A jeans cut is not chosen according to a trend, but according to a figure. The same denim hangs differently depending on the rise, the width of the leg and the fabric. Here is how to find your way, with measurements to back it up.
Start with the rise
It is what organises everything else. A high rise brings the waistband up above the navel: it lengthens the leg and defines the waist. A regular rise is more neutral and suits those who do not like to feel the waistband. A low rise shortens the leg but works on tall figures.
The four families of cuts
Wide: wide leg, palazzo, flare
Fabric at the hem. These cuts lengthen the silhouette and balance pronounced hips, especially when worn with a heel, even a low one.
Loose: baggy, balloon, boyfriend
Baggy plays on a relaxed drape and calls for a fitted top. Balloon rounds out the thigh and narrows at the ankle: it is the easiest to wear of the voluminous cuts.
Straight
A straight leg from hip to ankle, without clinging. It is the timeless foundation of the wardrobe.
Slim
It follows the leg closely and leaves all the attention to the top. It pairs readily with a loose knit or a boot.
Reading the measurements on a product page
All our measurements are taken flat, with the fabric unstretched. A hem opening of 20 cm therefore corresponds to 40 cm all the way round. Three measurements are enough to picture a pair of jeans before trying them on.
The rise, from the crotch to the top of the waistband, tells you whether the waist is high or low. On our styles, it ranges from 26 to 35 cm.
The inside leg, from the crotch to the hem, decides whether the jeans touch the shoe or show the ankle.
The hem opening, the width measured flat, gives the cut its character.
The simplest way: lay a pair of jeans you love flat, measure these three dimensions and compare them with those on the product page.
Hem openings, cut by cut
| Cut | Opening measured flat | Ankle circumference |
|---|---|---|
| Wide leg and palazzo | 27 to 45 cm | 54 to 90 cm |
| Flare | 20 to 27 cm | 40 to 54 cm |
| Baggy | 15 to 27 cm | 30 to 54 cm |
| Balloon | 15 to 24 cm | 30 to 48 cm |
| Straight and slim | 17 to 23 cm | 34 to 46 cm |
Which top with which cut
One rule is enough: when the bottom takes up space, the top takes up less. With a wide leg or palazzo, a close-fitting top and a visible waist. With a balloon, something simple, as the volume is already in the jeans. With a straight or slim cut, almost anything works, including a voluminous knit.
Choosing according to your figure
Hips wider than shoulders: wide, flare, balloon. Straight figure: a high rise creates a waist. Petite: flare or straight in a high rise, and a length that does not cut across the calf. Long legs: every cut suits you, including baggy.
The fabric matters as much as the cut
A very stretchy denim hugs and forgives, but gives during the day. A rigid denim holds its shape and ages better, at the cost of a few days of breaking in. Comfort denim, between the two, is the one we favour for most of our styles.
See the illustrated fit guide, launch the Fit Finder or browse all jeans.