Straight Leg Jean
Jeans and How to Find a Pair That Really Fit
When Levi Strauss arrived in America and invented jeans in 1853, he probably had no idea that these trousers designed as work trousers for men, would become such a “high” fashion item in the twentieth and twenty-first centuaries. These working clothes are now worn by men and women of all generations and social classes.
30 years ago there was a wealth of “jean” shops, dedicated to selling only denim. These are few and far between. It is no longer the proviso of brands such as Levi and Lee to manufacture jeans. Every fashion house has its own brand from Marks and Spencer to Diesel, ranging is price from £10 to £150 plus for some designer labels.
Now there are so many variations on the “jean theme” and I don’t just mean price. There are boot cut, boyfriend jean, skinny leg, low rise, mid rise, high rise, high waist, flared. Then what about colour? Even if you just opt for denim rather than coloured jeans, there is dark, washed, stoned washed, bleached. The list is endless. It is a mine field out there!
Here are some things to consider when you shop for jeans.
- Colour. If you are looking for coloured jeans, then make sure they are a colour that suits you and goes with tops you already have. Think about your hair, skin and eye colour. If you are dark go for dark colours, light haired, light colours. This applies to denim too. Try to match your natural colouring to the depth of dye. A medium stone wash is great for mid to light blondes.
- Length. Jeans often come in different leg lengths and some even available un- hemmed so you can get the length exactly right for your legs. If your height is less 5’3” or you have proportionally short legs, I would recommend you avoid turn-ups. Try wearing heels under longer length jeans to give the impression of long legs.
- Cut. There are lots of different styles available, and different cuts will be more flattering and comfortable on different body shapes. If you have an hourglass figure, buy jeans with a bit of lycra in them. The jeans will show off your curves better than heavy duty straight legged jeans. Skinny jeans should only be worn by the young and skinny. Boot cut are flattering on most body shapes. If you don’t have much of waist, then opt for low waist or “boyfriend” jeans. They will feel more comfortable and look much better.
Once you have decided on your colouring and body shape, you are well equiped to shop for that elusive “perfect” pair of jeans. Remember high fashion labels don’t necessarily mean they will fit you, so try and keep an open mind when choosing your jeans and concentrate on the fit and not the label.
About the Author
Joanna Steele-Perkins is a senior image consultant with Colour Me Beautiful image consultants.
Based in Taunton, Somerset, she is a regular contributor to magazines and newspapers. She offers advice on all aspects of personal image and her services include colour analysis, style consultations, make-up lessons and bridal advice.
grey jean help? Can i make skinny/straight leg jeans flared or trouser-styled? how can i help?
I have big thighs/hips/butt. Btw i wear a 16/18. I bought these grey jeans which are supposed to be straight but a little long for my petite-ish figure (5′3″ or 5′4″) so they look almost skinny. They accentuate my thighs and hips with a few swipes of bleach….(lightly though)…
Can i save these $40 jeans? They are cute, grey and grinded but can i make them more figure flattering…can i dye them dark grey or black successfully, and can i stretch out the leg opening or am i better off cutting it to a crop.
sounds like too much work to me. i would just return them unless you just love the way they fit.. which it sounds like you dont really. doesnt suck when that happens? you find the perfect flare and then bam, it gets cut off because of your height! im 5′1 and a size 2 and trust me its no easier finding jeans that fit me either im curvy and short i found that if i buy more high end jeans (7 for all mankind, true religion) that the stores shorten them just right and find which ones wont lose their shape
Levi’s Straight Leg Jeans commercial
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Clothing – Childrens Girl’s Straight Leg Denim Jeans, Sizes 5-16 (pack Of 12) Pack of 12 pcs Girl’s Straight Leg Denim Jeans. Sizes 5-16. Comfort Straight Leg Fit.100otton. Made In Taiwan. Sizes: Kids 5-16. Colors:Blue, Black, Navy, Khaki, Green, Mustard, Burgundy, and Brown. Clothing. Clothing – Childrens. Clothing – Girls. Girl’s Bottoms…. |
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Clothing – Womens Missy Straight Leg Stretch Denim Jeans (pack Of 24) Pack of 24 pcs $342.86 Missy Straight Leg Stretch Denim Jeans Size: 0 – 18 Ratio: 1-1-2-2-2-5-2-3-2-2-2 = 24 pcs/ctn Color: As pic (Black Sandblast) Fabric: 97otton, 3 Clothing. Clothing – Womens. Womens Bottoms. Womens Denim…. |
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The Garment District Womens Denim Straight Leg Jeans (pack Of 24) Pack of 24 pcs Americas Boutique Suppliers Item Womens Denim Straight Leg Jeans. Flower design embroidered near bottom of left leg. See larger image for detail. Assorted sizes 5-7-9-11-13-15-17. America’s Boutique Suppliers. The Garment District. Womens Fashion Clothing Boutiqe. Womens Fashion Jeans…. |
