Update Your Fall Wardrobe with Denim that Fits and Flatters

(ARA) – This fall, millions of kids will be returning to school, clad with new backpacks, lunch boxes and a school wardrobe including the latest in teenage-trendy jeans. With all the styles available for the younger set, it can be a challenge for parents to update their own denim wardrobe by finding a great fit that also flatters. “Extreme denim trends come and go, but the need for great-fitting jeans that complement and are comfortable never diminishes,” says Michele Casper, a denim expert at Lands’ End. “As we get older, body shapes change, as do the denim silhouettes that make us look great.”

When buying jeans, there are many factors to consider including wash, fit and all those designer details such as hand sanding and hardware. For those of us who can’t seem to keep up on all the latest denim trends, Casper and the design experts at Lands’ End offer some sage advice on fit and style.

Denim Silhouettes: Clean Lines for a Modern Look

First, consider body shape. Casper recommends that women who are larger on top should look for fuller leg jeans such as a trouser or boot cut. They’ll help create the illusion of a longer leg. For curvy women, wearing a darker wash naturally creates a slimming line to down play fuller thighs and hips. Also, look for jeans cut specifically for curvier women to prevent gapping in the back. For men, keep a more natural silhouette so the fit is in proportion with the body. Casper suggests, “If you’re slim, the Lands’ End original fit is a good choice. It’s slim through the hip and thigh with a straight leg. So, you’ll keep the fit in line with your natural shape, resulting in a modern silhouette and a clean line.” Other silhouettes are available for more athletic builds and relaxed comfort. But, be sure to get a size that fits without appearing overly bulky.

Wearing the Right Wash
Consider the wash and where you plan to wear your jeans. In general, the darker the wash, the dressier it is. “Darker washes are great for professional occasions,” says Casper. “Look for jeans with minimal sandblasting so they look newer and more in line with office attire. You also can dress up darker denim with a blazer or blouse over a cami for a night on the town.” Lighter washes tend to be more casual, say for an afternoon sporting event or weekend with friends.

Denim Details that Make a Difference
There are so many details that go into creating a great pair of jeans. From hammered or molded hardware (you know, those rivets and buttons), to hand sanding and selvage edge seams, this is where denim connoisseurs can play with personality. Casper suggests thinking about denim details that fit.

“If you’re more conservative, think minimal or subtle details. Consider the way the seams are stitched — perhaps a bit wider hem or back flaps on the pockets would work well. If you’re really looking to express your personality, then consider hand-crafted denim with whiskering that mimics natural fading around the front pockets. Also, selvage edge side seams create that ‘railroad track’ fading down the sides over time. This is an authentic detail harking back to the early days of jeans.”

Lands’ End, a perennial favorite among families, has redesigned their fall denim collection for kids and adults with updated classic pieces for a variety of tastes. To view their collection, visit www.landsend.com or call (800) 800-5800 to request a catalog.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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The experts at Lands’ End offer some advice on getting a great fit.

Know Your Measurements
The key to a proper fit is knowing your measurements. The average woman is 5’4” and weighs 164 pounds according to the National Center for Health Statistics — not your typical runway model. Look for designers that offer clothing specifically for your size.

Take the time to measure your body with a proper measuring tape — a dimensionally stable cloth tape measure — keeping the tape taut but not stretched. Get a friend to help, if possible, measuring your body over properly fitting undergarments while standing erect, without shoes, and with feet approximately six inches apart. For consistency, take all measurements from the same side of the body. Measure your height, bust or chest, arm, waist, rise, hip and inseam.

Keep it Proportional
If you are petite or plus size, look for clothing that is in proportion to your measurements. Plus sizes should look for shapely, flattering styles — not styles you hide behind. For petites, consider the way a pant leg drapes or tapers. If it doesn’t fit well in the hips or the leg is too wide, it can distort your appearance.

Don’t Forget the Details
Details can play an important role in proportion. Print and pattern sizes, button sizes and back pocket sizes are all elements that play with proportion that can make you appear larger or smaller. Look for details that are in proportion to your body. Or, see how certain details play with your body shape. Proper hemming is important. Know your inseam and be sure your hem lengths flatter your legs. Lands’ End hems and cuffs pants for free.

Forget the Titles, Get the Right Size
Regular, petite and plus sizes are just categories. Forget the titles and buy what works for you. Regular sizes are, on average, for women with heights between 5’4” and 5’7”. Petite sizes typically start at heights 5’3” and lower. Plus sizes start at 16W and above. Be open to shopping beyond your normal category to try sizes that work for your unique measurements.

Superior Shoes
Our feet are in shoes for countless hours each day. It is very important to get the right fit and not just style. Ask any doctor; improperly fitting shoes can lead to health problems down the road. If you have wide feet, be sure to seek out these styles, especially for kids. Their growing feet deserve a good fit. Lands’ End has often hard-to-find wide widths for both kids and adults in a variety of styles.

Kids Comfort
Kids grow at different rates and in different proportions. It’s important for parents to take their kid’s measurements each year. You might find that a regular size won’t work this year or that your child needs plus sizes after a recent growth spurt.

For more information about getting a great fit, visit www.landsend.com where you can create a virtual model of yourself, see size charts and learn more about extended sizes for the entire family.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Be confident that the size you select is the size that will fit. The key to a proper fit is knowing your measurements.

* Bust/Chest: With arms relaxed down at sides, measure fullest part of bust/chest, keeping tape parallel to the floor.
* Arm: Bend arm to 90 degrees. Place hand on hip. Start at center back of neck, measure across the shoulder to the elbow and down to the wrist.
* Waist: Measure around your waist, where you normally wear your pants — keep tape a bit loose.
* Rise: Start the tape at your natural back waist, run the tape between your legs, pulling comfortably at the crotch and up to your natural waist.
* Hip: Stand with heels together, keeping tape straight and parallel to the floor. Measure around fullest part.
* Height: Stand in stocking feet, with feet together, back to a wall. Measure from crown of head to the floor.
* Inseam: Take a pair of pants that fit you well. Lay them flat. Measure from the crotch seam to bottom of pants. Number of inches (to nearest 1/2) = inseam length.
* Belts: Measure over waistband of your best-fitting pants, running tape measure under belt loops.

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