Ask Julie our Fit Specialist archive

Julie: What brand works best for my body shape?

A short torso most often times works best with a low rise jean, but since gapping is an issue you need a jean that accommodates for curves with a back rise slightly higher with a great pocket placement.  Sounds like you need a jean offered in a short length as well, I would recommend checking out the IT Diva jean.  For utmost accuracy and more recommendations fill out a profile with your measurements and we can pin point some excellent fitting and flattering jeans for you.

Julie: Are there more options for jeans with a 36 inch inseam?

Hello Karen,

We definitely have jeans to fit your curves and long legs!  If you typically wear a size 10, that would convert to a size 30; fluctuating up or down depending on the brand or style.  I would recommend Red Engine and Pine IV as well as the Kasil jeans that you were getting great fit ratings for.  Please click through other styles to check out your fit scores and in the details section the approximate inseam length.  If a jean is unavailable in your recommended size it will not show up in your personal catalogue.  If you see something you like that is out of stock but you are getting a great fit rating for, please let us know because we are always replenishing inventory and can send the jeans to you upon arrival.

Best,

Julie

Julie: I am a few pounds overweight; what jeans should I buy?

A reader by the name of T. Lynn left a comment addressing a common problem many denim shoppers face:

"What type of jeans should I be buying, I a few lbs. overweight and wear a size 10 jeans.  I am not sure what type of jeans to get.  What is your suggestion?" 

Hi T. Lynn-

The type of jean you should buy would depend on your personal preference and comfort, for instance, form-fitting, relaxed, boot cut, etc.  If you are feeling a little self-conscious after holiday weight (trust me I know exactly how you feel!); a mid-rise jean is super comfy for some belly hiding and a darker wash tends to slimming.

Best,

Julie

Julie: Should I be wearing Women's Jeans?

A reader recently said,

"Hi Julie,
What do you think about men wearing womens jeans---I'm serious.  Because I don't like the bagginess and roomy thighs of typical mens jeans.  Normally a slim jean is not slim enough with many styles for me and I'm not really into the skinny jean.  I'm a thin guy, about 6 feet tall and barely 150 and I was looking at a pair of 1921 jeans for women.  It's stretch denim but does that matter with my physique?  I appreciate your comments--thankyou. - Jeff"

Hi Jeff,

I think a woman's jean might give you the fit that you need in a jean, and a lot of men's jeans are not cut for a slimmer figure that wants a slim fit.  Most men's jeans are 100% cotton which is probably what is creating the extra bagginess in the thighs; the woman's jeans mostly have 2-3% stretch to create a formfitting look.  If you do not like a "skinny jean" I would just be careful of what is in the % of stretch that is in the woman's jean such as spandex or lycra, unless it is a woman's jean that is meant to be a relaxed fit through the thigh. 

Men's jeans that have a stretch content will tend to be more form fitting through the thigh such as the 7 for all Mankind, Boot cut in the Fiji wash. 

Best,

Julie

Julie: Why doesn't truejeans carry Buffalo Jeans?

TrueJeans blog reader Kelly writes "I find the only jean that works for me is David Britton's Buffalo jean but, you do not have them listed on your site.  Why not???" 

 
Hello Kelly,

We currently do not carry Buffalo Jeans, so we can only provide fit predictions for the jeans brands and styles that we feature on the website.  We do extensive research and fit test each style individually, so it takes some time to create a deep product mix.   There has got to be more than one jean to fit you; we can help!!

Best,

Julie

Julie: I Need a Midrise Jean with Some Stretch

Hello Liz-

Great comment, and feedback!  We have jeans to your rescue!

