How to Wear Denim

You need that perfect pair of jeans. We've got a guide to help you find them. Then how to wear them once they're yours.

May 7, 2008

Everyone has that one pair. You may own others, stacked yea high in a drawer in so many shades of blue, but when jeans are an option, you probably head straight for that one pair. They damn well better fit. They shouldn't sag in the seat or crotch, and they shouldn't flare out like some twisted Travolta flashback — they should form to your contours like a good sweater. Also, make sure they're blue. You've got options, lots of them, so try for a medium blue, a shade like this that works for day and night. Rivets and stitching must be kept to a minimum, embellishments approached with extreme caution, and pockets limited to five. If you can find all this in one $40 pair, pat yourself on the back and buy three more just like them. If, however, you can't seem to find a great pair for less than $200, don't sweat it. You really only need that one pair.

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