Jean Tips For Men

Good morning!

This one is just for the men today.

These days, jeans are a widely accepted look for many work places, and weekend social events. Although, I really love it when a man dresses up in something more than jeans, the overall culture, at least in the San Francisco Bay Area, is pretty casual. So, if you are going to wear jeans, let me help you look the best that you can in them.

If there is one thing that I hear most from women is that they want their man to look good in his jeans – meaning no baggy butts (or God forbid exposed butts!), slouchy thighs, stains and unintentional holes and rips, 80’s style finishes and dyes, swaddles of fabric at the ankles…need I go on? Guys are you beginning to get it? If not, I am here to explain.

Here are my top 10 tips (in no particular order) to heed when buying jeans:

1. Over-washed bootcut jeans are only OK if you are a cowboy on the ranch. For everyone else, a solid color dark wash, indigo, or black, in a straight legged or skinny style (Not too skinny where you are struggling to get your foot through the leg opening!) is a universal look that works best. These colors and styles are ideal in a casual work atmosphere where you can pair it with a polo, or you can dress it up with a button-front shirt and a jacket for a casual evening out.
2. It’s all in the fit. Find jeans that fit nicely across the buttocks with pockets that are high on the butt (This also makes your buttocks look fuller should you be lacking in this area.:), and not low so that the pockets are hitting the top of the thighs (This is not a good look for anyone, in my opinion.) Opt for a medium or higher rise. Choose a style that is fitted in the thigh area. If you like a looser thigh that is fine as long as you don’t lose the nice fit in the buttocks area.
3. Never ever wear your jeans so that the waistband is hanging on your buttocks exposing your underwear or something worse! This is not a good look at any age.
4.  Always buy jeans that fit tight (but not where they are creating horizontal lines everywhere!), and if you are in-between sizes always round down to the smaller size. Jeans will stretch out after wearing them and although they may shrink back up after you wash and dry them for the first few times, after many washes they will stretch almost a full size, retaining their bigger size. (Don’t you wish someone told you this before?!)

Make sure that when you buy your jeans on the tighter side that they are also comfortable. Inspect the inside and make sure that the seams are clean or sewn flat. This will ensure a more comfortable feeling against your skin.

5. If you choose to buy the trend of faded, ripped or holed jeans (I admit I like this look too.), you should make sure that they are a perfect fit and cut for your Body-Type. You can take that grunge casual look to a more sophisticated level if you pair your distressed jeans with a crisp button-front shirt or fitted Polo shirt that is ideal for your Body-Type, and accessories (belt, watch, and shoes – casual – no dress shoes, etc.) that are well-maintained, and in great shape.

Of course it is always best that your accessories are in great shape, but it is especially important when you are wearing jeans that are distressed, so that you eliminate the chance of someone thinking you are homeless. Seriously. Your distressed jeans need to look “on purpose.” If they are baggy in the butt and thighs and too long, and you pair them up with scuffed up shoes, and a too casual T-shirt…well…you get the picture. Don’t be surprise if someone tosses you a few coins while you are dragging the streets. It is not an appealing look, nor will your lady love appreciate it when she is holding your hand looking fine in her fashion choices.

On that note let me take this opportunity to advise you gents that nothing is more frustrating to a lady than to take the time to get dressed up only to have her date show up in jeans with a tacky ensemble. Come on gentlemen, if you start off the evening looking like you couldn’t make the effort to look presentable, don’t expect your date to feel you have more to offer than personal self interest. Just saying.

6. Pay attention to the length. A little bit of gathering at the ankles is fine, as long as the hems are not hitting the ground at the back heel. If you are starting to look like the Michelin Man, it is too much. Keeping them a bit longer also allows you to roll them up for a more casual look. One or two 1 1/2″ cuffs are a good look for men. If you are one who likes to show off a pair of colorful patterned socks (I love this look!), hem them short enough so that when you are sitting or strutting down the street we get a peak at your creativity! Women love when a man matches his socks to his shirt or tie.
7. If you are buying a bootcut jean, please make sure that they are hemmed so they are not dragging on the ground getting chewed up by the concrete streets and picking up who knows what. (That goes for any style pant.) And never cuff a bootcut jean or wear it with a dress shoe.
8. Dress shoes are fine with a dark wash straight legged or skinny jean, as long as the shoes are not a smooth high gloss finish. Opt for a pair that has texture to them or burnished leather, or a matte finish.
9. Athletic shoes are a big no-no with jeans. If you like the comfort of athletic shoes, try an urban sneaker. My favorites are Converse by John Varvatos or Jack Purcell.
10. Less is more. No crazy logos or large colorful embroideries. These details are a big turn off to women. Keep your jeans clean and simple and make sure the fit and cut is killer for your Body-Type.

Bonus Tips:

• Unless you have invested in a ultra cool denim suit, and you are a man who can carry it off with confidence, it is not ever cool to match your denim jacket or chambray shirt to your jeans.  Wearing two identical shades of jean fabric next to each other is a big fashion faux pas. Make sure that your denims are in contrast so that the two different denim shades look like they were worn together “on purpose.” If the shades are too close it will look like you tried to match them even if you didn’t. For example, to get a look that works, pair a light chambray shirt with a pair of darker denim or black jeans.

• AG, Seven For All Mankind, and True Religion jeans for men are a great fit, but like most modern jeans they are pricey. If you don’t want to pay the hefty price tag for designer jeans but still want an awesome fitting pair of jeans in a style that’s been around and still going strong, go to the company that started it all. Levis. Their 501’s are still the tops in my book, and a reference point for every designer that has come after them.

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Ladies, although these tips are for the men today, most will work just as well for you too. 🙂

Now, it’s your turn. I’d love to hear from you.  Your insights and inspiration are appreciated so please share your comments and stories in the comment section below.

Blog me.

Love,

~Michelle