Step 1: New Jeans (pics)

[BrettChaotix]

I'm glad you took the camera in the dressing room suggestion!

I think the #4 photo looks pretty good but the guys are right - go with a little longer inseam. The darker wash looks MUCH better! Don't be afraid of a little tightness in the waist and thighs because the jeans will stretch a little bit as you break them in.

Did you notice if H&M had the other "raw" model? I know the sliqs are the low-rise, slim fitting ones but maybe you would like the regular cut raws more - it would avoid the A&F look you mentioned (although I don't think it looks A&F)

The Uniqlo regular fit seems a little more boot-cut but maybe it's just the angle of the photo. I personally don't like the high-rise on them but you might prefer it. I know nothing about Uniqlo but do they make a slimmer or tapered fit?

 

[drizzt3117]

Yeah, the H&Ms are definitely better. Get them in a nice dark wash if possible and I agree with the previous posters about 32" inseam. BTW, I think those would count as a relaxed, bootcut? (I can't tell if that's just from the pic or if it is actually bootcut)

 

[Bona Drag]

In general, a good rule of thumb is that jeans should be a little tight in the waist/thighs and a have a little extra in the inseam when you buy them, b/c the former will stretch and the latter will shrink, even if it's just a little bit. It takes most guys a while to figure this out, if they ever do, which is why you see so many awful fits out there. Don't be afraid of extra inseam - you can always stack or cuff, and nothing, I repeat nothing, looks worse than jeans with no break that barely touch the top of a guy's shoes.

 

[denimdestroyedmylife]

Originally Posted by PG2G

I'd try and go longer on the H&M inseam if possible. That looks like potential "show sock when you walk" territory. Just my preference though, I'm sure others here disagree.
thom browne?

 

[Bona Drag]

^^

I was going to add that there are of course exceptions, but they can be tricky to pull off. TB is one; a couple dudes from the Strokes* were rock excessively short jeans and trousers from time to time.



*Hate all you want, but they've had a major impact on style over the past five or so years.

 

[PG2G]

I think if anyone here can pull it off, it'd be Get Smart, with all his cool socks and shoes.

 

[yeayea]

Originally Posted by BrettChaotix

I'm glad you took the camera in the dressing room suggestion!

Yeah, it was a great suggestion! Now I will feel much more comfortable when I finally purchase.

Originally Posted by BrettChaotix

Did you notice if H&M had the other "raw" model? I know the sliqs are the low-rise, slim fitting ones but maybe you would like the regular cut raws more - it would avoid the A&F look you mentioned (although I don't think it looks A&F)

By "raw" I assume you mean no wash.

Originally Posted by BrettChaotix

The Uniqlo regular fit seems a little more boot-cut but maybe it's just the angle of the photo. I personally don't like the high-rise on them but you might prefer it. I know nothing about Uniqlo but do they make a slimmer or tapered fit?

I think the Uniqlo's were boot cut. They were the "regular" fit so Im sure there are more slim/tapered fits. Personally, I hate tapered legs. How do you feel about bootcut? Also, what do you mean by high-rise?

PS thanks for the tip Bona

 

[Bona Drag]

Originally Posted by PG2G

I think if anyone here can pull it off, it'd be Get Smart, with all his cool socks and shoes.

He would be another example.

 

[BrettChaotix]

Originally Posted by yeayea

By "raw" I assume you mean no wash.

I think the Uniqlo's were boot cut. They were the "regular" fit so Im sure there are more slim/tapered fits. Personally, I hate tapered legs. How do you feel about bootcut? Also, what do you mean by high-rise?

PS thanks for the tip Bona

Yup raw = no wash

I'm personally am veering away from bootcut but I'm too tall and lanky to look good in "relaxed fit" so I still keep a couple of pairs around for my chunkier shoes.

high-rise as in the measurement between the bottom of the crotch crotch and the top of the jeans (front and back) - I think high rise looks better on thicker guys. I can't pull it off so I go for low rise.

 

[yeayea]

yes. the lower rise on the H&Ms seemed to work better.

ill probably go back to Uniqulo to see how some of the other fits work.

 

[Jared]

Originally Posted by yeayea

I think the Uniqlo's were boot cut. They were the "regular" fit so Im sure there are more slim/tapered fits. Personally, I hate tapered legs. How do you feel about bootcut?
"Straight-leg" are usually slightly tapered at the bottom to prevent an optical illusion of flare. Don't knock them till you've tried them: the smooth line will make you look taller and therefore skinnier. And not that anyone on here cares, but bootcuts are currently out of fashion (so make sure you only get a slight bootcut?).