8 insider hacks for finding (and styling) the perfect pair of jeans

Ah, denim. Bringing us so much joy, while simultaneously giving us the heebie-jeebies at the very thought of (*shudders*) shopping for jeans. 

Indeed, say denim enough times and, depending on your mood, you’ve either got the Jaws theme or the Blind Date one, which says it all really. But what if shopping for it didn’t have to be quite so scary? What if I told you that there’s a universally flattering style of jeans that suits every unique body shape? Plus a quick-fix denim buy that’ll halve your getting-ready time? What if I also revealed that there’s a brand of wear-forever sustainable denims that are friendly to purse and planet? And a denim trend that will never (ever) date? 

Hit our definitive guide below to start shopping for denim the smart way.

OK, sure, the skinny jean is dead, but you knew that already (see also: ‘ever so slightly mauled by a tiger’ distressed denim). If, like me, you’re struggling to come to terms with the fact that your beloved ole blues are passé, it’s worth bearing in mind that you now have three hands to play. 1) Rebel and keep wearing what you love. 2) Rework and scissor them into shorts. 3) Re-sell and invest in a pair of timeless, straight-fit, French-style kick flares instead.

What are kick flares? The perfect jeans for every body, budget and lifestyle leaning – and proof that there is such a thing as universally flattering jeans. Opt for dark-wash denim for evening, and mid-blue or bleach for everything else. Here are the three details to look out for: 

• The rise Choose mid-rise to high-waisted (try Mango Newmom High Waist Jeans, Open Blue, £35.99). Mid is the most figure-friendly and comfortable rise on all body types, adding structure to your waistline. Meanwhile, high-rise helps to create curves and elongate legs. 
  
• The leg Choose straight to wide (try Whistles High Waist Barrel Leg Jeans, Denim, £95). Unlike skinnies, which can look a smidge spray-on, straight-cut jeans flatter every body, and are far more comfortable. When trying on a new pair, be sure to bend your knees and sit down in them. Most jeans will give a little after wear but make sure they feel comfortable from the outset.
• The ankle Choose kick flare to wide (try Mango Sienna Kick Flare Cropped Jeans, Blue, £29.99). Sure you could go full ’70s flare and tick off some 2023 denim trends, but my advice? Opt for a wide or cropped kick flare with a subtly fluted hem. This silhouette is easy to wear, super-flattering, timeless and gives a nod to French-girl cool. 

Whether you splash out on a baggier boilersuit or prefer your all-in-ones to come with a bit more fit and flare (oh hey, tailored jumpsuit), these double-duty denims are effortlessly cool and will halve your getting-ready time.

While we’re talking denim trends, it’s worth banking that double denim will never fall out of fashion favour. Some years it’ll be all we talk about, others we’ll triple up, but working head-to-toe denim will always look and feel cool. As such, a unisex denim shirt will be the (second) hardest-working item in your wardrobe, so make it durable.

Straight-leg jeans are a classic for good reason: they look laidback, feel roomy enough for everyday wear and offer just enough bagginess to deliver edge. They’re also the most universally flattering style for men of all ages. Worried about the wash? Opt for darker hues to swiftly sidestep Jeremy Clarkson vibes. Concerned about the fit? See our men's jeans buying guide, follow the advice and look great for life.

First up, Levi’s new 501s are made from a blend of certified organic cotton, sustainably sourced wood pulp and Circulose (a textile made by chemically recycling cotton waste), with the pockets, labels, threads and patches also crafted from 100% cotton to allow for easier recycling. Secondly, Levi’s is on a mission to drastically reduce the amount of water used in the production of its jeans. The result? A green makeover for denim’s most infamous blues. Phew.

White, cream, ecru, stone, buff, café au lait, beige – whatever colour wash you call it, pasty denims are suddenly seasonless. Once the preserve of middle-aged posh sorts in summer, the world is awash with ecru and we couldn’t be more on board. Here’s how to wear yours now.

Can’t escape the lure of leggings? Truthfully, neither can I – no matter how ‘fash’ my intentions are first thing, I’ve usually slung on something elasticated by midday. WFH perks, eh? Only, I don’t want to be such a legging lover. I long to feel dapper at my desk, which is why I’m wrapping my top half in arguably the two coolest denim cover-ups on the market right now (see below). Layered over tees, polo necks, thick knits and yes, leggings, these jean jackets pull together a casual look and make you feel more polished, pronto.

Want to jazz up your jeans? Longing to look like that cool mum – the one at school pickup who’s always effortlessly chic, and y’know, feels a bit French (but she’s actually from Amersham)? Buckle up for the stylists’ forever foolproof formula for looking sleek in jeans, fast. Here’s the maths:

Take 1 x bijou blouse 
+ 1 x accent colour (a khaki, camel, burgundy or brown coat are fail-safes) 
+ 1 x tortoiseshell accessory 
+ 1 x red lipstick 
= chic! Seriously, it’s that easy.  

1. Launder less Wash denim as little as possible to prevent shrinking and colour fade. When they really need it, turn them inside-out and wash separately in cold water (no more than 30C) and, if possible, line dry – don’t tumble.
2. Bake ’n’ bleach Wash white jeans separately and try mixing four quarters of warm water with a cup of baking soda, then soak for eight hours. Finally, hang in the sun to bleach.
3. Make the cut Fallen out of love with your old favourites? Extend their shelf life by chopping off the legs to create shorts.