DENIM BY NUMBERS

Of all the wardrobe essentials, the perfect pair of jeans is one of the most important, yet often challenging to find. Be it fit, style, cut or wash, there’s a lot to consider as you set out on your denim search. So, to help ease the shopping experience, and work out which jeans will work best for you, we caught up with 7 For All Mankind and their expert fashion team to decode denim once and for all.

From the best styles and washes to suit different body shapes to the dressing room secrets you need to know when buying denim, follow this experts advice to find the most flattering jeans for you…

1. FORGET THE TRENDS

Trends are an integral part of fashion and likely make up the vast contents of your wardrobe but when it comes to jeans, stick with classic styles that suit you. “It’s about more than just fashion trends, although they’re a fun part of it too!” the 7 For All Mankind experts tell us. “Jeans should fit your body like a second skin,” and because of that, “choosing a pair of jeans is closely linked to the relationship you have with your body and its shape. It’s very personal and intimate.”

2. SHOP OFFLINE

While we’ve all become accustomed to shopping online in the past year, nothing beats an in-store experience, especially when it comes to jeans. “Being assisted by a knowledgeable store assistant can make all the difference and even make the shopping experience easier,” says the 7 For All Mankind experts. What’s more “a well-designed store can help too, especially in clearly displaying different fits, having a wide size range available and proposing outfit combinations.”

3. TRY THEM ON

Whilst you’re in store, it makes sense to try some denims on. Trying on jeans makes you and your body familiar with the pair and informs so much. “The best test is to try them on and ask yourself ‘How do I feel in these jeans?’ If they make you feel good, then that’s what matters,” explains the 7 For All Mankind experts. And while you’re in the fitting room, there are a few tests you need to try. “Walk around, sit down and look at your rear in the mirror, these are all useful tools in determining if a pair is right for you. We would also recommend trying different variations; try with shoes on and shoes off, with a T-shirt and a more formal top.”

4. FABRIC MATTERS

The perfect pair must be able to do three things. First, they should be flattering; second, they need to keep their shape and last but not least, they should withstand the test of time. “Fabric quality is what matters the most when it comes to finding the perfect pair of jeans,” says the 7 For All Mankind experts. “A great fabric will make a good fit even better and have timeless appeal.”

5. KNOW YOUR FIT

From skinny to straight to flare to bootcut, there’s a wide range of fits out there but knowing which style suits your body shape is essential. Spend some time in the fitting room trying on different styles to find your perfect fit. But if you’re tight on time, online shopping or still can’t decide, the 7 For All Mankind experts have an easy guide. “Bootcut or flare are more suited to those with straight hips while mom jeans or high waisted are great for hourglass. Actually, high waisted jeans are great for most body shapes as they are great at elongating your legs.”

6. THE PERFECT PAIR

While there is no one-size-fits-all pair of jeans, there is one style and wash that comes pretty close. “A mid-indigo shade with a subtle vintage look and a slim-straight leg is the one pair of jeans that should be hanging in every woman’s wardrobe. It’s a timeless classic, no matter the season or the era.”

7. TAKE CARE

Once you find that perfect pair, it’s important to treat them right so they can become your forever pair. Avoid over-washing as this will break down the elasticity of the denim and potentially fade the fabric. But when you do inevitably need to wash your jeans, there’s only one way to do it. “Hand-wash them inside out or machine wash at 40 degrees or less, using a gentle softener. It’s always best to leave them to dry naturally by hanging them upright too,” advise the 7 For All Mankind experts.

8. GO GREEN

“In 2020, we announced a corporate commitment to ensuring over 80% of our products will have sustainable properties through measurable indexes by the year 2023,” explain the 7 For All Mankind experts. “To reach this goal, we’ve put a lot of thought and work into our sourcing and development practices, carefully considering the materials we use to reduce our environmental impact.” Wherever possible, 7 For All Mankind use recycled cotton, recycled polyester, eco hardware and sustainably produced Tencel fibres. “We also use denim bases that have been dyed using water-saving processes and washed in eco-laundry machines. By implementing these practices, we aim to reduce the use of chemicals, while saving both energy and water.”

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