Jeans by nature are designed to stretch out to some extent. Stretch jeans in particular are more flexible, in wear, thus accommodate more pull than other ordinary types. Plus size girls prefer this kind of cut because of how flattering it is to their shapes.
At the core, stretch jeans are designed to be a body-hugging fit but with multiple wears, its exterior could take to more unfitting and baggy appearances.
A stretch jean comes with formidable advantages but equally has its fair share of drawbacks. As much as it takes to your natural shape, the fabric could fail to give you value for your money in the long run. This brings us to the matter at hand – why stretch jeans do not solve all curvy girl issues.
Before we get into the shortcomings of a stretch jean, let us first closely examine why it is the go-to option for chubby girls.
i. Increased level of comfort
For starters, denim is one of the most strong and durable fabrics that manufacturers prefer in jean production. For this reason, you will find a lot of casual trousers made from this weave. Stretch denim has a smooth texture that effortlessly glides over your legs keeping you super comfortable throughout the day. Its fabrics are also friendly to the skin thus you are less likely to react to denim clothing.
ii. Gives more room to the wearer’s body movements
Unlike other rigid fabrics, stretch jeans allow you to move about with less strain or difficulties. They are made from elastics such as spandex and lycra which stretch to the required level, to accommodate any hyper activities. By standards, a 1- 3% elastic insulation, should easily allow you to be in motion without having to bear with unpleasant tweaks.
iii. More form-fitting
It is common knowledge that this material molds onto your body to give you a much-structured silhouette. They come in large sizes and with that, a perfect body shaping design too. It is very rare to find a fitting cut from raw or vintage denims.
iv. High waist options
A rise above the mid-waist is ultra-trendy. Stretch jeans are no stranger to extreme ascends which work well in hiding protruding bellies. This style also comes in handy when accentuating tiny waist features – for those girls with trimmed abs. All the same, a high waist stretch jean is classy and chic.
v. Distressed details
Part of the modern preferences includes custom details and style statements. A couple of premium jean labels incorporate this kind of pattern along the thigh region, knee area, and at the bottom finish.
vi. Versatility
Stretch jeans can be dressed to your desire. Paired with a simple tee, jacket, and sneakers you get a laid back look. At the same time, you can play it up with a killer heel, cute blouse, and blazer for a night out with the girls.
How Best can Curvy Girls Wear Stretch Jeans?
The secret is to avoid details around the belly area and leg. They add more bulk to existing fat which is counterproductive to the slimming logic. Keep your bottom as simple as possible by adorning fitting trousers while creatively styling the top. Also, limit yourself to solid colors rather than very bright shades. In the upper half, you can work with colorful hues, busy neckpieces, and customized tops. Curvy ladies with tinier waists can accentuate their figure with slim belts while those that require more coverage can favor long billowy blouses that end past the hips.
In light of the pocket placement, refrain from front pockets. Instead, go for contoured back pockets. They give you round symmetry and make your butt look great too!
In light of all these playful advantages, denim jeans may at times come up short of its much-appraised fame and glory. These are some of its limitations;
Why Stretch Jeans Don’t Solve all Curvy Girl Issues
1. Can get overly tight
Usually, cloth experts advise buyers to go a size smaller on stretch jeans when caught in between sizing dilemmas. The major disadvantage with this is when the jeans ends up smaller than your fit. You end up looking inappropriate and uncomfortable. Small-sized girls can get away with this but not so with full-figured women. This is why; heavy girls require a bit more hold-in and toning. The right fit will display your curves beautifully but a squeezed size destroys proportionality. You are likely to have visible love handles, and excessive skin display.
2. They bag-out overtime
Stretch jeans have a relatively short wearing span. With a couple of washes and wears, they start to become loose and unstylish. Elastic materials do not hold on to their form very well. With this, a plus-size wearer may begin to notice unnecessary room around the crotch area or awkward spaces along the length of the jean. Conversely, depending on the fabric, you could end up with extreme shrinkage to an extent that the jean no longer fits you as well as it initially did.
3. Gaping
The plus-size market has only recently begun spreading its wings to accommodate women of all shapes and sizes. Even with this all-inclusive idea, it still is a big challenge to acquire the perfect fit for particular bodies. One of the biggest hurdles common to jeans is the gaping back.
Stretch jeans could smoothly draw out your curves but have an annoying gap around the waistband, which may expose your rear while seated. It is advisable to stick to labels that you have tried before, none the less, it is no guarantee you will totally eradicate this fault.
4. Thigh holes
Another annoying trait that comes with stretch jeans is thigh holes. This is especially common to acute body-hugging fits. The tension towards your thigh seam could cause a split, pull or unravel, thus provoking tiny holes.
Plus girls on the other hand may not even require an overly tight size to experience fabric openings. Because of their thick thighs, a lot of friction takes place causing early wear and tear. A more rigid material is bound to serve you for longer.
