look good while keeping it casual!

Although a light wash jean is part of an essential wardrobe, it has the potential to make you look older than you’d probably like… This is why you would want to pair them with bold basic colors and only wear them in casual settings. Light wash is also better worn in the Summer and Spring seasons of the year, so you might want to put them toward the bottom of the pile as we head towards fall.

THE MEDIUM WASH

The medium wash is also known as your tried-and-true classic blue jeans! It’s the versatile look that jeans were made famous for. These jeans are easy to dress up and dress down in a second. You can’t have too many pairs of medium wash jeans in your closet! These are perfect for meeting the in-laws for lunch, heading out to the State Fair, and everything in between. They’re a safe bet for any outfit and work well year-round!

THE DARK WASH

This wash is a little classier and is best worn at events that require a higher level of formality than Saturday morning chores. This jean is a lifesaver for guys that hate “suiting up” because it looks sophisticated and stylish, but still has the comfort of a jean. Dark wash jeans are perfect for people that protest giving up comfort for style. This jean is perfect for your favorite concert, a dinner date, and in most offices they’ll even muster a “suitable for work” rating. Fall and winter are home to the dark wash jean, but it can also be worn anytime of the year when the sun goes down!

After figuring out which washes work best for you and your lifestyle, the most important part of jean shopping is finding that perfect fit. Sorting through all of the different fits that jeans come in can be like jumping through a rabbit hole of information, try-ons, and disappointment. So before you jump in, it’s best to get a basic understanding of the most classic and popular fits.

SLIM

This fit tends to be tight around the thighs, knees, and calves and loosens around the ankles. These jeans are great if you aren’t doing anything in them but walking and sitting around. Otherwise, they can be restricting and not as comfortable as some prefer. Despite this, they can be very flattering (especially in a dark wash) and give you a sophisticated look anywhere you go- check out these men’s Wrangler Cowboy Cut Jeans for example. Guys and gals with a more athletic frame will likely want to stay away from this fit.

STRAIGHT

A straight fit is the same cut all the way down the leg. This means that it is tighter around the thighs, but loosens up as it hits the knees, calves, and ankles. The straight fit is a versatile style that works well with most body types and is best worn with sneakers or dress shoes.

CLASSIC

This fit, also known as a relaxed fit, is loose throughout the leg. It’s perfect for activities and gives you a comfortable range of motion. However, since this fit is a looser cut it could cause “bunching” or “sagging” - which is why you’ll want to make sure they fit you well first. Ladies can check out these Carhartt Relaxed Fit Stretch Denim jeans to get an idea of what we mean.

BOOT CUT

Boot cut jeans are fitted around the thighs and wider around the ankles. If your body has a curvy shape to it then the boot cut fit will really benefit it. Naturally, boot cut jeans are meant for exactly what they sound like- wearing boots. The wider taper around the ankles allows the jeans to cover your boots in a more attractive way than a straight leg might. Looking for the perfect boot cut to rock everyday? We’ve got tons of Wrangler jeans that are perfectly stylish and comfortable in boot cut!

Knowledge of the wash/color and fit of the jeans is the most important information you’ll need before going heading into the fitting room. Take this newfound knowledge to your local Runnings and you’ll have a wardrobe everyone will be jealous of! Just remember to factor in the comfort of the jeans when you try them on- size is just a number, after all! Speaking of jean length… be sure to pay attention to length when trying on jeans. Ideally, your jeans should just graze the top of your shoes or create a small break around the ankle when standing up. Remember that you can always taper jeans that are too long, but you can’t go back and lengthen a pair that’s too short! Ready to find your next pair of jeans? Stop by your local Runnings to see our selection!