As I lifted the dark-wash denim past my knees, I already felt the ideal amount of stretch in the fabric around my calves. Then, with the turn of a button I looked in the mirror. Twenty pant legs, ten zippers, five-pocket designs and one goal -- to find the perfect pair of jeans -- and there they were. Just as if buying a new pair of shoes, I wanted to ask, "Can I wear them home?"
It may seem like a shopper's impossible dream, but perfect jeans can be found if you have the dedication. I've come up with some key guidelines to help narrow the field when searching for that denim holy grail.
Just make sure that after you buy them you cuff the bottoms when you wear them to frats. That's just common sense.
Brand
Remember, trying on is free. If you're serious about finding the perfect pair, plan on spending some time in the fitting room. While True Religions run true to size, Hudson jeans run notoriously small. And please don't get me started on the lilliputian sizes at H&M. Is it fair? No. But if you set aside the time to try on pair after pair, and you refuse to let labels and sizes deter you, you will find a pair. And if you're short on time (or in a particularly boring lecture) try online shopping sites like nationaljeancompany.com and zafu.com, which offer questionnaires about body shape and size to narrow choices down to their most flattering.
Wash
From dark to light, sandblasted to faded, "denim" blue has never come in so many shades. It can be difficult to figure out whether that whiskering on your leg is playing up your athletic thighs, or creating a less than desired effect. Universal rule: anyone looks good in a pair of dark wash jeans. The dark color slims and lengthens the leg line, an essential attribute for perfect denim.
Fit
Since we're talking about the perfect, "one item on a desert island" pair of jeans here, we can rule out trendy skinny stovepipes, wide legs and high rises. What we're looking for is a pair of boot cut, low-rise jeans that fit snug in the hips, don't gap at the waist and flatter your legs. Part of what's up to your own personal preference (and also based on your body type) is how the rear fits. What every woman (and man!) wants from a pair of jeans is a good looking derriere. And denim companies know this; why else would they put designs on the back pockets if not to highlight such an asset?
And there you have it. Jeans so perfect that all you can say when you put them on is "Damn, I look good."