5. Pricey tags
Because stretch fabrics require more customization through additional fibers, buyers are faced with more expensive quotes compared to the average jean. If not careful you may fall prey to low-end jeans which come as a mimic of quality brands – at the same price range. Considering its high susceptibility to low life spans, the jean could wear out before granting you the due satisfaction for your money.
How to Make Your Stretch Jeans Last Longer
- Reduce the number of times washed – refrain from a one wear wash. For longevity, you should clean your jean after about 4-5 wears if it is free from conspicuous stains. Designers recommend the spot- cleaning technique which addresses the particular areas affected by dirt.
- Avoid hot water – warm water is the number one adversary to jean elasticity. It breaks down the fibers within a short time and may also interfere with colorization.
- Wash your jeans individually or with other jeans – do not mix your jeans with other clothing, wash darker shades with resembling fabrics, and vice versa.
- Line drying – it may sound like a workload but is effective in preserving your jean quality. Machine drying can get too hot and damage your trouser overtime. Air drying equally guarantees a fresh scent in your clothing.
Complimentary Shopping Tips that will Help You Identify Quality Jeans
- Go for heavier fabric. Anything below the 12-ounce scales falls in the category of lightweight denim. Though this is acceptable during summer seasons, medium and heavyweight fabric is the trustworthy standard for longevity.
- When shopping online, confirm what kind of label you are buying from. Certified brands (ie: Fashion Nova, LEVI) provide reliable and longlasting jeans. If you are unable to access a company’s website, proceed cautiously.
- The jeans stretch limit should be appropriate. They are not meant to take after jeggings. Check your jean’s label for the percentage of resiliency. 1% may be a bit rigid but anything overly stretched will probably exceed the 4%limit.
- Check for the little details such as buttons, rivets, pockets, and zippers. A value-seeking manufacturer will invest in quality details aside from just the fabric texture.
- It’s Pricing. How much it costs is not always a sure bet to reliable jeans but it can act as a good lead. Superior jeans will almost always fetch higher prices. Never rush for overly cheap products, they may not last.
- Double Stitching as premium manufacturers use the technique. In simpler terms, double stitching involves a two-row stitching placed close together. This seam holds the material together without unfolding. Other reliable brands will at times use one strong, thick durable thread. If you happen to gently pull against the seam and notice signs of looseness, then that should alarm you.
Considerable alternatives to stretch jeans
Skinny jeans are the most practical option for slimming the body. Plus girls can benefit from their structure because of the tuck they provide. They make your legs look thinner and longer than they actually are. Unlike stretch jeans, skinnies cut a lot of mass that comes with sweaters, coats, and leather jackets.
Rigid jeans are the absolute opposite of stretch jeans. They record a higher cotton percentage with some using 100% cotton. Typically, such trousers run much smaller in terms of fitting and have no give at all in the leg area. In fact, contrary to the sizing down advice that applies to stretch jeans, you may need to order a size up with this kind. It takes a bit of getting used to.
Rigid jeans do not come with any expandable materials hence it could be difficult finding one that will afford you a leaner silhouette. However, raw denim will maintain its structure for much longer periods without giving way to shapeless appearances. Its initial hardness will soften up with a couple of wears and techniques, giving you that smooth feel you so desire.
Be prepared to make tailored adjustments if need be, and a number of numerous tries, before you can arrive at the most flattering option. You may also need to sacrifice a bit of movement flexibility, a minute price to pay for assured quality and durability.
Boyfriend jeans are also a likable option. Women with bigger thighs and hips can find this more refreshing to the infamous skinny jeans. They come with a loose design around your bottom half (but not overly loose) while tapering down toward the leg area. To bring the whole look together, you can opt to fold it up to the ankles. Boyfriend jeans are stylish and can be worn as a casual outfit or in a more fashionable way.
Similar to the boyfriend physique, mom jeans also have a slimming effect. They are considerably roomy around the hips, incorporate an extensive waistband, and take to a flared cut at the bottom. This provides a good balance for women with narrower shoulders and a heavier bottom. Additionally, mom jeans are designed with different lengths (fuller and shorter) for you to pick your preferred height.
Related Questions
1. How do I get to know my body type and the best jeans for it?
If you are not sure of what body type category you fall under, use a tape measure to get your accurate measurements; and then judge your findings against predominant features of certain body types. Search the web for fashion advisors who recommend the best jean types for different bodies.
2. How do you wear your boyfriend jeans in a flattering way?
A boyfriend jean is not designed for you to swim in it. If you find it way too baggy, go for a skinny boyfriend jean that offers less looseness in the thigh and hip area. Also, consider tight fighting tops to balance out the bottom.
3. Is there really any difference between premium jeans and cheap jeans?
High street jeans will earn you more trips to the clothing store than expected. Usually, you may not be able to tell the difference visually, but the former prioritizes fit, structure, style details, and sturdiness all in one.
See some of our other articles if you’re aiming to style your pear-shaped or apple-shaped figure. Also, be sure to check out our top picks!