Good denim isn’t about the price tag. It’s about the fit.
Let me tell you something. When people ask me what my favorite jeans are, I never really know how to answer that question. 😂
Because I genuinely don’t believe there’s such a thing as the perfect pair of jeans.
There are just jeans that work for your body, your budget, and your lifestyle.
And I’m definitely not spending a small fortune trying to find them.
1. Start With Your Budget, Not the Brand
First things first: figure out what you’re comfortable spending. And if you can find something cute for a little less? Even better!
I shop everywhere from PrettyLittleThing and Gap to Zara. I’m not loyal to a particular denim brand. I’m loyal to a good fit and a good price.
Because expensive doesn’t automatically mean better, and affordable doesn’t have to mean cheap-looking.
2. Check That Fabric Tag, Sis!
One thing I always look for when shopping for denim is the cotton content.
Personally, I prefer 100% cotton jeans, but I’ll also consider denim that’s at least 98% cotton.
Why? Because I love the structure of cotton-rich denim. It holds its shape, gives that classic denim look, and doesn’t feel like I’m wearing leggings disguised as jeans.
Now, don’t get me wrong. Stretch denim has its place! But when I’m looking for that structured, polished denim look, high cotton content is where I start.
3. Fit Your Hips First. We’ll Handle the Rest Later.
Here’s where I think a lot of us go wrong.
We expect jeans to fit perfectly everywhere straight off the rack.
Girl, sometimes that’s just not happening. 😂
When I’m trying on jeans, my biggest priority is making sure they fit properly through my hips and seat.
I’m not squeezing into something just because the waist fits.
If the hips look good, the denim sits nicely, and I can move comfortably, we’re already halfway there.
A little extra room at the waist? We can work with that.
Too much length? That’s fixable.
4. Ladies, Stop Sleeping on the Men’s Department!
Now, here’s a little shopping secret that I need more women to take advantage of.
Do NOT be afraid to shop in the men’s section!
Seriously, ladies. You could be walking right past some of the best denim deals in the store simply because they’re hanging under a sign that says MEN. 😂
Men’s jeans can offer different cuts, washes, pocket placements, and denim weights that you might not find in the women’s department.
And sometimes, the exact relaxed or oversized fit you’re trying to achieve is easier to find over there.
Now, will they fit perfectly straight off the rack? Probably not.
You may need to have the waist taken in, adjust the length, or make a few alterations. But you might end up with a better-fitting pair of jeans, a more interesting silhouette, or a style you wouldn’t have found otherwise.
Don’t let the department sign decide what you can wear.
Check the fit, check the fabric, check the price, and take those jeans to the fitting room!
And while you’re over there, check the clearance rack too. You’re welcome. 😂
5. Tailoring Is the Real Secret
Listen, the tailor might be your wardrobe’s best friend.
Once I find jeans that fit my hips the way I want, everything else is about making adjustments.
That might mean taking in the waist, hemming the length, or making a few small changes so the jeans actually complement my body.
Of course, I always factor the cost of alterations into my budget. There’s no point in buying affordable jeans if fixing them costs more than I’m willing to spend.
And not every fit problem is worth tailoring. If the rise is uncomfortable, the hips don’t fit, or the proportions are completely wrong, sometimes you just need to leave those jeans right where you found them.
But when you find a good pair with a few fixable issues? That’s where the magic happens.
6. Stop Chasing the Perfect Pair
Your favorite denim doesn’t have to be the pair everybody on Instagram is wearing.
It doesn’t have to come from a luxury brand.
It doesn’t even have to come from the women’s department!
And it definitely doesn’t have to cost half your paycheck.
Find denim that fits your hips, works with your budget, and makes you feel good. Then tailor what needs tailoring.
Because the goal isn’t to find the perfect jeans. It’s to make the jeans work for you.
And that’s how I shop denim.
Where I Shop for Denim
And yes, I’m checking both the women’s AND men’s departments!
I’ll keep updating this section with jeans I’m currently loving, pieces I’ve tried, and styles worth checking out.
Remember, ladies: Shop your closet first, shop your budget second, don’t sleep on the men’s section, and keep a good tailor on speed dial. 😂🤎
These are a few of the retailers I regularly check when I’m looking for my next pair:
Some shopping links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
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