Denim is a classic and timeless wardrobe staple that always stays in style. It's a versatile fabric you can dress up or down, wear all year round, wear in any season, and easily transition from day to night.

However, there are many different washes, fits, and styles to consider when picking what suits and flatters your body shape and personal style.

Denim Basics: Washes, Fits And Styles

1.Washes

Denim washes refer to the color and texture of the fabric. The most common washes are dark, medium, and light. Dark washes are perfect for a dressier look, while medium washes are great for everyday wear. Light washes are perfect for summer and give off a more relaxed vibe.

• Indigo: The classic blue denim is dyed with indigo, creating a rich color that fades and personalizes with wear. Lighter washes offer a more casual vibe, while darker washes appear dressier.

• Black: A versatile and chic option, black denim offers a sleek, polished look. Ideal for both casual and dressed-up occasions.

• Distressed: Ripped knees, whiskering (faded lines around the pockets), and abrasions add a touch of grunge or vintage flair to your denim.

• Acid Wash: A throwback to the 80s, acid-washed denim features a splotchy, bleached effect for a bold and eye-catching look.

2. Fits

• Rise: This refers to how high the waistband sits on your torso. Low-rise sits below the hips, mid-rise hits right at the hips, and high-rise sits above the hips and can be very flattering.

• Leg: This describes the silhouette from the knee down. Straight leg offers a classic, timeless look. Bootcut widens slightly from the knee down, ideal for balancing wider hips. Skinny jeans hug the leg from hip to ankle, and relaxed or boyfriend cuts offer a looser, more comfortable fit.

Trendy popular fits are skinny, straight, bootcut, and boyfriend

The fit of denim is crucial to ensure that it looks flattering on your body. The most popular fits are skinny, straight, bootcut, and boyfriend jeans.

Skinny jeans are ideal for those with a slim or petite figure. They are form-fitting and taper at the ankle, creating a sleek and streamlined look.

Straight leg jeans are a classic fit that flatters almost every body type. They are fitted through the hips and thighs and have a straight cut from the knee to the ankle.

Bootcut jeans are fitted through the thigh and flare out slightly from the knee to the ankle. This style is perfect for those with wider hips or a curvier figure, as it balances out the silhouette.

Boyfriend jeans are a relaxed fit that sits low on the hips and has a loose fit through the thighs.

3. Styles

Classic Styles:Denim styles refer to the design details on the jeans. The most popular styles are high-rise, low-rise, ripped, and distressed.

High-rise jeans sit at or above the waist and are perfect for elongating your legs and creating a slimming effect.

Low-rise jeans sit below the waist and are ideal for those who want to show off their hips and curves.

Ripped jeans have tears and holes in the fabric, giving off a distressed and edgy vibe.

Distressed jeans have a worn-in look and feel, with fading and whiskering on the fabric.

Style Ideas:

• Classic Chic: Pair a dark wash, mid-rise skinny jean with a crisp white button-down shirt and blazer for a timeless, polished look.

• Casual Cool: Rock a light wash, boyfriend cut jean with a graphic tee and sneakers for effortless weekend style.

• Vintage Vibes: Embrace the 90s with a high-waisted mom jean, crop top, and chunky sneakers.

• Date Night Drama: Elevate your look with a dark wash, skinny jean, statement heels, and a silky blouse.

Takeaway

The key to knowing that you understand the different styles of jeans and found the right fit is when you notice yourself wearing the same pair frequently, because they are easy to style and can be dressed up or down without much effort.