It’s not always easy to find the perfect pair of denim jeans. Some may be too long, and others too short. But the problem is amplified for men and women with larger-than-average waistlines. Because clothing designers typically construct their garments for the general population, you may or may not find a pair of jeans to fit your needs. The good news, however, is that many retailers are now offering “plus size” jeans to accommodate this market. To learn more about plus size jeans and how to find the perfect pair, keep reading.
About Plus Sizes
While most people are familiar with the general concept behind “plus sizes,” few know of its true definition and origin. According to the magazine PLUS Model, plus size clothing refers to “sizes 12-24, super size as sizes 4X-6X and extended size as 7X and up.” It’s important to note, however, that not every manufacturer or retailer follows this sizing structure for plus size garments. More often than not, plus size is used to describe any garment that’s made in a larger-than-average size, be it 4X, 5X, 6X or higher.
You can often tell if a garment is plus size simply by reading the label/tag. Fashion designers and retailers will label their garments as plus size to help boost sales. Rather than having to rummage through a rack of average-sized garments, shoppers can focus their efforts on the plus size. This streamlines the shopping experience while boosting consumer satisfaction in the process. So the next time you go shopping for a pair of plus sized jeans (or any garment), look at the label or tag to determine if it falls under this category.
Benefits of Buying Plus Size Jeans
There are a countless number of reasons to buy plus size jeans. Assuming you have a larger-than-average waistline, you’ll need to carefully choose jeans to fit your body. Attempting to squeeze into a pair of jeans that are too small is a serious fashion mistake that will not only hurt your appearance, but they can be downright uncomfortable to wear. Plus size jeans, however, offer a comfortable and stylish solution that’s not going to pinch your waistline.
Big and Tall vs Plus Size
What’s the difference between plus size and big and tall? Well, there is no real difference. Both plus size and big and tall refer to garments made in an a larger-than-average size. The only distinguishable characteristic between the two lies in the gender. Plus size clothing refers to any larger-than-average garment, made for either men or women. Big and tall, on the other hand, typically refers to garments that are made specifically for men. Also, the term “big and tall” is used as a trademark by certain fashion designers and retailers in various countries (not the United States).
Things to Consider When Choosing Plus Size Jeans
- Leg opening — how wide (or narrow) is the leg opening? Like regular jeans, plus size jeans are available in several different styles, including straight leg, slim fit, low rise, skinny and many more. Some people prefer plus size jeans with a leg opening that flares as it goes down, whereas others prefer a slimmer and more narrow leg opening. If you can’t seem to choose between jeans with a narrow leg opening or a wide leg opening, I recommend picking up both for a side-by-side comparison.
- Color — think plus size jeans are only available in the standard light blue and dark blue/indigo colors? Think again. While light and dark blue are the two most popular colors for denim jeans (both standard sizes and plus sizes), there are dozens of others from which to choose. You’ll find plus size jeans available in a wide variety of colors, ranging from blue and black to red, yellow, green, and just about any other color that you can think of. So, don’t limit yourself to only choosing the traditional colors. If you’re looking for a stylish new pair of plus size jeans to add to your wardrobe, try venturing into one of the lesser-worn “bold” colors like red or yellow. It’s a fun way to differentiate yourself from the crowd.
- Brand — what brand are the plus size jeans? Opting for a name brand may cost you extra, but you can rest assured knowing that they will hold up under the stress of everyday use.
- Stretch or no stretch? — something else to consider when shopping for plus size jeans is whether to choose stretch or non-stretch denim. Stretch denim contains a combination of traditional denim along with an elastic material like polyester. The additional of polyester — even in small amounts — gives the fabric greater elasticity, allowing it to stretch more easily. Many men and women prefer stretch plus size jeans, simply because they are more comfortable to wear. Keep in mind, however, that stretch jeans are often more susceptible to heat damage, which is why it’s recommended that you dry them on a low or no heat setting.
- Custom fit or standard plus size? — just because a pair of plus size jeans appears to be in your size doesn’t necessarily mean that they will fit. A size 4X from one company may be smaller or large than a size 4X from a different company. Rather than crossing your fingers and hoping that the jeans fit, you should consider ordering a pair of custom-fitted jeans, such as those from MakeYourOwnJeans. Doing so will allow you to specify your exact measurements, ensuring the best possible fit for your body type.
The Bottom Line on Plus Size Jeans
Plus size jeans offer a comfortable and stylish solution for men and women with larger-than-average waistlines. The definition is used somewhat loosely, though it generally refers to any garment (including jeans) that’s made to accommodate men and/or women who are proportionally larger than the general population. Hopefully, this will give you a better understanding of plus size jeans and how to choose the perfect pair. Just refer back to the guide above when shopping for plus size jeans.
