So you've found the ideal pair of sexy jeans, you're imagining how great you'll look in them and how you'll be the envy of your friends in them - well, we all know how flattering a well fitting pair of sexy jeans can be! But how do you get that ultimate head-turning fit? Buying the right size can be a bit tricky if you can't try them on, but with the right fitting advice there's no need to leave it to luck or assumption!

In our shop Scene Dead we list jeans with their full measurements, because in order to know which size to go for, you need to compare your measurements to those of your desired jeans. This means getting busy with a tape measure! You can either measure your body or a pair of your own jeans, or even better - both! The most important points to compare are:

The "WAIST" or WAISTBAND

You will need to measure your "waist" at the point where the jeans will sit. Remember, this will vary from one pair of jeans to another, depending on the rise. So for example, if the jeans you want have a 6" rise, you will need to measure the circumference of your body six inches up from your crotch. In the case of low rise jeans I use the word "waist" very loosely, since most low rise jeans will actually fit around your pelvis rather than your actual waist line.

When measuring jeans to list in my shop, to ascertain the waistband measurement of a pair of jeans, I hold the waistband taut, measure across, then double that figure. This gives the measurement of the unstretched waistband circumference, and this is the "waist" measurement that I use in listings. For stretch jeans this can "give" by up to four inches! The degree of stretch will depend on the elastane content of the denim and will vary from one style to the next - if in doubt, check the listing for more details!

If you are looking for tight fitting low rise jeans it is worth considering the fact that such jeans are meant to fit quite tightly, both for aesthetic and practical purposes! Tight jeans are so sexy, but also, a tight fit in low rise styles actually stops the jeans from fallling down! When measuring for such styles, keep in mind that most stretch jeans will stretch upwards, and if you are looking for a snug fitting, you'll need to go with a size that's slightly smaller than your measurements. So say, for instance, that you measure 32" around your "waist", you would be best off buying stretch jeans with a 30" waist, as these would stretch up to fit you perfectly! If you like your jeans really tight, you might want to go a bit smaller, or if you're looking for a more casual fit, go an inch or so higher - the most important thing is to incorporate the stetch when considering your measurements!

Of course, not all styles have a low rise, and fitting for higher rise styles does differ in terms of practicality. The average pair of high rise corset jeans has a rise of 11"! For most people such jeans would fit at the narrowest part of the waist. While they are called "corset" jeans, you may not want a corseting effect, it all depends on personal preference. For a comfortable fit I would advise choosing jeans with a waistband measurement that cosely resembles your own. If you do want them to nip in at the waist, go ever so slightly lower than your own measurement.

The innovation that is stretch denim makes fitting jeans somewhat flexible, but when buying non-stetch denim you'll need to be all the more careful when choosing your size. If possible, take the measurements from a pair of your own non-stetch jeans and this will give you the clearest idea of which size non-stretch jeans to buy.

Skinny jeans are so hot right now, but they're not called skinny for nothing! Because they are tight all over, as well as checking the waist measurement, it's also a very good idea to pay close attention to these measurements too...

LOW HIP

This is effectively the circumference of the widest part of your bottom! I take this measurement from hip to hip across the lowest part of the rise, just above the crotch seam. Most stretch jeans will stretch up by a couple of inches for a snug, comfortable fit.

TOP OF THIGH

If you are buying tight jeans and skinny jeans it is advisable to measure the circumference of the top of your thigh, remembering that stretch jeans will stretch up by an inch or two for a skin tight fit.

CUFF

This measurement is taken across the width of the very bottom of the leg. For skinny jeans the cuff is usually around 5"-7", straight jeans will be around 7"-8", bootcut jeans usually have a cuff of around 8", and baggy skater jeans have anything up to around 17"! Leg widths do vary according to garment size, so the cuff of a pair of size 6 jeans will be default be smaller than the cuff of a paif of size 14's.

INSIDE LEG

For your inside leg  measurement, simply measure from your crotch down to the point at which you'd like your jeans to fall. This may be longer if you want to wear your jeans long over boots, or shorter if you're looking for a cropped style.

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SIZE CONVERSIONS

Jeans are usually tagged according to their hip measurements, (which also happen to be the European size), and these convert to UK sizes as follows:

Hip (eur) 34 = 6UK (26 Waist)

Hip (eur) 36 = 8UK (28 Waist)

Hip (eur) 38 = 10UK (29 Waist)

Hip (eur) 40 = 12UK (31 Waist)

Hip (eur) 42 = 14UK (33 Waist)

Hip (eur) 44 = 16UK (35 Waist)

The actual measurments for any given size will vary from style to style and from garment to garment, which is why I always recommend that my customers buy according to the measurments in a listing rather than the tag size/UK size. Quite simply, you are more likely to choose the right size if  you measure before you buy, and you'll be looking damn fine in sexy hot denim in no time at all!

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So there you go! This should have helped answer your jeans fitting queries and now you should be well equipped to choose the best size jeans for you! If you're still in doubt I am always happy to help with jeans fitting advice!

Anna @  Scene Dead