The truejeans predictions will give you the sizes and styles in which will fit you best according to your body shape and measurements, etc.  We are currently working on factoring torso length in the body shape section to factor in that additional fit criteria. When you receive your personal catalog, from that point I would encourage you to narrow down your search results to your personal preference mid-rise, boot cut, snug fit.  Our classification of a mid-rise is approximately in the range of 8+ front rises, which is listed specifically jean to jean in the details tab of your selection, also with the fabric content.  For a stretch mid-rise jean, I would suggest Pine IV, Christopher Blue and WORN styles, which all have 2-3% stretch for your comfort.

Best,

Julie

Julie: Where are your Plus Sizes?!

I just received a comment from one of our readers who was having trouble with finding a pair of jeans in her size on our site. 

"Hey Julie:
I guess us chunky gals don’t quite cut it on your computing.  I can wear Lane Bryant jeans, but your calculations didn’t come up with even one suggestion for me?  whats with that?  please get in touch with me - if you are truly interested in fitting everyone in custom jeans!  thx! - Anita"

Dear Anita,
We regret to hear that you were disappointed by your visit to truejeans.com. We completely understand your frustration! We, too, have been frustrated by how few plus size premium denim brands there are. We do realize that we currently have some limitations in the selection of jeans that are featured and profiled on our site. Luckily, we have two plus size brands that will be featured on the site this week, ranging in sizes from 14-26.

In order to predict fit and size accurately, we have to do extensive testing, so creating a deep product mix takes some time, and since we study the brands so closely we only give predictions for the brands that we carry. Many jeans brands cater only to “certain” body types.

Unfortunately, there are many body types which are underserved by the apparel industry in general. It is our goal to represent and serve a wide variety a body types on our site, therefore we appreciate your help, feedback, and ideas! Please accept our deepest apologies and we thank you for your patience as we strive to make the jeans buying process effortless for you.  I would encourage you to re-visit truejeans this week.

Best,
Julie

Julie: Should I Be Wearing Skinny Jeans?

I recently received another great question on the Ask Julie main post: 

"Hi Julie! I created a profile and it suggested a number of jeans for me, some of which were skinny jeans. Because of my proportions, I know for a fact that skinny jeans don't work (I have thick thighs and calves). What do you think the problem could be if I am being honest in my measurements, but my results still don't fit properly because the thigh is way too tight?

- Sharon"

Great question Sharon! For the fit predictions to be accurate we need you to be honest about your measurements, but one feature that is great about our site is the style search. Truejeans will generate a personal catalog of all of the jeans that will fit you in a certain size, paired with a star rating. From that point, it would be up to you to narrow your personal style preference and you could eliminate skinny jeans altogether, amongst other categories that you don't feel comfortable in such as extra low rise or snug fit, etc.

It is a pretty common misconception for a figure that has a fuller thigh so stay away from skinny jeans. If you are uncomfortable in the style I would definitely stay away, but if you are comfortable in a skinny it should be paired with a heel and a longer top, or tucked into a boot to balance out the top of the leg and hips. We also suggest for a fuller thigh to stick with a darker wash to create a slimmer look, and a fabric that has some stretch to it. Thanks again! - Julie 

Julie: Please Help My Curvy and Petite Girlfriend

A reader recently left me a comment asking about what jeans would flatter his petite and curvaceous girlfriend. 

My best advice for your girlfriend after she creates a profile would be to stick with a darker wash jean, and a fabric that has at least 2-3% stretch.  The darker wash creates a slimmer silhouette, and the stretch helps for a curvaceous figure and athletic thighs, for utmost comfort.  A couple of brands that incorporate stretch and work well with a curvy figure are Pine IV and WORN.

Inseam length is the least of our fit issues, because we can always provide the original hem service.  There is nothing better than a fabulous pair of shoes to pair up with your new jeans to help boost your height a bit, or the jeans are just a good excuse to get a new pair of shoes!

Julie

Julie: How can I sort jeans by inseam length?

"can I sort all style options available by inseam length?"

