Though skinny jeans have become a recent men’s fashion phenomenon - helped in no small part by NME-friendly bands like the Strokes and Razorlight - it is not a look for everyone. Depending on your build, skinny jeans can make you look dangerously skinny or almost like a court jester.
Luckily, for those who like to dress according to popular trends, yet don’t like the idea of looking like they’re wearing their girlfriend’s jeans, loose fit jeans are gaining popularity; giving wearers versatile clothing and the additional comfort not afforded by skinny jeans. Good loose fit jeans should be casual, yet formal enough for the office and trendy enough for a night out, making them the perfect addition to your wardrobe this spring.
When trying on a pair of loose fit jeans, it is important to get the right fit. The length should be enough for the jeans to comfortably reach the floor when you’re not wearing shoes; jeans that are excessively long are really just for teenagers. When it comes to the waist, bear in mind that jeans tend to expand with body-heat and shrink a little with the initial washes, so a comfortable, yet slightly snug fit should be acceptable. The jeans should also fit comfortably around the thighs, but again, don’t go overboard and do expect a little expansion and shrinkage with the initial wears and washes.
The main thing when looking for loose fit jeans is to avoid buying the low-slung, baggy jeans which are popular with skaters and snowboarders. There are several retailers offering trendy loose fit jeans that can go with any occasion and not make you seem like you’re trying to recapture lost youth and look like a teenager again.
When it comes to selecting the right finish, it really depends on the look you’re going for. A darker finish will generally look more formal, but a general trend for jeans in the last decade has been for jeans to have gone through some sort of bleaching and/or have a distressed look to them. If in doubt, then a trusted friend or the shop assistant can help you out. Another tip is to wear what you’d expect to wear with the jeans when trying them on - just to be on the safe side.
So if you’re fed up with the proliferation of drainpipes in men’s fashion and are looking for a timeless, yet trendy and versatile way to spruce up your wardrobe this spring, loose fit jeans are the right choice for you. |
