Jeans

I did mention I would share my experiences so today I am going to talk about jeans. Today there are numerous styles out there and its important to pay attention to what sets them apart.

 SKINNY JEANS Skinny jeans are just that- skinny, and if you are wide in the hips they can make you look like an exclamation point.  Years ago I loved them, I looked cute in them, they flattered me. Then I gained more weight- right in my abdomen and that cuteness wore off quickly! To make it worse skinny jeans for us larger sized women are elastic which is great in theory but what happens is all that stuff that's squished has to come out and then we have (duh duh duh duh) muffin top.

LOW RISE This is the new standard in women's jeans but that doesn't mean its attractive. Or even comfortable. If you don't have a flat tummy you will find yourself pulling them up often because they rest at the widest part of your hips. For me this would be fine if my stomach did not push them down all day; then when I lost weight they were no longer snug and were falling down. (A problem I wouldn't mind again actually.) Low risers are great at making the skinniest of women look like she's got a spare tire because they stay up by sheer pressure meaning they are supposed to cinch the waist, but then you get that dreaded -you know what. I have seen women who are making 95 soakin' wet, women who are 5% body fat look like they could cut back on the cupcakes because of this affect. Now I understand that's the new style, but I will say it again that doesn't mean its attractive.

BOYFRIEND/ HIGH WAIST Now this is a nice throwback. Boyfriend waist are jeans where they fit like the good ole days- above your hips and for a big girl they are really helpful in keeping that tummy in. Of course if they are high waist people are quick to say "mom jeans no way" but as long as they aren't baggy with an elastic waist you don't have to worry. Jeans with a higher waist can replace the need for shape wear if you buy a snug fit as it will help hide your least appealing area. Big plus here its not really going to cause that muffin top as you are covering the belly not pushing it up. If there is a little overflow due to the higher waist a blouse will hide is easily.

So when shopping for jeans; especially online, when you see those pictures think about your body shape and where it will fall. So before ordering them, then trying on, then having to ship back for a replacement or refund I suggest finding a store near you and setting aside an hour to go in and try on as many different styles as you can- and sizes! Even though the size is supposedly a set measurement each designer seems to have their own set; so while you may wear a 20 in one designer you could find that another is a 22 or 24. When ever I try on clothes I get the size I am- then one below and 2 above that. Start with what you know and if it fits great if not you don't have to go back out and get another one, you already have it. Do note that some stores have a limit on how many items you can have in the dressing room, so don't try to take back 20 items at once if you are unsure. Once you know what style fits your body best and size (note what size you wear for each designer, either with pen and paper or on your phone) take that knowledge and hit the ole internet and find you some great jeans at a good deal!