Washing can cause your denim to fade and lose its shape, so the less you get them wet, the longer your jeans will last. When you do wash them, remember to turn them inside out, use cold water and a mild detergent, and let them air dry.

In order to ensure an absolutely perfect fit, sometimes a trip to the tailor is necessary. Before you go, make sure to wash and dry your jeans to allow for shrinkage. And always go to someone you trust who has experience working with denim—like our on-site tailors, who can hem, taper, or distress your jeans.

All jeans stretch, but depending on what they’re made of, some have more give than others. 100% cotton denim (also called rigid denim) has the least amount of give—they will stretch over time due to wear, but will feel snug at first. Denim made with 1-2% of a stretch fabric like polyurethane or elastane will have a bit of give. For a lot of stretch, look for 3% or more.

Any pair of jeans that makes you feel confident and comfortable is the right pair for you, but in terms of which style you should choose, it depends on what you want to highlight. Skinny or slim straight styles are a good option to show off long legs, while high-waisted styles can add inches to those with shorter legs. For anyone worried about waist gap, look for pairs with at least a touch of stretch to ensure a snug fit.

A good rule of thumb when choosing your denim wash: think of lighter options as more casual and darker ones as dressier. Classic blue denim falls somewhere in the middle and can be easily dressed up or down. Of course that’s not to say you can’t wear your favorite black jeans to a barbecue or your favorite white pair to a dinner party. Denim is all about looking and feeling your best.

The simplest way to find your inseam is to measure the length from just below your crotch to the bottom of your ankle. If you are measuring a pair of jeans, lie them flat on a table and use a cloth measuring tape to measure along the inner seam from the crotch to the bottom hem.