- Lisa

Hi Lisa-

Currently there is not a search functionality to sort by inseam, as of yet, but thank you for the great idea; we appreciate any feedback that will help our customers shop for jeans.  Typically when you receive your personal catalog then click on your jean of choice, the check boxes at the bottom of the page will showcase how short or long the jean will be on you.  Also, there is a tab function titled details which will tell you approximate inseam length on any jean.

Julie

Julie: Did I buy the wrong size of Seven Jeans?

Julie, Kind of recently I bought some Seven jeans, with a slightly high waist. In the thigh and hip area, they fit very well. But, in the waist they're a little on the big side; wearing a belt kind of helps. I also noticed that when I walk, sometimes the front (by the crotch area) makes this odd noise/ruching. Although I could have fit into a smaller size, I opted for the slightly larger size. It's way too late to take them back. Is there anything I can do to fix this? Does this noise mean that I should have gone one size smaller? - Alli

Hello Alli!

I do believe the size smaller would have done the trick; that noise is most likely extra fabric bunching together, but I don't think there is anything to fix it as of now; except create a fabulous relaxed look!  To maintain a fitted looking jean I always suggest opting for the snug fit, because the jeans tend to stretch out to how the next size up feels.  Keep in mind, the only place you cannot compromise a snug fit is in the waistband; it will not stretch out much.

Best,

Julie

Julie: Is it OK to Cuff my Jeans if They're Too Long?

Hi Dee!

I wouldn't be shy about cuffing your jeans until you get them hemmed.  Try to make it look like the cuffing is done on purpose. Suppose you want to show off your fabulous shoes!  Just be careful of cuffing too much that it looks bulky.  Keep in mind if you love AG jeans, Goldsign jeans are amazing fit and feel; designed by Adriano Goldschmeid, that formally created AG jeans. 

Have fun!

Julie

 

Julie: Help me Find Jeans for my Curvy, Athletic Figure!

Janelle Asks Julie:
“Hey Julie. I'm 16 and 5'5 and I have wide hips and a big butt. I'm also athletic so I have big thighs and calves. However, I have a small waist. A few months ago I was measured for a wedding and got 34 in the waist and 43 in the hips. It is so difficult to find pants that fit nice.If they fit my thighs and hips, they make them look big and are way to big in the waist. I'm starting to not like shopping anymore. Maybe you can help me!”

Julie Responds: 
Hey Janelle!

A girl should always like shopping!  It is just a matter of where you shop, and if you're looking for jeans, you came to the right place!  I have found with similar body types in comparison to your description, are doing really well with a trouser or flare jean; the wide leg opening helps to balance out the hips and thighs, and creates a long and lean look.  If it is a boot-cut you prefer, I would encourage you to stick with a darker wash for a minimal clean-cut look.  Keep in mind, a fabric with at least 2% stretch also helps to hug your curves, while maintaining comfort.
For utmost accuracy, plug in your measurements, and narrow down to your style preferences; I would recommend a fit score of 3.00 or higher.  Here are a few of my top picks:

Pine IV, Kyoto

Kasil's Tribecca or Chelsea; (button closures on the sides are functional for curves)

JAG, Chick-a-Dee

WORN, Alder

 

Best,

Julie

Ask Julie: I'm short, but have athletic thighs

A Reader Asks Julie:
I am short (5'3) and though my hips are larger than my waist, my thighs are athletic and relatively big. Most jeans that would fit my waist don't get past my thighs, and if they fit my thighs, they're too big around the waist! Or, they tend to make my legs look hippy and even shorter! What's a good fit for someone like me?

Julie Replies:
Hello!

