Wow! Finding the right style, shape and size of jeans can be tough! I have put together a list of all the terms you will find when searching for a pair of jeans. Hopefully you can use this as a guide to find the right fit for you.
Rise:
Rise is the distance from the middle of the crotch seam (right between your legs) to the top of the waistband. It usually ranges from 7 inches to 12 inches.
Pant rise is important because it determines where your pants sit on your body, which in turn creates your perceived waistline.
The problem is women's and men's bodies come in all shapes and sizes, and our trusty length/waist measurements aren't always the best way to determine if something fits properly.
Rise can work for you or against you. You can use rise to your advantage by changing your perceived dimensions, but choosing the wrong type of rise can also make you look disproportional.
High rise: longer than 10 inches, regular or even high rise pants contribute to a more sophisticated look.
Mid rise or normal rise: anywhere from 9 to 11 inches and is meant to be worn at your natural waist. Most pants, especially khakis and trousers, have a regular rise.
Short rise: range from 7 to 9 inches and are meant to be worn on your natural waist. Unlike low rise pants, which are meant to be worn at the hip, short rise pants are meant to be worn at the natural waist. They have a shorter rise, which means they won't have a bunch of extra material in the crotch area, and they will be comfortable on shorter bodies.
Low rise: meant to sit well below your natural waist, best for a casual look and they're not for everyone. If you have short legs and a long torso, stay away from low rise pants.
Fit:
Slim Fit: narrowest fit, slim in the thigh without feeling tight.
Skinny Fit: sits below the waist and is very narrow with a slim leg.
Regular or Classic Fit: sits at the waist and has a slender, straight fit through the seat and thigh.
Relaxed Fit: Cut with room in the thigh and seat for comfort, but not baggy.
Easy Fit: roomy in the thigh and designed with a longer saddle
Loose Fit: Cut substantially larger from hip to knee to accommodate larger thighs
Straight Fit: The waist and hip measurements are very similar.
Defined Curve (Boyfriend): Proportionate curve between waist and hips
Well-Defined Curve: If your waist is significantly smaller than your hips, creating a distinct curve.
Leg type:
Straight Leg: The width of the leg stays the same from the knee to the hem.
Tapered Leg: The width of the leg decreases from the knee to the hem.
Boot Cut: The width of the leg increases by about one inch from the knee to the hem.
Flare: The width of the leg increases by more than one inch from the knee to the hem.
Inseam: The length from the crotch to the hem - measured along the inside leg seam. For shorter people the inseam might measure 30-32 inches, taller persons would look for a 34-36.
Styles:
Destroyed: The jeans manufacturer places holes in the jeans in various locations to give a worn look.
Distressed: The jeans have some nicking and grinding and commonly have a pinched look waistband for the broken in look.
Frayed: Hems are frayed to give a worn look.
Whiskered: Faux streaking and fading at the hip and knee - creases look like actual wear.
Rinse or Wash: Refers to the depth of color for the jeans material. Often prewashed with a stone or enzyme.
Jeans available at NAO:
Dish, Prana, Levis, Carhartt, Silver, NYDJ, Marmot and Yoga
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