In a previous post on jean pocket placement, I said that
high and small pockets make whatever is below them look bigger.
To which I would now like to add:
the greater the lateral distance from the pocket to the edge of your rear, the wider you appear.
At least, that’s how it seems to me. (Pictured jeans NOT warranted to be affordable, but are used for illustration purposes.)
Does anybody have any ideas about what’s most flattering in pocket design (like the pretty designs that are on some jeans)?
Also, I am having a very difficult time jean shopping; since this time last year, I appear to have put on five pounds in each knee. Sympathy, please! Even Zafu doesn’t seem to be able to help. As usual, I have in my mind something simple and basic, which doesn’t seem like it should be so hard to find. I want:
- a dark wash. Because I’m more comfortable in it, it’s a little dressier, and if any part of me needs the benefit of a darker color to look smaller, yes, it’s my bottom half.
- a 9-inch rise. Because it just works on me. Without looking outdated or contributing to the gap in the back.
- tapered legs. By that I mean that I don’t want the hem to be as wide as the knee. And, as mentioned before, I certainly would like the knee to FIT. (Is that too much to ask?)
Once again, today, I tried on big piles of jeans, only to leave the store empty-handed. Express jeans fit, but they are so BORING. Okay, one more question: what do you think of trying to use spray bleach and a stencil to create my own design on the pocket?
Good luck finding a 9″ rise. I don’t know about stenciling a design on the pocket. That’s not for me, but it could be cool. Would be interested to see it.
I am usually trying to get my butt to look bigger, and I prefer my pockets lower, not too small not too large.
Have I ever mentioned that I heart jeans? 😉
With that bit of info, I’m going to go out on a limb and suggest you are a type V (inverted triangle) silhouette.
And, well yes, you did mention it. 😉 You didn’t say you heart jean shopping, though.
yikes. spraying bleach sounds scaaaary…
Oh my gosh, I usually hate shopping for jeans. It’s rare I can find some that fit, I like, and that don’t break the bank.
Anyways, these photos are great examples. The two at the top make her butt look saggy (even though it’s not).
Middle row on the left: her butt looks really tiny. It probably is. I don’t like the lighter wash on the butt and darker on the legs, though. Middle row on the right: butt looks very wide, even though it’s not.
Bottom row on left: these are my favorites of this bunch. I think the pockets are a cute touch and could be used to camoflauge a larger tush.
Bottom row on right: She looks bowlegged. It’s because that’s how she’s standing, I think, but it’s odd.
I’m not able to see all that much difference amongst the jeans except that maaaaaybe it might make a difference where the *bottom* of the outer edge of the pocket lands up.
You could use a bleach pen or you could use fabric paint. Personally, I don’t prefer things “written” on my butt. 🙂
I like about the same things you do in jeans, having a similar figure. I hate those phases where I accumulate fat around the knees.
This is not exactly what you want but I own one pair of denim jeans and they are Walmart stretch jean leggings! Quite similar to what you want. Every time I get seduced into thinking I want an additional pair of jeans I mentally compare them to these and mine win out. And were dirt cheap. I bought them in a large enough size that they fit like a slim jean and not skin tight like a legging. I think they are Faded Glory but don’t know if they still carry them.
I wash them in detergent for darks in cold water and hang them to dry. They’re still dark. I”m short so I left these long and they puddle nicely around my ankle because I am smitten with that look, or else I sometimes cuff them. But of course they could have been shortened to eliminate both those looks.
I wouldn’t be playing with bleach unless you are willing to sacrifice the jeans! 😉
If your knees are an issue, I wonder if you should look for a straight leg and not a tapered pant?
I remembered last night how fun it was to iron on things. They make iron on everything- sequins, sparkles, and “embroidery.” You may want to check out your craft store.
Definitely the chlorox bleach pen – tested first, of course on jeans you use to paint or something.
Spray bleach sounds like a great idea – but i definitely agree with the pen instead…
I’m down to two pairs of jeans. One is a bootcut Joes Jeans, the other a pair of nameless jr. size denim picked up for $12 at the hard-to-describe shopping experience at Plaza del Fiesta (strip mall turned international open market). The dark wash Joes were purchased just because they do the impossible – make me look like I have a bum. That, and their lower rise was made to avoid “the gap”.
I ditched the pair I had with the flap pockets & embroidery. They fit well, but the metal buttons were always catching on chairs, car doors, etc.
I’d be interested to know if you find tapered or “skinny” jeans that are comfy around the knee. The cycling and running I’ve been doing have done great things for shrinking my waist, but it’s causing my thighs to increase in size, starting at the knee.
This knee problem led me to think about sizing templates.
The knee is located at different points along the pant leg depending on
the cut, for example petite vs tall. This wouldn’t work for everyone but
for anyone who’s shorter than the average, you get a lot of room to play.
I know that most things are cut 6 inches too long for me. Tallls longer than that.
Even though I’m 5 feet, I prefer tall pants because I have a long rise and
often the knee is in a better position. I don’t know why this should be so
because it sounds illogical, but it works out. So I’d say try petites and try
talls and see if there is more knee room either way.
Wow! Lots of helpful comments!
Since I do have a couple of pairs of painting/bleaching jeans, that actually are still in really good shape, I may try the bleach pen on one of them. If I like it, I could then cut them off and wear them tucked into my flat boots (I am sure I don’t have room around the ankle, but when I was at the thrift store I tried some capris and they worked).
Wendy – you may be on to something. I don’t want a straight look, but perhaps on my figure a straight jean would produce a tapered look.
What I did yesterday when trying on: I flipped the hem half-way up the leg. If the hem was wider, I left them hanging on the rack. Even alot of skinny jeans are cut this way, they HAVE to be too tight in the knee.
If I run across any talls, I will definitely try them on. I’ve been avoiding them because I didn’t want to have to hem, but I suppose I can live with just cutting them off. Or if I really love them, paying to have them shortened. Or perhaps I’ll just go to Banana Republic, I think I’m supposed to get free alterations there.
At least I am not discouraged. Thanks for all the encouragement!
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