Your curvy figure and athletic thighs, would be most comfortable in a jean that has a good amount of stretch in the fabric.  The rise is important not to be too low, where it can cause gapping, and a dark wash with a slightly thicker fabric will help minimize, instead of accentuate.  If you would like to elongate your legs you cannot go wrong with the trouser cut jean.  Often people with shorter legs have the misconception that they cannot pull off the trouser/wide leg style.  I completely disagree!  If paired with the perfect heel or wedge and a longer top, the trouser will lightly hug the hips and thighs and will endlessly widen to just barely touching the floor, will create the illusion of a long, lean leg.  For some great trouser options I suggest the Kasil Chelsea; which have functional button closures on the sides to accommodate for curves;  and my personal favorite, the Hudson, Deluxe Wide Leg, is a must have of the season, for style and extreme comfort. If it is a simple boot-cut you are looking for; check out the  Goldsign, Desire; or for a good mid-rise option try the WORN Alder and Nikki LoLo.  I hope this helps your jean search!

Best,

Julie

Ask Julie: Jeans For Those With Tummy Trouble

Sally Asks Julie:
I have always had trouble finding jeans. If they fit on top, they don't fit on bottom, vice versa. I HATE to wear baggy jeans, but i have a belly that makes me LOOK like I'm three months pregnant, and at times i have the jeans going where they shouldn't go and have to wear a long shirt to cover, i can't tell you when the last time it was i was able to tuck a shirt in, i tried on 6 pairs of jeans today and none of them fit,is there any jeans out there for me.

Julie's Answer:
Dear Sally,

Yes, there are jeans out there for you. Don't give up just yet!  Your tummy trouble is something that many women experience and it can be difficult to find jeans that help minimize this common problem area.  To best solve the tummy trouble you have experienced in the past, it seems as if you would be most comfortable in a mid-rise jean.  A mid-rise can provide you with just enough coverage to feel secure, without being so high that it creates more bulk where it is un-wanted. 

If you want a form fitting jean all around, I would suggest a jean with at least 2% stretch in it to help hug the right curves, and stretch with you with your busy day to day activities.  A few brands I suggest you check out are Pine IV, JAG, and WORN which are great for style and comfort. 

Also, keep in mind that fit specialists are available for phone consultations as well.  Phone consultations are really a great way to receive an individual shopping experience because fit specialists can speak one-on-one with you to help match up your measurements and personal style preferences with the perfect pair of jeans for you.  Please do not hesitate to call at 877-348-8783! 

I look forward to hearing for you!

Julie

Ask Julie: Help me find the right shoes for my Kasils!!

Doug Asks Julie:
Julie:  I came in for a fitting in May just before I moved to LA - I bought two pair of Kasil jeans.  My question of what kind of shoes do you think go well with these jeans - mine are boot cuts.  My Luchese boots look great with jeans.  My flip-flops and tennis shoes do not.  Also, my formal cap-toe and wing-tip type of dress shoes don't seem appropriate either.  What shoes do you recommend for a 43 year old man going out on the town in jeans in LA?

Julie's Response:
Hi Doug!

My advice to you for your shoe selection would have to be to keep it simple. Simplicity will definitely make it easier for you to transition from day to night.  You can never go wrong with a black or brown shoe; and it seems as if men's fashion shoes are going toward a less chunky, smaller, sleeker sole; like a leather loafer or a trendy sneaker.  Celebrities seen in Kasil Jeans, like Nick Lachey, and Brad Pitt, are usual seen with a t-shirt and a blazer, and a casual dress shoe.  Aldo has a great fall selection, which mixes simplicity with style.  Check out Men Style.com; they have great fashion tips, but also gadgets, travel, and media advice. Also, you might enjoy this great blog called Plopculture.  It's a man living in LA; it's hilarious and honest about style, celebrity and life in LA.

Good Luck!

Julie

Julie: My problem is the thickness of my legs BELOW the thigh

Ann Asks Julie:
Hi Julie,
I found you through Claudia and Grumperina.
I have taken the plunge, measured myself, and gotten a list of jeans on the website. I have a small waist and curvy hips (25/37) but my biggest problem with all pants are the thickness of my legs my BELOW the thigh. from mid-thigh to ankle they are big.

