We asked a denim expert how to buy the perfect pair of jeans

Friday evening rolls around and your best friend asks you to go out last-minute. Of course you say yes, and of course you already know what you’re going to wear — jeans and a tee (with layers, obviously).

That’s the beauty of jeans. They’re versatile, you can wear them pretty much anywhere (to work, on a first date, as you travel), and you can style your entire wardrobe around them. So you’d imagine that buying the perfect pair is easy, right?

Um, not exactly. It all depends on where you’re buying your jeans, and how they work for your lifestyle. Everyone has had a jean faux pas at least once in their life (wearing three sizes too big, anyone?). To help us all avoid this ever happening again, we asked the experts at Dutil Denim how to buy the perfect pair.

Understand fits like a pro

Do you know the difference between a ‘slim straight’ and ‘athletic’ fit? If you’re the type of person who goes on one shopping trip a year, the answer is probably a hard no. And that’s totally normal.

Most of us mere mortals will stand staring at the two different fits before panic-buying one and regretting it as soon as we get home. Instead, learn how to differentiate between different styles of jeans to save you time and money.

Discover which styles suit your look

Good old Tom Cruise wears a slim straight jean, and the Backstreet Boys (bless them) loved a good ol’ baggy straight. But what about you? After all, a straight fit on one person might look like a slim straight fit on someone else. This is because certain fits complement certain body types. Knowing which style of jeans suits your look is key to finding the perfect pair.

Get jeans that match your lifestyle

Do you need jeans? Silly question. Of course you do, you’re a grown-ass adult. But what does your lifestyle demand of your jeans? Knowing the answer to this will help you understand what to look out for when buying a pair.

Different jeans are made with different attributes. Some guarantee better longevity and others guarantee comfort from the start. Think about your lifestyle and where you’ll be wearing your jeans. Riding your bike? Sitting at a desk all day? Going for doughnuts? Take all possible scenarios into consideration.

The size and stretch factor

First thing’s first — it doesn’t matter what the tags on your jeans say. All jeans stretch over time, and some do so more than others. This is a key point to remember when you try them on. Your jeans should feel a bit tight in the changing room — you heard it here first.

This way, they’ll fit perfectly in the long run because of all the movement and stretching you’ll be doing when you’re wearing them. However, if the button doesn’t close in the changing room, those jeans are not your friend and there are probably loads of better-fitting options.

Embrace repairing your jeans

Nothing beats a pair of jeans that have been worn and washed to your liking. This usually means wearing them to the point of rips and tears. But don’t let that stop you from wearing them. They’re your favourite jeans, after all.

Get them repaired and keep wearing them. Three years down the road and four repairs later, you’ll own jeans unlike any other pair. Plus, you’ll be doing your part to reduce textile wastage by not throwing them out. Dutil provides a variety of denim repair options – give them a shout!

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We don’t expect you to find the perfect pair of jeans on your own, because the experts at Dutil Denim are here help you out.

The brand has gone from strength to strength since it launched in Vancouver back in 2006. Since, they’ve launched a store in Toronto in 2011, followed by their Dutil Eyewear launch in 2017, and their Calgary store location in 2018.

Shop raw denim, eco-friendly, and ethically-produced denim brands online or in-store at Dutil Denim. Check out the brand on Instagram for more style inspiration, and get ready to find your perfect pair.