The Denim Fit Guide

The Denim Fit Guide

At Trilogy we understand how hard it can be to find the perfect pair of jeans which is why we have created this easy, practical measuring guide - to take the guesswork out of choosing the right size and ordering jeans online.

JEANS SIZE CHART: HOW TO FIND YOUR DENIM FIT

The following chart will help you match the brand sizes to your usual size. Follow our easy guide to find your best-ever fitting jeans.

Clothing Chart
XXS
 
XXS-XS
01
XS - S
01
S - M
02
M - L
03
L - XL
03
XL - XXL
 
UK 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
US 00 0 2-4 4-6 8 10 12
Italy 36 38 40 42 44 46 48
France 32 34 36 38 40 42 44
Denmark 30 32 34 36 38 40 42
Russia 38 40 42 44 46 48 50
Germany 30 32 34 36 38 40 42
Australia 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
Japan 3 5 7 9 11 13 15
Jeans (in inches) 23 24 - 25 26 - 27 27 - 28 29 - 30 31 - 32 32 - 33
The Denim Fit Guide

What jean size am I?

At Trilogy we understand how hard it can be to find the perfect pair of jeans which is why we have created this easy, practical measuring guide take the guesswork out of choosing the right size and ordering jeans online.

Option 1: Measure an existing pair of jeans

Already have a pair of perfect-fitting jeans? Use these measurements as your guide to buying your next pair. Remember – denim sizing is measured in inches!

1. Waistband. Lay the jeans flat on an even surface and use a tape measure the measure the waist band. Double this number to find your waist measurement. Remember: waist measurements differ depending on the rise.

2. Inseam. To decipher the perfect length – measure from the crotch seam to ankle hem.

3. Rise. This is measured from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband. Low-rise jeans will be up to 8 inches, mid-rise up to 9.5 inches, and high-rise is typically anything over 10 inches.

When shopping online for jeans - use these numbers to compare against a brand's sizing and measurements.

Option 02: Taking body measurements

If you’re yet to find your perfect fit, use your body measurements to find your ideal denim size. You will need to find out three key measurements including waistband, in-seam or jean length, and rise.

1. Waistband. The waistband is measured at the narrowest point of the body, namely the natural waist. It is important to know which rise of jeans you will be shopping for. For mid-rise we measure in line with or slightly below the navel. High-rise measurements to be taken an inch above the navel. Trilogy Tip: Use a soft tape and avoid pulling the tape too taught.

2. Inseam. Measure your leg length. As above, we take measurement from crotch to ankle. Use this measurement to determine how long you would like your jeans. Trilogy Top: Anything up to 28” is considered a cropped jean whereas jeans 29” or longer would be a full-length jean.

3. Rise. Decide where you would like your jeans to sit. High rise, mid-rise, or low rise. Any jean above 10” would be considered a high-rise, whereas up to 9.5” a mid-rise and anything below 8” low rise.

Taking body measurements

Option 03: Consult the brand's sizing & fit notes

Sizing for jeans can vary greatly among brands, denim fits, and fabrications so remember to check Trilogy's notes on sizing and fit in the product pages before buying. We have noted where the sizing is generous, true to size, or close-fitting wherever possible.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW SHOULD MY JEANS FIT?

At Trilogy we know the most important part of choosing a pair of jeans is the fit which is why we've asked our experienced style advisors their top tips to achieve the desired fit:

Watch the waistband: Make sure the jeans are snug and hugging the waist but not too tight that the jeans are cutting into you. Walk around in your jeans and sit down in them to make sure the fit is comfortable to move around in. If you find the jeans are sagging at the waistband, or you keep having to pull them up, then you probably need to go down a size. A good measure is to see if you can fit a hand down the waistband at the back of your jeans, if you can do this the jeans might be too big for you and you may want to try a size down.

On the thighs: Check the crotch of the jeans is snug and not hanging down with too much loose fabric. You should also check the bum, back pockets and front pocket area to see if they are too tight or wrinkling because they are too loose.

Too tight or loose: All jeans should be a little bit snug when you try them on. That's because after a few times wearing them, they will naturally stretch a bit. If you struggle to zip them up or can't bend down properly then they are too tight. They should be comfortable, fit in the crotch and be slightly snug.

Hem lengths: Our best advice is to try the jeans on wearing the shoes you will wear with them. If you find they are too long, we have an alterations service to help you achieve the perfect length.

What is the best rise for jeans?

The rise refers to how far up the jeans will sit on your natural waist. A low-rise jean typically sits two or three inches below the belly button. A mid-rise usually fits right around or immediately beneath the navel and a high-rise jean, sits at or slightly above the navel.

In recent years the high-rise has gained popularity due to them being particularly flattering, stylish and loved by fashion editors and celebrities.

We suggest you experiment and compare jeans you already own to decide which type of rise which is most flattering and comfortable on you.

Are jeans business casual?

Yes, with more offices embracing a casual-professional vibe when it comes to work wear it's perfectly fine to wear jeans to work.

If your office allows jeans, you can never go wrong choosing a solid, dark denim jean with no distressing and clean hems. Dark indigo or black jeans look the most pulled together for work, with J Brand's Bluebird and Vanity washes the most popular with our customers looking for smart denim. Equally, AG jeans offers sateen fabrications which have a smooth, sleek finish more like a trouser; perfect for the office.

When it comes to the rise we suggest a mid or high-rise jean to keep things professional, though the choice is yours when it comes to skinny, cigarette or wide-leg silhouettes, all are appropriate for business casual wear.

How do J Brand jeans fit?

Jeans from J Brand tend to fit true to size and we suggest taking your usual size.

If you are buying a jean constructed from Photo Ready Denim (J Brand's slimming, lifting and contouring denim with shape recovery) then we suggest trying a size down from your usual, as Photo Ready denim contains extra stretch and is designed to be a close fit.

How do AG jeans fit?

Jeans from AG tend to fit true to size and we suggest taking your usual size.

If you are buying corduroy or velveteen jeans from AG then we suggest you may want to take a size up from your usual as these fabrications contain less stretch so the fit is small to size, particularly on the waistband.

How do Paige jeans fit?

Jeans from Paige tend to fit true to size and we suggest taking your usual size.

Jeans from Paige have the side seams brought forward about an inch on either side to create a slimmer leg, so you shouldn't see this as a design fault.

If you are buying a jean constructed from Transcend Denim, which is Paige's contouring denim with shape recovery, then we suggest trying a size down from your usual this denim can contain extra stretch and is designed to hug to the leg.

How do Frame jeans fit?

Jeans from Frame tend to fit true to size or slightly smaller to size so we suggest you take your usual size, or a size up from your usual.

How do Citizens of Humanity jeans fit?

Jeans from Citizens of Humanity tend to fit true to size and we suggest taking your usual size.

If you are buying a boyfriend style, like the Emerson from Citizens of Humanity, then the fit runs large to size and you may wish to size down.

What jeans are in style?

Skinny jeans are still the best-selling fit across our whole range of premium denim brands but this year there are more styles and fits available than ever before - and no reason you can't wear them all!

Right now, fashion is championing a looser, more relaxed silhouette and the most fashionable jeans are classic, straight leg jeans (like the original Levi's) as well as wide leg styles.

If you are used to only wearing one style of jean, or struggle with finding good jeans which suit your body shape, then our denim guide is for you. The denim guide is our ultimate authority on fits, shapes and fabrics. We do the hard work for you - highlighting the latest trends and showing you how we're styling them for the season ahead.

Need more help?

If you need any further advice deciding which size to buy please contact one of our expert advisors for help.

Call: 020 7730 6515   |   Email:: [email protected]