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Dickies Men’s Regular Fit 5-Pocket Prewashed Jean Dickies regular fit 5-pocket jean, prewashed in 14 ounce denim…. |
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Dickies Men’s Loose Fit Straight Leg Five Pocket Jean … |
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Women’s 30 Inseam Carhartt® Original Fit Straight Leg Jeans $48.00 Women’s Carhartt Original Fit Straight Leg Jeans. Put your jeans to work. 12-oz., 99% ring-spun cotton denim with 1% spandex for stretchy give. Resilient and comfy through the hardest day’s work. Straight fit through hips and thighs, with no extra “baggage” to get catch you up on the worksite. Classic style makes the seamless transition to social hour, too. Workin’ hard, playin’ hard… Nothing fi… |
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Levi’s Boys Husky Adjustable Waist Painter Jean Tumbled Dark 32 Get the perfect fit with an adjustable waistband jeans…. |
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Levi’s Men’s 501 Jean $48.00 This rugged, straight leg jean offers the classic style that you’ve come to expect from a pair of Levi’s…. |
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Levi’s Men’s 550 Relaxed Fit Jean $55.00 Rough, rugged and ready to jump into your off-the-clock rotation, these dark denim jeans from Levi’s combine a comfortable relaxed fit and a classic straight leg…. |
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Levi’s Men’s 505 Regular Fit Jean $44.00 Not too tight and not too loose, this classic Levi’s 505 fits the way a casual jean should…. |
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…Lost Lily Straight Leg Jean $29.95 …Lost’s Lily Straight Leg Jeans fit the definition of comfortable and casual. If you need a pair of pants to do whatever it is you do – these are what you want. Even if you are a professional buffalo rider. These 99% cotton/1% spandex jeans feature a straight leg fit – 32 1/2 in. inseam – and a 15 in. leg opening. digo |
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Metal Mulisha Calypso Straight Leg Jean $64 Unleash your inner diva in these straight leg jeans. I totally believe in having a variety of different cuts of jeans in your wardrobe – and I think these are the perfect straight leg pair. I love that they’re really dark wash – too. They’re made of 98% cotton for ultimate comfort and durability. And they’re full of personality – with embroidered back pockets that give ‘em that exra special metal edge. Don’t miss out – get yours today! |
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7 For All Mankind Straight Leg Jubilee $189 A wonderful basic straight leg jean from 7 For All Mankind, this pair is a great everyday jean. The wash is a pretty medium blue with some whiskering and a little fading. Fits true to size. Wear with almost any type of casual top. • 98% cotton/2% spandex • 7″ rise, 34″ inseam |
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Literature Taper Leg Jean Blue $218 Literature has brought their unique design angle to denim and we love the results. This is a great pair of tapered, straight leg jeans. 7″ rise, 33″ inseam. Just a touch of lycra to keep the fit fresh. They rise higher in the back to make sure you don’t have any unplanned mooning. |
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Dylan George Stephanie Straight Jean in Brandy – SALE! $170 The Dylan George Stephanie Straight Jean has a slim, straight leg for a gorgeous long-leggy look. Stephanie also has just the right amount of stretch for a sexy sillhouette! Available in Dylan George’s “Brandy” wash, a dark dressy rinse that goes everywhere. |
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7 For All Mankind Straight Leg Dear Coco $215 Pop with pizzazz in these super cute jeans! An embellished pocket with embroidery gives them some flair. Wear with a simple white tee to show the jean off. Pair with a brightly colored G-Shock watch. Straight leg fit, stretchy denim. • 98% cotton/2% spandex • 8″ rise, 34″ inseam |
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DC Straight Stretch Rinse Jean $52 Straighten up your style this summer in the DC Straight Stretch Rinse Jeans. These aren’t just any jeans. They’re straight skater. They are made of 11oz mercerized denim – 99% cotton – and 1% spandex. They have a button fly – custom DC logo hardware – and a single needle logo treatment at the back pocket. They are a straight fit with a 17.5” leg opening and a 11” front rise. Why wait – straighten it up today! |
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1921 Straight Leg Rinse $168 Buy 1921 Straight Leg Rinse at BlueBee.com |
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AG Denim Premiere Straight Skinny Jean in Damaged Black $164.5 As seen on Shenae Grimes, the AG Jeans Premiere Straight Skinny Jean is available in AG’s “Damaged Black” wash. Through AG’s signature process, these jeans are washed to resemble years of natural wear and tear. No two pairs of jeans are exactly alike! Slim skinny cut leg. |
