Here we advise you what kinds of jeans are suitable for three shapes that are commonly seen as problematic, so that you too can become a jean genie!

Fashion tips for petite women
Even if you’re on the ‘tall side’ of ‘petite’ (1.60meters)(5ft 3″), you will have probably experienced some difficulty in buying jeans that are just the right length for you. If you are at that cut off point of approx 5ft 3″(1.60meters) then no doubt you will be more frustrated finding that standard length is too long, and petites sometimes look ‘half-mast’! Most ‘petite’ ranges are now stocking a good selection of jeans so if you are a ‘true’ petite (under 5ft 3″) then you shouldn’t really be having problems finding jeans that are the right length. If you are you could always try the teenage/children departments at your local stores; with today’s fashion conscious youth you will probably be quite surprised at how impressive the range is for you. If you are at that magic cut off point, then try a standard 30″leg from a more standard range. The chances are that a 30″ pair will fit well especially if you are planning to wear your jeans with high heeled shoes or boots. 

Fashion tips for pear shaped women
If you’re in the majority you will be a classic Zambian pear shape (carrying most your stored fat around the thigh, hip, and bottom area). Rest assured that you are not the only one who gets frustrated when trying on a pair of jeans that gape around the waist area and can barely squeeze past your hips and thighs. Given that 60% of Zambian women fall in to this category it is surprising that retailers of jeans still haven’t cottoned on to the idea of selling a well fitting pair of jeans for pear shaped women. This could probably be attributed to the fact that most jeans sold around town and at the market are imported from China where most of their women are petite. However, in the mean time your best bet is to head straight for the heap of salaula clothing labeled ‘hipsters’. Hipsters are great in avoiding the gaping waist scenario we all hate, as they sit on your hips not the waist. Any pair of jeans with a low-cut waistband will make your bottom look smaller. Make sure the jeans are boot-cut, as these styles will balance out heavier hips and thighs. Jeans should be dark - steer away from light colours and paler ‘washed look’ jeans as these will do you no favours. Finally don’t be tempted by denims containing stretchy materials such as Lycra as although these may seem more comfortable they will accentuate your problem areas below the waist by clinging to hips and thighs. Follow these guidelines and we think you will find your ‘pear-fect’ pair of jeans!

Fashion tips for apple shaped women
If you’re one of those women who has slim pins but carries that little extra weight above the waist, then you will be equally frustrated to find that very often jeans in your size will cost more than you bargained for. May we suggest you try some of the more affordable stores such as Woolworths, or Mr Price, all of which will do larger sizes and offer great value for money. But what should you be looking for when you shop for jeans to flatter your shape? This time we advocate a slight amount of stretch in the jeans as this will help slim your tummy area without detracting away from you best assets below the waist. Again a boot cut in the jeans is helpful as this will create an overall impression of length and avert attention from width. Broad, detailed waistbands are a great help in creating the appearance of a flatter tummy. Unlike your pear shaped friends you can get away with slightly lighter colours, but buy with caution: remember, black is still the most slimming colour you can wear, so if you are going to choose lighter coloured bottoms, choose a darker coloured top to contrast. 

Finally, choose a well-fitted pair of jeans - baggy styles of jeans will emphasize your lack of height as they draw the eye width ways across your frame. Even in larger sizes, if you are petite in height, fitted jeans will be your best bet. 

Written by The African Collector