What are the key things to consider when buying jeans?
To me, it’s all about fabric quality, fit, and authenticity because you want them to look and feel even better over time. I also think it’s important to have diversity. You need both a casual, comfortable everyday jean and a dressier, more fitted option.
What are a couple of warning signs that jeans will be low quality?
The most obvious telltale sign is if the wash looks contrived or fake. On the flip side, a sign of quality construction is a high stitch per inch count. Our jeans have 11 to 12 stitches per inch, meaning they have one of the highest stitch counts in the industry. This makes the jeans stronger, more durable, and less likely to split at the seams.
What are the biggest buying and wearing mistakes people make with new denim?
Following a trend for the sake of being trendy. You should always keep in mind your individual body type and what silhouette or fit looks best on you. For example, the tapered jean looks amazing on slimmer, taller types, curvier women look better in a straight or a boot-cut fit, and high-waisted options are perfect for someone who is short and wants to appear taller. Trend is irrelevant if the shape isn’t flattering, so go with what looks best on you. But if you want to buy a new style, consider bringing a friend along and ask for her honest opinion.
What should men keep in mind when they go jeans shopping?
The average man doesn’t want a busy back-pocket logo advertising his jeans. I think it’s a bit strange for a guy to have a decorative back-pocket. A clean one is ideal for a guy’s guy.
If you’re in between sizes, is it better to get the larger or smaller pair?
We tell our customers to go with the tightest fit they feel comfortable with because denim naturally stretches with wear. It’s better to buy snug jeans—they’ll loosen in time. When you wash jeans, they go back to their original fit, but you don’t want to have to wash them with every wear.
What is the best way to wash jeans?
True denim aficionados never wash their jeans in order to let them wear in and age. The great thing about denim jeans is the more you wear them, the better they get. If things get really unsanitary, you can either spray them with Febreze or hand-wash in cold water and then line dry them. It’s always best to hang your jeans when you’re drying them to maintain their original shape and fit; don’t throw them in the dryer.
What should you ask your tailor when you have your jeans altered?
It’s really important that you always ask your tailor to do a “reattached hem.” That way, the stitching in the finished product will look just like the original.
Nestpert: Eleanor Ylvisaker, partner and PR Director of Earnest Sewn; Earnestsewn.com
-- Riann Smith
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