Crack the code to perfect online jeans shopping with these pro tips

Buying jeans online can be incredibly maddening and often doesn’t end well. (Speaking from personal experience!)

Then, you’re left with a pile of jeans you have to return--either go to the store or pay to return the package. Either way, it’s not fun.

Here are 5 ways to get the right fit when you’re buying denim online.

CHECK THE SIZING

Store and brand sizing can be very different. You may be a 6 at one but an 8 at another. AND, you could wear different sizes in different cuts of jeans. Most are offering some kind of “quiz” where they gather some information about your body and suggest the right size for you. If not, look for a size chart.

LOOK AT THE FABRIC CONTENT

The higher the cotton content, the less stretch the jean will have. With rigid jeans, most women need to size up. This is especially important for curvy women (bigger on bottom, hourglass). The less stretch, the harder they are to get over the hips.

What do you look for? Check the amount of lycra or elastane in the jeans. Example:

Le One Skinny from Frame: 90% cotton, 5.5% polyester, 4.5% lycra. These babies have unbelievable stretch!
Good American Good Legs Crop: 66% cotton, 21% polyester, 10.5% viscose, 2.5% elastane. Not as stretchy as the Frame jeans, but still up there.
7 For All Mankind Crop: 82% cotton, 17% rayon, 1% elastane. Now we’re getting more rigid.
Mango straight leg jeans: 100% cotton. No give whatsoever.

READ REVIEWS

First, I rarely buy something if it only has a few reviews (unless it’s brand new). If there are a lot of reviews, I go through a fair amount of them. People can give conflicting info, but by reading 12-15 of them, you generally get a feel. Stores also typically ask reviewers for some body and size info so look for someone that is near your size. I also look for reviews with pictures of the person in the clothing item. It really helps!

REACH OUT TO CUSTOMER SERVICE

Many stores these days offer a live chat option. Madewell even offers free video calls with store stylists. They want you to be happy with your purchase and don’t want a return so if you’re unsure of your size, ask!

BUY TWO SIZES

Even when I’m relatively sure of sizing, I generally suggest to my clients that they buy two sizes of bottoms. It saves a lot of time and hassle to try the both on at once and only return the one that doesn’t work.

With love and style,

Want to learn more about various jean styles, including what cuts work for which body types and what shoes to wear with each cut? Click below to download my Ultimate Jeans Guide!

Take me there!

A guide to nailing your fit when buying jeans online