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Serfontaine Minx Straight Twilight $89 These sexy straight leg jeans have a lovely dark blue wash that is simply gorgeous. The fit is right between a skinny jean and a straight leg. Not too tight, just the perfect look for evening, or a dressier casual day. • 7.5″ rise, 28.5″ inseam • 78% cotton/28% elasterell |
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Lost Julie Wide Leg Jean $56 The Julie Wide Leg jean is one groovy pair you won’t want to be without. This jean has a 33 in. inseam with button detailing at belt loops – a wide 19.5 in. leg opening and heart planet embroidery at back pockets. Super cute and matchable with everything – you’ve got to be crazy not to get a pair! |
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DC Westwood Denim Jean $52 Super comfortable – easy to wear straight leg jean for all DC lovin girls out there. The Westwood stretch denim jeans feature DC metal trims – printed interior pockets and waistband. 32 ½ in. inseam – 12 in. leg opening & 7 ¾” front rise. Made of 99% cotton and 1% spandex. |
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Jean Shop Skinny Fit Indigo $270 A great pair of selvedge jeans with an impeccable clean dark wash. The longer inseam makes them perfect for taller guys. Or cuff them for a cool vintage look and wear with a crisp white tee. A great skinny straight leg jean that isn’t too tight. • 100% cotton • 9″ rise, 35.5″ inseam |
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Level 99 Newport Wide Leg Jean $62.3 As featured in Life and Style magazine, the Level 99 Newport Wide Leg Jean brings the wide leg back in fabulous style. These wide leg jeans have classic styling and a medium blue “rinse” wash. |
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MiH Denim Paris Cropped Slim Leg Jean $173 Kate Bosworth wears the MiH Denim Paris Cropped Slim Leg Jean. The name says it all! This chic jean has a mid rise, a cropped ankle length, and a slim leg. Wear with flats or heels or boots…they look great with in every season! Available in white or classic. |
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Quiksilver Matador Jean (32 in. outseam) $49.5 The Matador is Quiksilver’s most popular jean. It has a staight fit that is just right for almost everyone. It isn’t too slim and it isn’t baggy. It has a mid rise with straight leg and 16.5 in. leg opening. This version of the Matador is what is called the Dark Rigid Wash. It is almost like an unwashed 100% cotton denim without any distressing. This darker look is very trendy right now and gets better with every wash. It is made from a 11.75 ounce 100% cotton denim with traditional 5-pocket styling and a subtle logo stitch detail on the back pocket. This is the regular length version of this staple jean. k Rigid Wash |
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O’Neill Nomad Jean $64 You can wander all over the world and you still won’t find anything better than the Nomad. This jean has a classic straight leg fit with a standard rise. O’Neill calls this their in.midway in. fit – not too tight – not too lose. Perfect for your surfy vibe. This is the San O’ wash. It looks like you have been hanging out in the sand and sun on the beach down there thanks to natural distressing and a tint that gives them a slight hint of brown in the indigo. I really like these because they have that old but new feel and a really nice fit. |
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Serfontaine Minx Straight Leg White $198 Dress them up or down, these are some of the prettiest and most versatile jeans you can own. The straight leg fit, and mid to high rise, is very flattering. Wear them with a colorful silk top and some black pumps for a killer look! • 33″ inseam, 8″ rise • 72% cotton/28% elastane |
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LEVI’S 514 Slim Straight Boys Jeans – Inked $19.97 Levis 514 five-pocket jean. Slim fit. Straight leg. Sits below waist. Whiskered with pinched waist, pockets and hem. Lightly blasted. Very light grinding details. Traditional Levis embroidery detail on back pockets. 15 leg opening. Zip fly. 100% cotton. Machine wash. Imported. |
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LEVI’S 514 Slim Straight Boys Jeans $19.97 Levis 514 five-pocket jean. Slim fit. Straight leg. Sits below waist. Whiskered with pinched waist, pockets and hem. Lightly blasted. Very light grinding details. Traditional Levis embroidery detail on back pockets. 15 leg opening. Zip fly. 100% cotton. Machine wash. Imported. |
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Quiksilver Matador Jean (30 in. length) $49.5 is just right for almost everyone. It isn’t too slim and it isn’t baggy. It has a mid rise with straight leg and 16.5 in. leg opening. This version of the Matador is what is called the Dark Rigid Wash. It is almost like an unwashed 100% cotton denim without any distressing. This darker look is very trendy right now and gets better with every wash. It is made from a 11.75 ounce 100% cotton denim with traditional 5-pocket styling and a subtle logo stitch detail on the back pocket. This is the regular length version of this staple jean. k Rigid Wash |