It’s a topic I feel strongly about these days – how to know and style jeans that fit well. We all know that denim can be one of our most frustrating purchases. Will they be too tight? Too long? What if they aren’t stretchy enough? Is breaking the bank for an expensive pair of denim worth it? Will they look good on my booty? What happens when you were them once and then they stretch out like crazy? And the list goes on.
I’ve never been a jean snob nor really gave much thought to length, comfort, and overall fit as I have always been more concerned about two things – price and price. It wasn’t until the past couple of years or so when I started to find myself frustrated on how to actually wear the jeans I owned. Most of which were way too long, baggy in the places you didn’t want them to be baggy and the only thing I wanted to wear were tall boots to cover the awkward “do I roll these up? do I roll them under? do I go naked and just forget about jeans altogether??!” And don’t even get me started on the option of getting them shortened or hemmed. Oh hail no, ain’t nobody got time for that. Because hemming hasn’t been an ideal option for me, I’ve had to really look at what makes up a great pair of jeans for me and my body type.
Additionally, start paying attention to the inseam when shopping for jeans. This has been the MOST helpful thing to me in the denim department over the past couple of years. I especially love American Eagle jeans for this reason. They offer x-short, short, regular, long, and x-long on nearly every style of denim that they offer. This literally means that there is a length for everybody [without having to hem anything]! By knowing your inseam, it is going to take the guesswork completely out of how you have to style them every time you go to wear them [which will save you much time and headache]. Your inseam is going to be different from mine, even though we may be the same height. It all has to do with the length of your legs and believe me, owning jeans that are way out of whack lengthwise will deter you from ever wearing them or feeling confident and comfortable in when you do wear them. Here is how you can figure out your preferred inseam:
1. Get out your favorite pair of jeans that you own lengthwise and lay them out flat. If you don’t own a pair of jeans that you feel hit you in the perfect spot [I’d recommend right above the ankle when talking about skinny jeans] fold them up to the preferred spot.
2. Measure from the bottom of the crotch seam down to the ankle seam.
3. This number is your preferred inseam!








And that my friends, is what we’re trying to avoid. Fortunately, not all hope is lost if this happens to you. There are ways to polish up the look or at least make you feel like you don’t have a cat hugging your ankle all day. So what do you do if you already own jeans that are a little too long yet you don’t want to have them shortened by a seamstress? Easy! You have two options – either cuff them up or roll them under. Two years ago I rolled everything under. These days I gravitate towards rolling them up if need be. This is going to be a personal preference – if you prefer a cleaner look I would suggest folding under. When doing this try to keep the height right around your ankle bone as that is typically the most flattering point for your jeans to hit. Also, be sure to of course make sure they are lined up evenly. I typically sit on the ground and put both legs out flat next to each other to compare the length and make sure they are even. Here’s an example of jeans that I rolled under to keep a cleaner look.


AE Ne(X)t Level High-Waisted Jegging // AE Ahhmazingly Soft Plaid Boyfriend Shirt, Orange // AEO V-Cut Bootie




Here are a few tips for selecting your style and fit based on your body shape:
Disclosure: Thank you to American Eagle for partnering on today’s post.
I love America Eagle jeans! I shopped there for 20 years and they have been current with classic styles that fit every body shape. I have 4 pairs of their jeans and always ask for gift cards for Christmas for them. They do hold their shape and I’ve worn both cuffed and incuffed style depending on my shoe choice. And they are priced for REAL people!! And run awesome sales regularly.
I bought two pairs of AE jeans, based on your suggestion a month or so back. I love them. Never thought of buying jeans there ( based on my age) but love the fit. Thanks for the tip.
I’m so happy to hear this and so glad you love them as much as we do!
I’ve gotten away from AE jeans because I envisioned them as a more junior’s fit. I love seeing that it’s a good rise and a great fit. And YAY on the length! I’m in the opposite end of the boat: I don’t necessarily want to wear every pant as a crop or capri, but if it doesn’t come in lengths, it’s a “where’s the flood” look for me. Super pumped to hear about the free shipping/returns on jeans. Love trying on things in my own home. Thanks, Erin!
You will love them. I have the same problem you have and always resorted to tall boots so nobody could see the floods. I purchase the X-Long and have to cuff them slightly. I do have one pair of just longs that I just bought. They hit me just at the ankle so I can’t wait to wear with booties when the weather cools down. For reference – I am about 5’9” or 5’10” with really long legs.
Looking forward to trying these jeans. Do you find them TTS? I’m debating between a 2 or a 4.
Yes, TTS! I wear a 2 here, 26 at some other retailers. Hope that helps a bit and hope you LOVE them!! xo
Hmmmm . . . gave up on AE a long time ago because I could not find a pair that fit and did not leave a big gap at the waist in the back (I’ve had a J Lo butt since before she was born). Should I go back and try?
Hi Denise! I might suggest trying a lower/mid rise jegging! The stretch in the jeggings really conforms to your shape, and a lower rise will help with the gap issue! We truly LOVE AE denim, so I think it might be worth a try. They’re the only brand I wear!! -Claire
Ok thanks! I will definitely give them another try soon.
Hello. How do you deal with the smell of AE jeans? I’ve put in the freezer. I’ve washed multiple times and they still stink like formaldehyde.
Yikes! I haven’t had that issue with AE Jeggings, but I have had it before with other denim. Unfortunately I don’t have any tips on that but I know exactly what you’re talking about. So weird!
Love the shirt. Looks different on their site. Is your picture more the color. Love the color you have but there’s looked different.
The lighting in our photo makes it appear a bit different, but it’s the Orange color on the AE website! I would say their site is true to color!
Thank you for posting about American eagle jeans.. I went in skeptical (because of my age and I hate shopping for jeans) I now own 4 awesome
pairs!! Any general tips on what tips go well with jeggings for someone over 40.???
Thanks!
Thank you so much for your fashion insightfulness! 👖👞
Like another comment, based on my age (40) and inseam/height(6ft), I struggled w the right jean. Love my AE jeans, thanks you! BUT is anyone else struggling w the smell of jeans?! No matter what store I’ve bought or ordered, if it has stretch to them…they wreak! I am so embrrassed. Even after a wash…any thoughts?!
Oh no! I’ve never had this with AE, but have with other brands! So weird when that happens!