The first things that come to mind when thinking about the Land Down Under are kangaroos in boxing gloves, a surfing paradise, and iconic mountain range views. While all of those are pretty accurate descriptions of Australia, you will be surprised to find that there is more to it than meets the imagination. From bustling cities to a mishmash of culture and self-expression, the country is home to fashion-forward youth and some of the most coveted designers.
While fashion is a highly individualised form of art, there is one problem that almost everyone can relate with: the search for the perfect pair of denim jeans in Australia. Denim is perhaps the most versatile wardrobe staple that your closet cannot live without, but it can be a challenge to find one that fits seamlessly. Here are some tips to help you out.
Step 1: Choosing Fabric
One of the most underrated tips for shopping for a pair of jeans in Australia is ensuring that it has enough stretch to accommodate movement and a food baby. If you have a couple of pairs of vintage jeans, then you know that they can get extremely tight, stiff, suffocating, and generally uncomfortable to wear. Clothing producers mix modern denim with elastane — a material that offers a certain level of stretch.
If you are shopping in-store, stretch the denim as you browse to see how forgiving it is in terms of elasticity. When you are shopping online, check the description or product details for any percentage of elastane. That will guarantee that the jeans are comfortable enough to wear, even after a large meal.
Step 2: Pick Your Rise
Most jeans come in a range of rises, from low to super high rise. Essentially, the higher it is, the more of your stomach it covers — a critical feature for certain body types. A style of jeans in Australia that you hated for a long time can instantly become a favourite if you pick a rise that suits your body and makes you feel comfortable.
Generally, it is best to pick a higher rise pair if you gain more weight on your stomach to conceal love handles and flatten your tummy. If you are on the shorter side or have a long torso, a higher rise will make your legs appear longer. In contrast, a lower rise may be ideal if you are a fan of early 2000’s fashion or if you are looking to balance out a shorter torso with long legs. Most Australian fashion houses offer a range of rises for each style of jeans so that you can wear your favourite style in multiple ways.
Step 3: Try Out Styles That Boost Your Confidence
The world used to revolve around skinny jeans, but now there are more options than ever, from a boyfriend fit to mom jeans, the classic straight leg, and many more. While there is theoretically a “perfect” style for every body type — such as skinny jeans for curvy bodies or a cigarette pair if you are shorter — it is ultimately more important to keep trying until you find your favourite. Australian brands have personalised sizing and fits, so a pair of mom jeans from one brand will not give you the same experience as a pair from another. Pay attention to the sizing details, especially when shopping online.
The key to finding your perfect match is experimenting, so go out of your comfort zone and try out styles that never really struck your fancy. Who knows — it might end up being your number one, holy grail wardrobe essential!
The quest to conquer the greatest fashion dilemma never ends. Still, along the way, you can enjoy the process of discovering some amazing truly-Australian brands and engage with other fashion-conscious individuals.
