Everything you need to know about denim & jeans

Jeans are a wardrobe staple for a reason: they go with everything. However, finding the perfect pair can sometimes be challenging with all of the options out there.

Enter our comprehensive denim guide. Here we break down everything you need to know: the trends, the brands, the fits, and the washes to make sure you’re well equipped to find the jeans that are right for you. With the right fit and a few styling tricks, your denim can go from everyday staple to wardrobe hero.  

Denim trends we’re loving right now

While you can’t go wrong with a classic pair of jeans, denim has come a long way since its inception in 1873. From barrel to bootcut, straight leg to straight-up vintage, the current trends take timeless styles and reimagine them with fresh proportions, washes and unexpected details.  

Barrel leg. Sits at the waist, billows around the leg & tapers at the hem for a unique shape. To style, we suggest a textural approach, like an eyelet top & kitten heels for dinner, or a lightweight knit & flats for the office.  

Vintage-inspired. Evokes a sense of Western nostalgia for a pop of personality. One styling option is leaning into the retro vibe with a biker jacket & cow-print heels. Looking for a more romantic look? Swap in a flowy blouse.  

Extra details. Adds a hint of texture to any look for a dressier alternative to your usual pair. For a weekend look, let the embellishments shine through by pairing a belted look with a neutral knit. For work, try sequined jeans and a button-down.  

Dresses. Comes in so many different styles for warm weather & layering. With styling, you really can’t go wrong. They look just as good paired with boots, heels, flats or even sneakers.   

Denim brands you need to know

Looking for the best brands? We’ve got those, too. Here are just some of the top names in denim to put on your radar. 

• Good American. Known for quality, curve-friendly fits, and a modern aesthetic  

• Levi’s. The OG. Timeless, reliable, and always reinventing itself. You can’t go wrong. 

• Avec Les Filles. Think French-girl chic meets downtown cool. Trend-driven and wearable. 

• Blank NYC. Edgy, urban, and new at Macy’s. Their jeans are giving major attitude (in the best way). 

Let’s talk silhouettes: finding your fit

Repeat after us: denim should fit you, not the other way around. It’s important to get to know the different silhouettes and how they are unique from one another. Remember, the most flattering jeans are the ones that make you feel the most comfortable and confident.  

Relaxed. Looser through the hips and thighs with a higher rise for added comfort, relaxed jeans offer an easy, laid-back fit that doesn’t compromise on style.  

Straight. A clean, classic silhouette—these styles maintain the same width from hip to hem for a timeless straight-leg look.  

Wide leg. Fitted at the waist and hips, then ultra-relaxed through the leg. Wide-leg jeans bring effortless volume and a modern statement shape.  

Flare. Slim through the hips and thighs then flaring out at the knees, this style creates a “flare” or “bell bottom” effect that elongates the legs.  

Skinny. Our most form-fitting style—skinny jeans hug from waist to ankle, delivering a sleek leg-lengthening look.  

Another factor to consider when searching for your perfect pair of jeans is the rise: high, mid and low. High rise sits at the belly button, mid-rise sits just below the belly button, and low rise sits on the hips.  

How to measure your jeans

Now that you know the different silhouettes and rises, let’s dive into how to measure jeans. Take your favorite pair of jeans and follow these steps: 

Waist: Lay down your jeans and loosely measure across the waistband. 

Rise:  Measure from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband. 

Inseam: Following the inner leg seam, go from the crotch to the very bottom of the leg. 

Leg opening: Measure across the bottom hem. 

Understanding denim washes

Ready to go shopping? The last thing to look out for are the various denim washes. Here are the four major jean washes, how they all differ, and the best ways to wear them. 

Light wash. The most casual of the denim washes, these jeans undergo extensive washing that removes most of their indigo dye, which results in a pale appearance. To style, lean into a relaxed vibe with a basic T-shirt that’s perfect for the weekend. 

Medium wash. We love medium wash jeans for their versatility. Like light wash denim, their color is achieved by lengthening the rinsing process & adding a softening agent. Since this wash is the middle ground between dark and light, you can either dress them down with a barn jacket or dress them up with a leather jacket for any occasion. 

Dark wash. This wash is achieved by minimal processing to preserve the denim’s indigo shade. However, it usually involves a gentle rinse to remove any excess dye. While jeans go with anything, dark wash jeans tend to give off a dressier look. For that, we suggest pairing them with a button-down & heeled boots or pumps. 

Black wash. Instead of using the traditional indigo for dye, this denim is created with black pigments. Like dark wash, this fabric is minimally processed to maintain the material’s deep color. To style, we like to treat black wash denim like trousers and add a dressier blouse for a night out on the town.