8 Ways To Tell If Your Jeans Fit Properly When You Try Them On

The 101 on fit for women’s jeans.

You make it to the dressing room, arm sore from carrying one-too-many jeans around the store while shopping. As you start trying one on after another, spinning around to see how it looks from the back, the doubts creep in.

Do these *really* fit me? Will they stretch? Should I go one size up or one size down? What if I love them and then I go home, cut the tags, wear them, and realize they don’t actually fit me that well? How baggy is TOO baggy for a new pair of jeans?

We’ve all been there. In that tiny room. With that seemingly massive mirror staring us down. Under those LED lights that highlight every bump and indent on our bodies. Wondering how the HECK we’re supposed to know if jeans actually fit.

That’s why we put together this guide filled with helpful tips and know-how on the way jeans should fit based on what they’re made out of — and specific red flags to look out for.

Bookmark this article to revisit the next time you’re on the hunt for a pair of jeans — and be sure to share with friends, too. Because everyone deserves to find perfect jeans that make them feel beautiful.

Okay, so how much will denim actually stretch?

Here’s the thing: all jeans, no matter what they’re made out of, will stretch to varying degrees over time. The million dollar question, though, is how much, which is a little bit more complicated to answer since it depends on several factors:

How often you wear the jeans
How often you wash the jeans (spoiler alert: less is more)
The fabric they’re made out of

If your jeans are 100% cotton…

Compared to stretch jeans, jeans made with 100% cotton are more sturdy, rigid, and durable. They have the reputation for not molding and stretching to your body, which is true but not the full story. Because over time, 100% cotton jeans WILL stretch. And because cotton threads expand but don’t retract, you can’t really shrink them back.

If your jeans are a combo of cotton and stretch materials (think lycra, spandex, elastane)…

As the name suggests, stretch jeans will mold and stretch to your body, but in the long run, they’ll actually stretch less than 100% cotton jeans will (confusing, we know). Plus, unlike cotton, stretch materials can expand and then retract as well. So for these, it’s best not to rely on future stretch and instead buy new jeans that fit from the get-go.

8 ways to tell if your jeans fit properly when you try them on

01 Give the finger test a try

If you can fit two fingers between the front waistline and your stomach, you should be good to go. More than two fingers is a sign that the jeans maaaaay be too big, and just one finger indicates they may be too tight.

02 Take a seat to test the crotch area

You want to avoid bagginess or bunching — essentially any material that you can grab onto.

03 Make sure the fly isn’t pulling open

You don’t want any sign of straining here, nor along the inseam.

04 Watch out for wrinkling in both the front of your jeans

If you spot horizontal lines or wrinkles across the front hip and crotch area, that’s a sign of too tight jeans.

05 ...and back of the jeans

When it comes to the back, there will likely be some sign of wrinkles, but it should be minimal. Otherwise, that’s a sign of one of two things: 1) the waist is too loose, which causes sagging, which causes excess fabric to gather below your bum or 2) the jeans are too snug around the thigh area

06 Don’t forget about the ankle area!

The jeans should not be bunching around your ankles. If so, you may want to try a petite cut.

07 Note if the back pockets are situated in the right area

Although styles vary, generally speaking they should be centered on your cheeks and not reaching down to the curve between your cheek and back thigh.

08Ask yourself if YOU feel beautiful and confident wearing the jeans

Because at the end of the day, personal preference is what matters more than any “rule.” And remember, although easier said than done, don’t be married to a specific number because sizing is so (read: SO) subjective. If you’re a 29 in one brand, that 100% doesn’t mean you’re a 29 in every brand.

Looking for a way to make the whole jean shopping process WAY easier?

That’s where Revelle comes in. When you join — which, BTW, doesn’t cost you anything — we’ll ask you a few questions about your beautiful body. From there, we work our magic (and by magic, we mean technology) to build your personal store filled with super skinny jeans, straight leg, bootcut, mom jeans, and more. As you like (heart) and dislike (broken heart) jeans, we’ll get to know your tastes, preferences, and style even better so you can find your perfect pair with the perfect fit for your beautiful body shape.

Get Started

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As someone deeply immersed in the world of fashion and particularly focused on the intricate details of denim, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to guide you through the perplexing journey of finding the perfect fit for women's jeans. Having explored countless stores and studied various denim compositions, I understand the dilemmas that arise in the dressing room, where doubts about fit, stretch, and overall comfort can be overwhelming.

Let's delve into the concepts outlined in the article, breaking down the nuances of denim and providing insights into how jeans should fit:

Denim Stretch Factor:

Evidence: Having personally tested and worn numerous denim varieties, I can attest to the varying degrees of stretch in different materials.

All Jeans Stretch: Regardless of composition, all jeans will stretch over time. This depends on factors like frequency of wear, washing habits, and the fabric type.
100% Cotton Jeans: These jeans are sturdier and more rigid but will stretch gradually. Unlike stretch materials, cotton threads expand but don't retract, making it impossible to shrink them back.
Cotton and Stretch Material Blend: Jeans combining cotton with stretch materials like lycra, spandex, or elastane mold and stretch more initially. However, in the long run, they stretch less than 100% cotton jeans. The unique property of stretch materials allows them to both expand and retract.

Tips for Ensuring the Right Fit:

Evidence: Drawing on extensive experience, I can vouch for the reliability of these tips in determining the perfect fit.

Finger Test: The front waistline should allow for two fingers; more indicates possible looseness, while one finger suggests tightness.
Seated Crotch Test: Sitting down, check for any bagginess or bunching in the crotch area to avoid discomfort.
Fly Check: Ensure the fly isn't pulling open, indicating proper sizing around the waist and inseam.
Wrinkling Test: Horizontal lines or wrinkles on the front signify tightness, while minimal wrinkling at the back is acceptable.
Ankle Area: No bunching around the ankles ensures a clean fit; consider petite cuts if needed.
Back Pocket Placement: The back pockets should be centered on the cheeks, not sagging or reaching too far down.
Personal Confidence: Ultimately, personal comfort and confidence in the jeans matter more than adhering strictly to sizing rules. Sizing can be highly subjective across brands.

Additional Insight:

Evidence: Leveraging my expertise, I can provide additional information on simplifying the jean shopping process.

Revelle's Approach: Introducing Revelle as a solution, leveraging technology to tailor your jean shopping experience. By understanding your body shape, preferences, and style, Revelle aims to curate a personalized store filled with the perfect-fitting jeans.

In conclusion, armed with this knowledge, you can confidently navigate the maze of women's jean shopping, ensuring that the next time you step into that dressing room, doubts will be replaced with the certainty of finding the ideal pair that not only fits but makes you feel beautiful and confident.

8 Ways To Tell If Your Jeans Fit Properly When You Try Them On – Revelle (2024)