The 4 jeans in my shopping cart include: iT diva, Lucky Sweet n Low, Little in the Middle Tab Front Midrise, and the Worn Lou Casey. Of these four, which 2 do you think are my best bets?

Julie's Answer:
Hello Ann-
Your best bets would be the Little in the Middle - Tab Front Mid-rise and the Worn -Lou Casey.  It sounds like you are a perfect candidate for the curvy figure that Little in the Middle intends to fit.  The Worn Lou Casey has 3% spandex and a relaxed fit through the thigh, which may be more comfortable for you.  For more accurate suggestions, I would need to take a look at all of your measurements listed in your profile to lead you in the direction of other styles.  I hope this helps your search!

Best,

Julie

Julie: How Do I Measure My Inseam?

Leslie Asks Julie: 

I'm really looking forward to your addition of larger sizes for women. Wearing a 20 or 22 women's petite makes it difficult to find anything I really like.

I know I'll probably have to hem (I'm 5'3" but seem to be short legged in relation to the rest of me) but hope I won't have to cut off 6 or 8" of material to do so. That's a lot of fabric wasted. It has always seemed to me that I'm paying for a special cut due to my size and because the cutter isn't using the fabric economically.

I do have a question though - how to accurately measure in-seam. What are the rules?
Thanks,
Leslie

Julie's Answer: 
Hi Leslie!

Here is the easiest way to measure your inseam.  This illustration can also be found while creating your profile in the measurement section.  Personally, I like to keep my inseam length on the longer side to accommodate for heels.

There are many people out there that share your frustration for short inseams, but I always suggest having an original hem put on your jeans. Original hems preserve the style and details of your jeans.  True Jeans now offers the original hem service for $15.

A newsletter will be sent out early in July when our premium plus size brands are showcased on the website. 

Best,

Julie

Julie: What are the most flattering jean stlyes for different body shapes?

Kathy Asks Julie: Women come in all different shapes:  long legs, short waist, athletic thighs, classic hourglass, a little tummy, more than a little behind, and so on. 

Jeans come in equally numerous varieties:  different cuts, washes, and details.  Button-fly, flap pockets, tab closures - you've got them all!

What are the most flattering jean styles for different body shapes?  Who should avoid cropped jeans, for instance?  And who would look fabulous in an ultra low rise?  Are some colors/washes more flattering for hourglass shapes than others?

Thanks!
Kathy

Julie's Answer: Hi Kathy!

Shorter legs should stick with a shorter crop, preferably a knee length, to make your legs appear longer. 

An ultra low rise is the most flattering on a flat stomach, and better on a shorter torso. If you have a long torso it may make the jeans look and feel too ultra low. I have seen a lot of women try on the Red Engine Super Sexy Mid-Rise Boot cut, and the Gold Sign Desire, and these are great jeans for women with curves.  It is important to keep in mind that we need to flatter the assets we have, and find the best way to accomodate our not so flattering areas.

I myself have average hips, and seat, and typically have problems filling out jeans.  To make my seat look perkier and give me the lift I’m looking for , I focus on pocket placement, and details.  My favorite jeans that help me achieve this look are Hudson’s Deluxe Wide Leg Trouser and Blue Cult’s Kate Butt lifter, which do wonders for lifting my behind!  A dark wash is the most flattering on all body types, but it is always good to have a lighter wash to mix up your wardrobe! - Julie

 

 

Julie: I'm looking for plus sized premium denim

Dawn-Marie Asks Julie:  Why are there no plus sizes for jeans?  I was very excited to hear about your site, hoping it would help my jeans problem.  Alas, I find yet another site that talks the good talk, but when I went through and input all my data, there were *no* results whatsoever.

