If you’re like most people, you probably wear jeans on a regular basis. One study found that the average American woman owns seven pairs of jeans. Of course, men wear jeans just as frequently — if not more frequently — than women. Their classic style combined with a superior level of durability makes them an excellent all-around choice of pants.
Even if you wear denim jeans on a regular basis, though, there are probably some things you don’t know about this classic garment. Most jeans, for example, are designed with a “yoke.” Unless you’re familiar with the term, you might be wondering what a yoke is and why it’s included in jeans. In this post, we’re going to take a closer look at the yoke on denim jeans.
Overview of the Yoke
No, the yoke isn’t part of an egg (that’s the yolk). Rather, it’s a pattern of fabric found on the back of jeans that’s used to enhance the jeans’ appearance when worn. Not all jeans have yokes. Some are designed with a plain back. If you inspect the back of denim jeans the next time you go shopping, however, you’ll probably discover that most jeans have a yoke.
The yoke doesn’t offer any functional purposes; it’s used strictly for aesthetic purposes. When adding to a pair of jeans, it can complement the wearer’s body to create a more attractive look.
How to Find the Yoke
To find the yoke on a pair of denim jeans, flip the jeans over and look at the area directly below the waistband. Assuming the jeans have a yoke, you should see a pattern in a specific shape, with V-shaped yokes being the most common. The waistline itself will likely feature a horizontal pattern of fabric. A few inches below this horizontal pattern, though, is the yoke in a different pattern.
The Different Types of Yokes
Not all yokes feature the same design. Some are created in different patterns than others. While the pattern of a yoke may sound like a subtle detail, it can affect the appearance of the jeans. If you choose jeans with the wrong yoke, you may struggle to create an attractive outfit that complements your body type.
Some of the most common types of yokes found in denim jeans include the following:
- V-Shape: The most common type, the V-shape yoke lives up to its namesake by featuring a pattern in the shape of the letter V. It essentially dips down in the middle, thereby creating a V shape in the back of the jeans.
- Inverted V-Shape: The inverted V-shape yoke is the same as the V-shape yoke, with the only difference being that it’s flipped upside down. Rather than dipping down in the middle, for example, it goes up in the middle.
- Wide: Another common type of yoke used in denim jeans is the wide yoke. Technically, wide yokes are just as wide as all other yokes. The term “wide yoke” simply refers to a yoke that dips deeper in the middle than the standard V-shape yoke.
- Horizontal: As you may have guessed, the horizontal yoke is characterized by a straight, horizontal pattern that runs a few inches below the waistline.
Keep in mind that these are just a few of the most popular types of yokes. There are literally dozens of different yoke styles, each of which features a different shape or pattern.
Which Type of Yoke Should I Choose?
Now for the million-dollar question: Which type of yoke should you choose? It really depends on your body type as well as your personal style. Some people prefer the classic look of the V-shape yoke, whereas others prefer the wide yoke. Each type of yoke will affect the appearance of your jeans — as well your own personal appearance — when worn.
With that said, you should probably avoid wearing denim jeans with the horizontal yoke. The horizontal yoke tends to create the appearance of a larger, wider waistline, which is something that most people probably want to avoid. Unless you have a petite frame, avoid wearing jeans with the horizontal yoke and instead choose jeans with a different type of yoke.
When In Doubt, Choose a V-Shape Yoke
An all-around safe choice for the yoke is the V-shape. Assuming it’s a standard V-shape and not an inverted V-shape, it will make you appear slimmer and thinner. The good news is that most jeans already have a V-shape yoke, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding ap air.
Make Sure Your Denim Jeans Fit
Regardless of which yoke style you choose, it’s important to choose denim jeans that fit your body. If they are too big or too small, they won’t look right when worn. Oversized jeans look baggy, which is unflattering on most people. Undersized jeans, on the other hand, are tight and constricting. Not only are undersized jeans are uncomfortable to wear, but their constricting nature makes them look awkward as well.
You might get lucky by finding the perfect pair of fitted jeans at a local retail store or shopping mall, but this usually doesn’t happen. No two people have the same size or shape body, so you should consider ordering a pair of custom-fitted jeans instead. Here at MakeYourOwnJeans, you can order jeans in your specific body measurements, allowing you to get the perfect fit. Just provide us your body measurements, and we’ll use those measurements to customize the shape and size of your jeans.
In Conclusion
To recap, the yoke is a pattern of fabric found on the back of jeans. There are numerous types of yokes, with the most common being the V-shape, inverted V-shape, wide and horizontal. While all yokes consist of a pattern of fabric on the back of jeans, their pattern varies depending on the specific type. By choosing denim jeans with the right type of yoke, you’ll create a more attractive outfit that complements your body type.
