At times I find myself taking notice of cuts, shapes and silhouettes shoppers around me are wearing. Through this observation I have alluded "pocket problems". Run through Denim 101 for tips on how to flatter your figure with high-rise and low-rise jeans when it comes to pocket placement.
DENIM 101
Only 6% of women have the shape of a super-model. That means, those jeans on the runway aren't necessarily built for you, the other 94%. It doesn't matter if you have no waist, a full waist, no bum or all bum. As long as you know what flatters your figure, you can rock a pair of jeans day and night. Make sure to match your shape with the shape of your denim.
Pocket placement is the biggest factor in how a jean shapes your rear. The closer the pockets, the leaner the look. The farther the placement, the larger your backside appears. Angled pockets are more flattering than rounded pockets. See the tips for your rise!
High Rise Wearers:
- If you want your waist to appear smaller, look for a back yoke that is rounder. This will make your cushion look fuller and your waist appear smaller.
- If you want a butt lift without going under the knife, shop for pockets that are slightly angled inward which will give your butt a "lifted look".
- When wearing a high-waisted jean, be cautious of how high your pockets sit. The higher the pocket the longer your derriere looks. Same with pocket balance: they needed to hit you on the center of your cushion for proportion.
- Be cautious of the space between the lowest points of the pocket. The wider the space... you guessed it... the wider your toosh looks!
- Picture recap: the Citizen of Humanity jeans above are perfect for ladies who like a high rise pant. This style is well balanced with perfectly placed pockets. (They are centered and the bottom points are well spaced) In addition they also added curved seaming details on the sides of the yoke which create the illusion of a slimmer backside. To view the style in large, click here.
Low Rise Wearers:
- Pockets angled inward for low rise denim enhances your curves versus lifting your curves like in high waisted pants.
- Stay away from completely straight. Straight yokes and straight set pockets make you look boxy. Choose one or the other.
- Lots of skinny jeans have low pockets. Pick them wisely! The lower the pocket, the flatter the butt. For example, if your pocket is low enough that it runs onto your thigh, your bum is going to look flatter. So, if you already don't have a backside, this is not a good option. However, if you do have a curve you'd like to suppress, go lower. Keep in mind: if you have a low pocket jean, avoid a pair that stretches as the looser it gets, the sloppier it looks.
- Picture Recap: Frankie B jeans, like the photo above, are infamous for low-rise! The pockets aren't too low and they are well proportioned. Also notice, they went with the straight yoke, but a curved pocket in order to avoid the boxed look.
360 Degree Denim Tips
- Contoured waistbands work with lots of shapes. If you have large hips and thighs but a small waist, invest in contour.
- Skinny jeans go well with stiletto's, flats and tucked inside boots.
- If your denim is 100% cotton or has little to no spandex, buy them snug because they will stretch out. You can test this in the fitting room by sitting down for a few moments. If you stand up and you can see they have slightly stretched, keep in mind they will stretch the more you wear them.
- Love dark denim but hate how they fade? Throw in a few splashes of vinegar with your wash to preserve the dye.