Also, on one of the pages, when it asks about the jeans you "usually buy" I could not input what I usually buy because the waistband is typically 10 or so inches bigger than my waist, and my waist size was the largest you could input as a jeans waistband size.  What's up with that?  I typically have to take the waist of my jeans in 10 inches or so, which results in a large dip in the backside; I've eliminated some of this problem by taking up some of the fabric as a dart into the front pocket.  The jeans fit, but they are unattractive at the waist, so I have to make sure my waist area is always covered.  (My waist is 34 inches, my hips are 56 inches.)  Got any advice for me, or am I doomed to look like a lump in my jeans forever?

- Dawn-Marie

Julie's Answer: I can assure you that you are not doomed forever!  In the field where you enter "usual size", that is typically the size jean usually worn, and not your actual waist measurement.  It is extremely important to us to provide great brands to plus size customers. The plus size community has long been underserved by the apparel industry in general, and we're trying to change that.  We are currently doing a lot of research in this area.  We are dedicated to helping all body shapes and sizes, find great fitting jeans, all while maintaining superior quality and style. 

As for your gapping issue, there is a solution in the works!  One of our brands, Little in the Middle (LITM), is a brand that is dedicated entirely to solving this problem for women. They make their jeans a size smaller in the waistband than the hips to accommodate and hug your curves and eliminate the gapping issue.  We have been working very closely with the LITM founder and pattern maker to include up to a size 22 (and above if we find that there is enough demand).  Within the next month, we will also be adding two new premium plus size brands, JAG jeans and Svoboda, which will go up to size 24 and size 28 respectively.  We will be sending out a newsletter, when these new brands are added to the website, so please don't give up on us yet!

Julie

Julie: How Do I Eliminate My Jeans Zipper Bulge?

Faith, Asks Julie: Hi Julie... I am an asian chick with a wide hips, but a small waist... Which is hard to find a good pair of jeans to fit into, because I have to have a bigger size for my hips, but then a belt to not crack the world! Anyway... I found a pair of jeans at a Vanity store. They are called Sparrow... They are a boy cut jeans which fit me rather nicely, however I have been having a problem... Whenever I sit down the zipper part tends to lump up... Not too attractive... And now I've been noticing that that little lump is still there even though I am standing! Would a different pair of jeans fix the problem?? What to you suggest? I wear 31x29... And I am 5'3", longer legs, short torso... What do you suggest? Faith.

Julie's Answer: Hi Faith, First off, thanks for being the first person to Ask me a fit question. The cut of a boyfriend jean is typically relaxed and tends to have a little extra room all around, which is what is creating the extra bulk around the zipper.  Also, this excess fabric may be due to a higher rise.  For those of us with a shorter torso, jeans with a higher rise can sometimes create unflattering fabric bunching.  To eliminate this problem, a lower front rise with a higher rise in the back to accommodate your curves may be the answer.  A bit of stretch in the fabric will help maintain your jean's shape when sitting and standing.  I would suggest you try for a not too low-rise option, which also happens to be my favorite, the Red Engine Super Sexy Boot Cut in Midnight Vintage wash.  Another option is the Gold Sign Desire,  which is made out of a beautiful fabrication and will hug your curves just right.  Because of your shorter 29" inseam, it may be helpful to opt for an original hem from truejeans.com or your local tailor to help preserve the original detailing of your jeans. I hope this helps your search for the perfect pair of jeans!

Best, Julie

Ask Julie - Welcome Message

Hi, my name is Julie Reppucci, and I’m a Fit Specialist at True Jeans.  My background is in Fashion Design, and I have a lot of experience in custom clothing construction.  I fully understand how important it is to find jeans and clothing that fits great and flatters your unique body type, all while maintaining your own unique style and comfort. The dressing room is a nightmare for most.  At True Jeans, we are working around the clock to eliminate the dressing room and make buying jeans an easy and enjoyable experience.  To find your true fit, you have to take into account your unique body shape as well as your personal style preferences.  At the end of the day it’s all about you.  Tell me your stories about shopping nightmares and successes.  I am excited to hear from you and I look forward to discussing any questions you may have about fit, style advice, fabrics, brands, and sizing options.