*Friday Psych Day*

*Jeans for Curvy and Plus Size Ladies*

Did you know that in 2013 the latest statistics stated that, the average woman’s size in America is a 12/14. That being said recently I have lost 52 pounds and went from a size 18 to a 10-12. Believe it or not I’m finding it harder to buy jeans now than before are they to tight, to long, to short, to baggie etc. Being this smaller size is great but mentally and emotionally speaking i still see that chunky girl in the mirror, and that is the psychology of weight loss. So I did some research and I gathered some great ideas and information about plus size and curvy jeans.

 1) Were are the Pockets?

This is easily the biggest issue with all jeans, and the problem is only magnified in the plus-sized jean world.  It is critical to the health of all jeans.

Here are the keys to proper pocket placement:

a. Proportionally sized pockets

b. Correctly Placed Pockets – covering the bottom curvature of the butt

c. Width between pockets – minimize as much as possible.

Proportionally sized pockets are a must – if you have a larger butt, you need larger pockets achieve butt balance.  If you have a smaller butt, you need smaller pockets to prevent butt flattening. Basically, you want the pocket to properly cover your butt, but not over cover your butt.

Your pockets should come down an inch or two PAST the bottom curvature of your butt to prevent Long Butt, cover to the sides of your butt to prevent Elbow Butt, and have as little room as possible between the pockets to prevent Wide Butt.

 2) Leg Width

Many people assume that the bigger the leg opening, the smaller the body will appear.  This is definitely not the case.  Although I hardly ever recommend a stick-to-your-ankle skinny jean for anyone, a narrower leg tends to slim, where a bulky leg can weigh you down and shorten your legs. Also, it should be noted that the term “Skinny Jean” has come encompass a vast range of leg opening widths, from a jegging that clings to every curve and dimple, to what used to be called a straight cut or barely boot.

 3) Fabric Color and Fading

As a rule, darker jeans are almost always more flattering. They minimize, streamline, and cover over a multitude of cellulite. However, this is just a rule.  If a light pair happens to look really good, go with it. Also, don’t be afraid of color.  I personally was very frightened by it for a long time, but have recently come around. 

 4) How does it fit?

Jeans should be fitted but not clinging.  I use the back of the thigh and the butt to determine all good fits.

Don’t have a saggy butt, but definitely don’t have The Upside-Down Heart Crack Cling. Make sure that your thighs are fitted to the point that the denim wrinkles finely and horizontally, but are not so tight that your leg is squishing out from between the wrinkles. And finally, I urge you to find an honest friend to shop with you, because you literally cannot see your own butt.  The right jeans can be a miracle for your body.   

Learn the different shaped of denim. Overall, there are generally five styles, with variances to those, depending on what is trending at the moment. They are:

Boot Cut- this universal cut skims the thigh, with a slight opening, breaking at the knee

Skinny- this fashion forward denim skims the thigh, and remains fitted through the calf and ankle

Straight Leg- Similar to a boot cut and a skinny, this style is wider than a skinny leg opening and relaxed yet not as flared as a boot cut.

Wide leg- oftentimes referred to as a trouser jean, this denim is fitted at the waist and through the seat, and starts to flare at the top of your thigh, and continues to flare throughout

Flare leg- this denim usually is extremely fitted through the thigh and significantly flared out, more so than a boot cut.

*The Rise*

This refers to where the denim hits on your waist. This is the length of the fabric from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband. Knowing the rise of your denim will help deter plumbers crack or muffin top, can elongate the legs, and enhance the rear.

High Rise- At over eleven inches these jeans traditionally cover the belly button. You will find this at or above the waistline.

Natural Rise- Regular rise jeans sit between nine to eleven inches. The waistband sits right at or below the belly button.

Low Rise- Can vary around eight inches, but vary an inch up or down. Expect this jean to sit around two-three inches below the belly button.

Super Low Rise- No more than a seven inch rise and varies from there. The rise can go as low as three inches above the crotch

 *Spandex and Lycra*

The magic of denim and its ability to hug to your curves is the blending of both Spandex and Lycra. The use of either one of these is what gives the denim its stretch.

Know that:

• The optimal level of spandex should range 1 to 4 percent
• 100% cotton denim takes less time to wear in than stretch denim
• The higher the percentage of spandex or Lycra, the more likely the denim will lose its shape
• Regular denim lasts much longer as the elastic fibers are more prone to breakage

Give me your thoughts on this article, thx zulema2@hotmail.com