Denim is one of those essential fabrics we all have in our closets. Some may only have jeans, others everything from shirts to jackets to even full jumpsuits. It’s a strong, robust, and incredibly stylish fabric that works for so many occasions.
Yet, denim can be completely different from one garment to the next. This is particularly true amongst jeans. Knowing what you’re looking for when it comes to jeans can help you choose a pair that fit better, work with your lifestyle, and suit your individual sense of style.
How do jeans differ from one to another? Let’s get into it:
What Sets Denim Apart
Denim is traditionally made from 100% cotton, but of course, it’s vastly different from the cotton shirt you may have in your closet. This is because the cotton used in denim is significantly thicker. Hardwearing, worker jeans will be made of particularly thick cotton and nothing else. This gives it its structure and makes it very hard-wearing.
Of course, that 100% cotton composition can actually make it more difficult for women to find the shape and fit that feels best to them. That’s because 100% cotton denim doesn’t mold to the body very well, so unless you’re going for that kind of look, it can actually let you down.
How Jeans Are Made Stretchy
Jeans can absolutely stretch over your figure, which comes in handy to help hug your thighs, hips, and even your legs without making it a fight and a half to get on and off. The secret to this difference is just a small addition of Spandex. Just 1% of Spandex is all that’s needed to give you that figure-hugging look, regardless of whether you’re wearing boyfriend pants, skinny jeans, or even a wide-leg look.
Now, while jeans made with Spandex do stretch and fit around your body (just a little bit for extra comfort) this can mean they end up looking a tad stretched out as time goes on between washes. The good news is you just need to add some heat from the wash or the dryer and the jeans will shrink back down.
How the Type of Cotton Matters
Just as with everything, the source of the cotton also matters. If you are invested in sustainability, then you will want to watch out for Certified Organic sources (and ideally pesticide-free) and ethical manufacturing development.
How the cotton is treated is another consideration. While the bleached out or worn-out look is trendy, this does mean that the cotton has been aggressively treated is already worn through half of its lifespan. If your goal is to find a pair of jeans that you can wear forever, then stick with the classic, solid styles.
The final thought you need to make when picking jeans is the thickness of the cotton. Thin cotton jeans do exist, and tend to wear out very quickly. If longevity is your goal, then thicker denim or cotton will need to be your go-to. Otherwise, go with what flatters your body and your style.