( 
)First of all, it makes sense to take a look at eBay's guide to finding jeans that fit. That will get you off to a good start... but what if you're looking for that elusive style, wash, or fit that doesn't just flatter your body, but also matches your personal style? Let's see if I can help you find the perfect pair of jeans... you know, the ones that have YOU written all over them!
Brands
Here are a few designer brands I happen to like, and some information about the different cuts and styles they have to offer.
Citizens of Humanity.
Citizens are a great choice to show off a nice booty, and the low rise will make your legs look longer and thinner. The most popular styles of Citizens are all low-rise, but they are cut higher in the back than in the front, so you can sit down or bend over without flashing your undies at the world! These include the "Ingrid" (7" rise, slim flare leg), "Kelly" (7.5" rise, slim boot-cut leg), and "Faye" (low rise, full leg) styles.
The only problem with a low rise is that you need to be careful what you wear with Citizens. At 29, I feel like I’m a little bit over that phase of needing to show off my belly button to the world. When you’re out clubbing, it’s fine to show off your stomach; anywhere else, stick with longer tees, blouses and tunic-style tops.
Citizens jeans usually have a long inseam, so if you’re petite like me, you’ll need to have them hemmed (or hem them yourself, if you have the time and the skill). You can also find used Citizens on eBay that have already been cut and hemmed to a variety of lengths. Citizens does make a couple of petite styles: "Dita" (7.5" rise, slim boot-cut leg) and "Kyle" (7.5" rise, slim straight leg). In my experience, it's hard to find either of these at a significant discount.
Citizens makes jeans in a wide variety of colors and washes, from darkest blue to faded light, so you should be able to find a color that works for you. Do keep in mind, though: their idea of “distressed” is some rather slight whiskering and fading. A common criticism of Citizens jeans is that they all look the same. So if you like your jeans distressed or destroyed and you don’t want to create this effect yourself, you’ll probably have to look at other brands.
Lucky Jeans.
These tend to have a higher rise and a shorter inseam than Citizens. They also come in Short, Regular and Long. Lucky’s “Easy Rider” style is a great choice for curvy women who are slim in the waist and full through the hips and thighs. I’m no hourglass, but I like Easy Riders for casual wear. They don’t cling to every curve and I don’t have to worry about showing too much flesh above the waistband if I happen to be wearing a blouse that doesn’t quite reach my hips.
Lucky also offers lower-rise choices, like “Lil Maggie (their lowest rise),” “Sweet and Low,” and “Dream Jean.” They come in a variety of colors, but it can be hard to find certain styles in anything other than a medium-to-light, sort of boring blue wash.
Still, if you’re looking for a more interesting color or wash in Luckies, it’s worth keeping an eye out on eBay, because sometimes they do show up. If you’re not sure about the color or wash based on an auction photo, make sure to contact the seller and ask how accurate the photo is.
Paper Denim & Cloth.
Like Citizens, jeans from this brand usually have a long inseam (about 33 inches -- way too long for women under 5’4”). Otherwise, they are a great fit for my particular body type (slim hips, sizeable booty), so I’ve bought a couple pairs and worn them with the cuffs turned up.
Paper Denim has some awesome destroyed and splattered styles in many colors. In contrast to Lucky and Citizens, this brand has a variety of distressed and uniquely faded washes.
If you’re a casual, artistic type with an athletic figure, definitely check out this brand.
AG Jeans (Adriano Goldschmeid).
Just got a pair of these in a slim, straight-leg style called "The Glamour," and I love them! Soft, stretchy and very classy, these are versatile jeans with a trouser look. I got them in a very dark, uniform wash. The fit is excellent, and I've heard that this brand works well for a variety of body types. Nice 30.5" inseam, too!
AG jeans also come in a bootcut style called "The Angel," which is a little more casual. This style is all over eBay, often at fantastic prices compared to retail.
I'll be updating this guide regularly, so check back soon for my take on more brands!
Citizens are a great choice to show off a nice booty, and the low rise will make your legs look longer and thinner. The most popular styles of Citizens are all low-rise, but they are cut higher in the back than in the front, so you can sit down or bend over without flashing your undies at the world! These include the "Ingrid" (7" rise, slim flare leg), "Kelly" (7.5" rise, slim boot-cut leg), and "Faye" (low rise, full leg) styles.
The only problem with a low rise is that you need to be careful what you wear with Citizens. At 29, I feel like I’m a little bit over that phase of needing to show off my belly button to the world. When you’re out clubbing, it’s fine to show off your stomach; anywhere else, stick with longer tees, blouses and tunic-style tops.
Citizens jeans usually have a long inseam, so if you’re petite like me, you’ll need to have them hemmed (or hem them yourself, if you have the time and the skill). You can also find used Citizens on eBay that have already been cut and hemmed to a variety of lengths. Citizens does make a couple of petite styles: "Dita" (7.5" rise, slim boot-cut leg) and "Kyle" (7.5" rise, slim straight leg). In my experience, it's hard to find either of these at a significant discount.
Citizens makes jeans in a wide variety of colors and washes, from darkest blue to faded light, so you should be able to find a color that works for you. Do keep in mind, though: their idea of “distressed” is some rather slight whiskering and fading. A common criticism of Citizens jeans is that they all look the same. So if you like your jeans distressed or destroyed and you don’t want to create this effect yourself, you’ll probably have to look at other brands.
Lucky Jeans.
These tend to have a higher rise and a shorter inseam than Citizens. They also come in Short, Regular and Long. Lucky’s “Easy Rider” style is a great choice for curvy women who are slim in the waist and full through the hips and thighs. I’m no hourglass, but I like Easy Riders for casual wear. They don’t cling to every curve and I don’t have to worry about showing too much flesh above the waistband if I happen to be wearing a blouse that doesn’t quite reach my hips.
Lucky also offers lower-rise choices, like “Lil Maggie (their lowest rise),” “Sweet and Low,” and “Dream Jean.” They come in a variety of colors, but it can be hard to find certain styles in anything other than a medium-to-light, sort of boring blue wash.
Still, if you’re looking for a more interesting color or wash in Luckies, it’s worth keeping an eye out on eBay, because sometimes they do show up. If you’re not sure about the color or wash based on an auction photo, make sure to contact the seller and ask how accurate the photo is.
Paper Denim & Cloth.
Like Citizens, jeans from this brand usually have a long inseam (about 33 inches -- way too long for women under 5’4”). Otherwise, they are a great fit for my particular body type (slim hips, sizeable booty), so I’ve bought a couple pairs and worn them with the cuffs turned up.
Paper Denim has some awesome destroyed and splattered styles in many colors. In contrast to Lucky and Citizens, this brand has a variety of distressed and uniquely faded washes.
If you’re a casual, artistic type with an athletic figure, definitely check out this brand.
AG Jeans (Adriano Goldschmeid).
Just got a pair of these in a slim, straight-leg style called "The Glamour," and I love them! Soft, stretchy and very classy, these are versatile jeans with a trouser look. I got them in a very dark, uniform wash. The fit is excellent, and I've heard that this brand works well for a variety of body types. Nice 30.5" inseam, too!
AG jeans also come in a bootcut style called "The Angel," which is a little more casual. This style is all over eBay, often at fantastic prices compared to retail.
I'll be updating this guide regularly, so check back soon for my take on more brands!
Guide created: 11/05/08 (updated 07/26/09)
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